yeah in the begining inspiration comes quickly but then it goes away then it goes back . deviantArt is great site for inspiration, but as crazy as it sounds , since im still a student i look for inspiration in my science notebook, with all the sketches and doodles,in something i draw, in something that i read, or even i chop down my feelings. ex:i felt sad so i did this http://photoshopcontest.com/view-entry/138051/the-sad-times-updated.html#
and this one i drew something similar about a year ago and then chopped it http://photoshopcontest.com/view-entry/136252/disaster7-4051.html
and when im in a good, funny mood
http://photoshopcontest.com/view-entry/134194/-just-shut-up.html
well i think you get it, sometimes you just need to take a break,breathe some fresh air, and distract yourself,and always when you do a chop think about being different from the rest, turn down a cleanup idea and accept a more creative idea, ignoring how hard its seems, after all , thats how we get better

I wish you the best with the choppers block,
sincerely ,
rocky

"What inspires you?"

I have asked this to all kinds of people for many years, from business executives to bums on the streets... of course, it applies to motivation in general not just chopping or art, and the number one most popular answer was "people". The next most popular was sex and money.

If the outside does not inspire you, look within yourself, your feelings...are you angry with your spouse or happy because your very proud of something...use your emotions.

I personally am very picky about what and when I chop. I do it solely for fun and perhaps a little gratification through recognition. I sometimes use it as an outlet to vent frustrations and sometimes simply to learn how to make something look really really cool. In any case you can always try questioning the source. "What if _______." (fill in the blank)

i love the "what if" question

yeah, what he said!

I got your inspiration, right here.

"Personally for me it's these special mushrooms that grow in the cow pasture nearby. After one of them all kind of wild ideas pop up. The hard part is remembering any long enough to actually use it. Speaking of which the moo moos are a callin!"

But can I get on Nancers List. As a back up whipee! In case there is a shortage!

It's already been mentioned that I've had my share of writer's block. Somewhere around the forums I wrote that I found something that helps.

Are you ready for this?



It's a powerful secret.



Nations rise and fall based on secrets like the one I'm about to tell you.



Cults wish they could have as much effect on the brain that this technique does.




This technique is illegal in 47 countries and 4 of the 5 burrows of New York.





Knowledge of this technique will push to the upper levels of chopperdom.






Once you know this technique you are honor bound to keep this secret from all those who would use it for evil.




You're lucky that I'm not asking for your first-born child.



Think you can handle it? Fine. Here:

Reading fiction books. They'll get your imagination to simmering and you'll start seeing source photos in a whole new manner.

whoa, easy Nanc. I didnt say HOW I got it from you. Anyway, does this mean I have to be punished?

also,
Apple juice? WTF!! I said p o r n and it came up with that?

Wow! The creation of Christophe Huet is very fantastic!!! Thx D...

I'm loving the excellent responses to this thread. Thanks everybody for your suggestions. I'm starting to feel a bit more inspired now. I'll get a new chop up before the H2H starts. It's been a while and I need the practice.

I do not remember what inspiration means.

...

I think I lost mine.
But it doesn't matter, I still can beat ReinMan at Reunion Contest!

http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

another planning device for you, but this one is gratis.....totally free and Linux friendly.....

I tried using that software a while back. Had no idea what I was doing or how to use it to increase my productivity.

If anyone can explain the concepts behind mind mapping software like this (in terms that a simpleton like me can understand) I'd greatly appreciate it.