“Don’t worry about other people, just be kind to yourself.”
— Daithi Baxter, Creative Director, Fabrik
If there’s one piece of creative thinking inspiration that keeps coming up in our B!G 5 Instagram interviews, it’s this: creativity should feel fun.
In our first four interviews, the message was clear. Since then, we’ve spoken to five more creative leaders — and the theme hasn’t changed. The biggest names in the creative industry all agree: relax, enjoy the process, and let ideas flow.
When we asked mentors how they describe creativity, their answers were overwhelmingly positive.
They spoke about:
None of that sounds stressful. Instead, it sounds energising. And yet, the results can be powerful.
So perhaps creativity isn’t about pressure. Instead, it’s about permission.
Interestingly, many mentors said they feel most creative when they stop trying so hard.
For example:
Gillian Horan, founder of The Pudding, feels most creative when she collaborates and bounces ideas off people who think differently.
Daithi Baxter says ideas often come when he’s making tea or scrolling through social media.
Others mentioned walking the dog, driving, or getting ready in the morning.
In other words, creative thinking inspiration often appears when you least expect it.
However, there’s a twist. Once we hear that we need to relax, we sometimes try too hard to relax! Therefore, awareness matters. Let ideas arrive naturally instead of forcing them.
Gillian also shared another powerful insight: creativity is fuelled by passion.
Sometimes that passion is joyful and exciting. At other times, it comes from frustration or anger. Either way, you can channel that energy into something constructive.
Similarly, Stephen Ledwidge, Design Director at RichardsDee, believes in entering a playful state. He encourages openness, strong research, and curiosity. According to Stephen, research strengthens creativity rather than limits it.
Finally, Amy McKeogh, founder of FIOR Studios, reminded us of something essential: you are completely unique.
Your experiences, personality, ideas, and mindset are unlike anyone else’s. Therefore, comparing yourself to others only blocks your potential.
Instead:
Creative thinking inspiration begins with self-belief.
Across all our B!G 5 interviews, one message stands out:
Have fun. Stay curious. Be kind to yourself. Creativity is not reserved for a chosen few. It belongs to anyone willing to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process. So go ahead — loosen up, trust yourself, and let it flow.And don’t miss the next dose of creative thinking inspiration — follow us on Instagram.
