Trying to remember a specific quote about fear of success, and my google-fu is failing. [more inside]
posted by frwagon on Nov 28, 2009 - 5 answers

I recently purchased a Nikon D5000 DSLR, and while I'd like to think that I have a bit of a photographer's eye, I really haven't used anything beyond a point-and-shoot for the last few years. Any advice or resources that people have (beyond reading the manual) to improve my skills would be awesome. [more inside]
posted by Political Funny Man on Nov 2, 2009 - 14 answers

With NaNoWriMo looming ever nearer, I would like to hear your best tips, tricks, habits, and techniques for staying chained to the keyboard. [more inside]
posted by BitterOldPunk on Oct 22, 2009 - 26 answers

I'm trying to track down a documentary I saw online years ago. Details are sketchy, but I remember either 8x8 or 16x16 pixel art animation - enlarged. I think they talked about Edison electrocuting an elephant, and many design and art related topics. Two people were narrating and I believe they worked for some kind of design firm. What is the name of, and for bonus points where can I find a copy of that film online?
posted by jeffmilner on Oct 22, 2009 - 6 answers

I've recently begun work on a children's book. It is inspired by my granddaughter. I was wondering if anyone had any information on how to get a children's book published? Suggested Publishers? Also, any other information pertaining to this process, would be appreciated. ***I realize that children's books are a dime a dozen...but mine just might be spectacular ;)***
posted by gypseefire on Oct 17, 2009 - 4 answers

What web-app should I build on the domain "vimbro.com"? [more inside]
posted by farmersckn on Oct 8, 2009 - 13 answers

Hey artists and creative types! How do you get back at it when you've been out of the studio for a long time? [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on Oct 6, 2009 - 14 answers

I just got a Lomo Fisheye 2 for my birthday! I am super excitemented. Hive, hit me with your bestest Lomo / fisheye tips and tricks! [more inside]
posted by t0astie on Aug 23, 2009 - 5 answers

Most-Inspiring Writers, Thinkers, Poems, Websites, People? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian on Aug 20, 2009 - 23 answers

I can only write well when I'm inspired, and even then it's only at blog-post length. Any time I set out do something larger, my brain shuts down. [more inside]
posted by pauldonato on May 6, 2009 - 43 answers

Holiday / Vacation Inspiration Needed ! A last minute opportunity for an Asian getaway has popped up ! I will be in Hong Kong, my travel destination will be ?????? >>>>> ???? [more inside]
posted by doogyrev on Apr 8, 2009 - 4 answers

I'm trying to expand my reference library. What are your favorite inspiring books (the kinds with photos/artwork in them?) [more inside]
posted by actionpact on Apr 1, 2009 - 20 answers

I'm in a web design rut. Please recommend innovative non-web (magazine and book) layouts to help me get inspired! [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice on Mar 28, 2009 - 4 answers

I'm looking for books featuring (first hand) the creative processes, influences, daily routines and preparatory works of creative people - visual artists, film makers, novelists, poets etc. [more inside]
posted by fire&wings on Mar 25, 2009 - 11 answers

I need some recommendations for music to unleash the creative writer within. I get my best writing (indeed, my best work of any sort) done when I put on massive headphones and close out the rest of the world. That said, silence makes me sad, so I need a soundtrack to drive the creative process. [more inside]
posted by roundrock on Feb 26, 2009 - 24 answers

I'm looking for very sad and slightly spooky-sounding instrumental music. Nothing cheesy, though. What should I get? [more inside]
posted by katillathehun on Jan 29, 2009 - 52 answers

Where do you go for page layout (for print materials) inspiration? Websites, books, anything? Extra difficulty - education material for children P-12 written by professionals.
posted by b33j on Jan 15, 2009 - 3 answers

How do inspirational/motivational/informational speakers get started? [more inside]
posted by explosion on Dec 9, 2008 - 5 answers

UnexpectedGapYearFilter: I've dropped out of my biochemistry course to go home and deal with my crippling depression. I've managed the going home bit... now what? [more inside]
posted by teraspawn on Dec 3, 2008 - 23 answers

I am looking for videos online showing people's reactions to Obama's victory last Tuesday, especially those showing people weeping from joy, inspiration, or generally being overwhelmed by emotion. [more inside]
posted by Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson on Nov 9, 2008 - 5 answers

Help me identify famous people who were respected for putting up a good fight but still lost the (figurative) war. [more inside]
posted by metahawk on Oct 27, 2008 - 36 answers

What are some films that celebrate life, liberty and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas on Sep 20, 2008 - 51 answers

Looking for some inspiration about overcoming shame. [more inside]
posted by MiggySawdust on Aug 30, 2008 - 11 answers

My dad recently read The Shack and really liked it. Can you recommend other books with a spiritual leaning (not necessarily Christian) that he might also like? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby on Aug 25, 2008 - 9 answers

I'm trying to cultivate a certain kind of beauty in life - something exemplified by the likes of Dumbo feather, pass it on and Keri Smith's blog. Where else can I find such beauty? [more inside]
posted by divabat on Aug 12, 2008 - 4 answers

What are some songs about being disappointed, discouraged, but fighting back and continuing in the face of great difficulty, especially internal struggle. Can be anything from Shostakovitch to Tito Puente - but bonus points for anything heavy rock-ish like punk/metal/hardcore or anything with distortion and power vocals, or just any type of song that's energizing.
posted by parallax7d on Aug 5, 2008 - 75 answers

