Writing things down is the most important first step of anything, ESPECIALLY, well, when writing. Any idea you have, write it down. If you are a creator in any capacity—content creator, story writer, composer, blogger, anything—WRITE IT DOWN immediately when you have the idea. Writing it down can be done in so many ways. Obviously, if you have a journal with you at all times, yes, use that. But also on your phone, there is typically a voice recording app. Say your idea into your phone and save it. Maybe you'll forget you did that, and what a surprise later when you find your idea! But also, saying it out loud also brings a reality to it which can spur its creation even more solidly. Alternatively, if you happen to be in a place where you can't talk out loud or feel silly doing so, text it to yourself. (Yes, you can do that.) I do this all the time and then it's just there later for me to expound on it.
Consider also using cloud-based note-taking apps like Evernote or Google Keep, which allow you to organize your ideas and access them from any device. If you're more visual, apps like Notion can help you create mood boards and mind maps to visualize your concepts. And don't underestimate the power of a simple sticky note; jot it down and stick it somewhere you’ll see often. The key is to capture the idea immediately, no matter how.
Now sometimes an idea isn't always a good one. So if it doesn't pan out to be a mastermind plan, let it be, but still keep it. Maybe later, that same idea will match more correctly with a different project in the future. Revisit your old notes periodically—you might be surprised at how a previously dismissed idea now seems brilliant in a new context.
Making this a habit, writing your ideas and thoughts down eventually becomes a FEEDBACK LOOP. Practicing anything gets you better at it, and if that thing you practice is HAVING IDEAS, well, that's a beautiful thing. As you continue, you’ll notice patterns in your creativity. You might find that you have more ideas in certain environments or times of the day. Use this knowledge to optimize your creative process.
As a composer, I do this ALL THE TIME. The voice recorder on my phone is a tool I use AT LEAST once a day. Once every month or so (or specifically when I'm trying to recall a specific music idea) I go through all of the ideas. I typically bring them to my computer and sift and sort them into different folders—"Fair," "Good Ideas," and "Work on These First." What's funny is there have been times years have gone by and I'll randomly sift through the "Fair" folder (which is basically the ideas I didn't like, but I don't name it "Bad Ideas" because anything creative isn't a bad idea), and I'll run into a little melody that I previously didn't like, but now fits with a new song I'm writing, or will spur a different thought.
For those who are more digitally inclined, using software like Ableton Live or Logic Pro can help you organize and revisit your musical ideas. Tag your recordings with keywords that describe the mood, tempo, or instruments involved. This makes it easier to find and repurpose them later. Also, consider sharing some of your "fair" ideas with trusted collaborators; what doesn’t work for you might inspire someone else, and vice versa.
That's the fun thing about ideas. Take a melody for example. You'll record it into your phone, via your voice, or your instrument, in my case, the piano. But there's more to that melody than just the notes and rhythm. There's also the "why?" or the feeling it might bring you back to, from now a new perspective. Ideas spawn ideas.
Similarly, don't underestimate the power of context. Sometimes an idea doesn't make sense on its own but becomes invaluable when paired with another. Create a system where you can link related ideas together. This cross-pollination of concepts can lead to breakthroughs that wouldn't happen if ideas were siloed.
Same with lyrics, I have hundreds of word files in my Google Drive, full of anywhere from half ideas to full-blown songs, just sitting there for a later time when I find the chord progression that fits it just right. Or likewise as before, I'll sift through lyrics and even though I wrote them, since time had elapsed, they mean something different to the now me, comparatively to the past me.
Also, one other little thing to think about is the importance of capturing those drifting or awakening ideas. Consider keeping a small notebook by your bed to jot down thoughts that strike just before sleep or right after you awake. Alternatively, there are apps designed specifically for this purpose, such as Dreamboard, Lucidly, and Sleep Cycle, which allow you to quickly record your ideas and dreams. When your mind is at rest, it allows you to "forget" the daily clutter that clouds creativity, often bringing clarity and fresh perspectives. These moments of stillness can be incredibly fruitful, providing pure, unfiltered ideas that might otherwise be lost. By writing them down immediately, you ensure that these valuable insights are preserved for later exploration.
If you are a creator of any facet, make sure to get into this habit. Before you know it, you have a library of your own stuff to use for whatever project you find yourself into.
Remember, the act of writing things down isn't just about preserving ideas—it's about making space for new ones. The more you practice capturing your thoughts, the more fluid your creative process will become. Over time, you'll build a rich repository of material that reflects your unique journey as a creator.
If writing and composing music interests you, join us for music theory and composition lessons with Drake Descant at Descant Music. We also offer lessons in Piano, Voice, and Guitar to help you achieve your musical goals. Visit www.descant-music.com to learn more and sign up today!
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