How do you keep track of your project ideas? How do you get yourself to follow through on them? [more inside]
posted by rivenwanderer on Jul 18, 2008 - 14 answers

Can you recommend a summer program, August - Sept, for a bright 15 year old girl living in Queens, NYC? My niece is very smart, loves dance and theater and wants to excel academically. She's starting to make choices that aren't ideal, and (unrelated) do somewhat poorly in Math. I would love to find a program in Queens, or NYC for the month of August that can help her with school, inspire her and encourage her in the right direction. Help?!
posted by quiverandquill on Jul 18, 2008 - 1 answer

Movie recommendations in which the main character gives up his/her own success or place in society to pursue an unpopular social cause or to help unpopular person or people. Bonus points for movies based on actual events. [more inside]
posted by strangeleftydoublethink on Jun 23, 2008 - 37 answers

I am looking for music which would be good for school prizegiving for children between 4 and 12 years old and their parents. We are in Britain so anything in the charts from here would be even better. [more inside]
posted by kg on Jun 7, 2008 - 1 answer

I'm looking for ways to inspire my spouse to ask me out. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 2, 2008 - 18 answers

Have you ever known someone with so much artistic potential, who does nothing with it? [more inside]
posted by self on May 25, 2008 - 52 answers

What are some powerful examples throughout history of public figures or concepts that have successfully united disparate people?
posted by deern the headlice on May 23, 2008 - 24 answers

I really like looking at pictures of beautiful/clever/interesting products. What are some frequently updated blogs that feature good pictures of really cool stuff? I'm talking about pictures of clothing, gadgets, prints, handmade goods, kitchen implements...pictures of almost anything tangible, and the featured items don't have to be for sale. [more inside]
posted by Alison on May 8, 2008 - 33 answers

I'm in a rut. I need information graphic inspiration. [more inside]
posted by punkfloyd on May 5, 2008 - 6 answers

I have a large image collection that I use for illustration reference. Are there any programs (I have a mac, but could get access to a PC if there's something cool) that can play with large collections of images in unexpected ways? [more inside]
posted by apetpsychic on Apr 8, 2008 - 6 answers

Asking for a friend: I'm looking for a short story/anecdote/or whatever that encapsulates the teacher/student relationship. A sentence, short story, poem, song or novel where the point is that education doesn't end at graduation and that teachers - in their infinite adult wisdom - will always have something to learn from their students.
posted by Elmore on Mar 17, 2008 - 12 answers

I'm looking for really terrible creative works made by well-regarded artists. For example, Picasso's secret crappy drawings, or John Coltrane playing out of tune. I welcome examples from all creative pursuits from all eras: literature, music, art, dance, theatre, film, architecture, graphic design, etc. [more inside]
posted by desjardins on Mar 4, 2008 - 41 answers

I need to recultivate my artsy hobbies, most specifically my writing and drawing. The problem is that I can't seem to initiate anything - I have no new ideas, nothing to work on. I'd also like to grow as a writer, but I'm my own worst critic and stop before I start (fear of failure and whatnot) - I'd like to hone my skills but I'm petrified of, well, sucking. [more inside]
posted by Eudaimonia on Feb 27, 2008 - 22 answers

Advice or sources for dealing with inspirational overload? [more inside]
posted by farishta on Feb 26, 2008 - 8 answers

We live in a small town with vibrant arts and music scene. How do we get locals who are passionate about their particular scenes (fine art/punk rock/hiking/environmental activism/whatever) to blog about them on a regular basis? [more inside]
posted by stokast on Feb 20, 2008 - 10 answers

Personal journal-keeping - something I've wanted to be consistent with, but haven't. So, what works for you journalers to keep you journaling or at least keep coming back to journaling? [more inside]
posted by lucyleaf on Feb 4, 2008 - 26 answers

Inspire me, punk-rock style. [more inside]
posted by 2or3whiskeysodas on Dec 7, 2007 - 19 answers

For my public-speaking workshop I've been told to memorize and recite 1 - 2 minutes of text that inspires me, from a story, speech, monologue or performance. All I can think of is silly love poems and scenes from Taxi Driver. Help! [more inside]
posted by KathyK on Nov 28, 2007 - 32 answers

I watched "Pumping Iron" again a couple of months ago. I was surprised at how inspiring some the training scenes still were to watch. (Yes, I'm aware it was a docu-drama, not a documentary.) Any recommendations of other good dvds that might be a source of training inspiration? [more inside]
posted by Tbola on Oct 3, 2007 - 8 answers

I’m searching for any good quotes on people suffering with mental disorders, or inspiring ones to help people with mental disorders get over them.
posted by hadjiboy on Jul 29, 2007 - 15 answers

For CompSci Researchers: Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from? [more inside]
posted by gadha on May 21, 2007 - 10 answers

When it comes to blogging, has it all been done? [more inside]
posted by susiepie on Mar 24, 2007 - 11 answers

Help reinvigorate my idealism with books. I am looking for literary inspiration to rise above my emotional rut. The best way to describe my situation: I am bored with my safe yuppie life. [more inside]
posted by kaizen on Feb 27, 2007 - 38 answers

After reading this answer, I have decided to follow its advice to improve my written english. However I feel that I have nothing to write. [more inside]
posted by Memo on Feb 18, 2007 - 12 answers