Catch the Train of “Creative Momentum” Getting Ideas Doing Nothing!

Catch the Train of Creative Momentum

Hello Design Sketchers! It’s Chou-Tac,

Back in design school,
I had this daily ritual after class: a 25-minute subway ride home from Chatelet-les-Halles (Paris I) to Noisy-le-Grand. I’d grab a seat, balance my green art portfolio on my knees like a mini table, and dive straight into my homework research.

The class was barely over, but ideas would already be fusing in my head. I had to drop them on paper fast, or I knew I’d lose them by the time I got home! Oh lala, I hate that feeling when I forgot an idea just because I was too lazy to take note of it. It happened to you too, right? : )

Don’t wait to be back home when your creative mood has already cooled down.
I believe that the secret of creative momentum is catching that rush of ideas when your energy and excitement are at their peak.

But… Where did my Motivation Come From?

While some people saw homework as “work” (in French, work is “travailler,” which literally comes from a roman instrument of torture called Tripalium!), I saw my homework as a game! For me, it was pure creative play.

Drawing my ideas in the subway felt just like when you’re a kid, playing with a couple of toys and inventing stories out of thin air. Homework wasn’t a chore-it was my playground for stories and imagination. That playful mindset made all the difference and kept my creative energy high.

Shape Your Perception: Embrace Your Identity as a Creator

What truly matters isn’t the task itself, but the way you choose to see it.
It all comes down to perception of who you are. You have the power to shape your perceptions. (And do not let others define you)

I remember a moment when my classmate Amber took the train with me, looked at me taking out my art tools from my bag and said, “You never stop drawing!”
Her comment caught me off guard. For me, sketching wasn’t some wild obsession. It just felt natural.
If you’re thirsty, you reach for water. When ideas spark in my mind, I simply need to put them on paper. It’s that straightforward.

TIP: See your pen as an extension of your arm!

Even if I was a student, I saw myself as a Creator. Because I believed it, I started to act like one.
The way I perceived myself shaped everything I did.

“You can choose what to believe about yourself, and these beliefs will determine the actions you take." 
- Tony Robins

Get Excited to Show your Work!

Honestly, one of my best moments at design school was when I’d come back to class and share my discoveries. I loved telling my drawing stories to my classmates and teachers! It wasn’t just about drawing stuff, it was about bringing them into my world, sharing the excitement behind each idea, and seeing their reactions.

There was a great dynamic of exchange.
The classroom was like a big “Creative Bomb” with plenty of minds in ebullition! lol

Presenting my work became a way to connect, inspire, and even entertain, a bit like storytelling with a sketchbook in hand. Oh!! Maybe from start, that is why I started the Design Sketchbook blog? To connect with creative minds like you. : )

By the way, it reminds me my student Parker Liang who told me how he impressed his classmates becoming among the top sketcher of his class! Love that! No jealousy among camarades, but admiration and support.

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As Designers, Keep That Peter Pan Mindset!

As a designer, you’ve got to keep and nurture that kid mindset, just like Peter Pan.
When you look at the world with childlike eyes, even the smallest things can surprise you and spark an instant laugh. That’s the magic! A funny shape, a silly color combination, or a quirky moment on the street-suddenly, you’re smiling and your mind is buzzing with ideas.

Some people may tell you that you smile too much. So?
They don’t know how able you are to entertain your mind from your own creativity, and see the world differently.
Example: A bottle opener is on the table. They see a bottle opener. Ok.
But you? Your brain already sees all kinds of scenarios on how to improve it! And that a satisfying feeling when you figure out some solutions.

Don’t become a boring adult who take everything as granted. Don’t get that grey face all day like the “Michelin guide” from the movie Ratatouille, Pixar. He doesn’t know how to appreciate anything new anymore.

I truly believe that people who nurture their creativity and keep this playful spirit are more peaceful and happier. When you let yourself be amazed by little things, life feels lighter and positive.

Research shows that creativity isn’t just good for your work-it actually boosts your happiness and well-being. Engaging in creative activities can put you in a better mood, help you manage stress, and make you more resilient and optimistic. It’s like your own superpower for a joyful life!

And honestly, the day I have kids, I’m sure I’ll love telling them stories with my doodles, just like I did with my classmates. Sharing that sense of wonder and laughter is a gift, both for you and for those around you.

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Your Creative Best Friend Isn’t Excitement. It’s Boredom!

Defend Your Brain Space-Protect Your Most Fertile Soil

As creatives, our mind is our most precious resource.
It’s the fertile soil where ideas germinate, grow, and blossom. But in today’s world, our brain space is constantly under attack from endless notifications, TikTok scrolls, and algorithm-driven distractions.

The endless scroll on TikTok isn’t a refuge-it’s a prison for your mind.

Phones and social media are designed to keep you hooked, feeding you a constant stream of content until you’re numb. Psychologist even call that: The Hook Model. The more you scroll, the less likely you are to experience that magical flow state-where you’re totally absorbed in your art and time just disappears.

So next time you feel bored, don’t run to your phone for a quick fix.
Embrace that boredom!

It’s the fertile ground where your best ideas are born, like the ones you get under a shower!

My recommendation?
Defend yourself. Protect your brain space fiercely.
Use social media with parcimony-set limits, take breaks, and be intentional about what you consume.
We call it a Media Diet.

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Got a Toxic Best Friend?

Does this happen to you:
I can’t count how many times I’ve tried to do some focused research on YouTube Shorts, only to have the platform suddenly ask, “Do you want to remain in this topic?”

Of course I do!

But it feels like YouTube is trying to divert my attention away from my original purpose, tempting me with funny or random videos until I forget why I came there in the first place.

It’s like having a friend that keep asking you to go out drink, play darts, go play bowling while you still got plenty of projects to do. You go, 1 time, 2 times, 3 times… but your to do list keep piling. You lost your peace of mind, and traded your creativity for stress.

When you need to focus, don’t be afraid to spend time alone-it can spark your creativity. Studying by yourself in your room doesn’t have to feel lonely. Even if you’re not an introvert, learning to enjoy your own company is important.

Note: Your friend who keep ask you to hang out is no toxic. He loves to hang out with you.
Explain to him how much your need to dedicate your time to your passion to grow.
A great friend will support you when you’ll say ‘No’ to hang out.
If you couldn’t resist to go out, remember it is all on you. Know this, and you can restart fresh.

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Magical Flow State that Boost your Creative Process

Those little moments of boredom are often the doorway to the flow state.
The flow state is that magical place where you’re so absorbed in your creative activity that nothing else matters-time flies, distractions disappear, and you’re fully present with your art. It’s not about work, obligation, or deadlines; it’s about being in sync with your creativity and feeling pure joy in the process.

You will feel unstoppable!

That’s when your best ideas emerge and your creative process becomes effortless and deeply rewarding. Flow state is where creative breakthroughs happen, and it’s one of the greatest joys of being a designer or artist.

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How to Get Bored on Purpose and Create New Ideas!

I don’t believe anyone could become a great artist or designer without experiencing that Flow-State.
To boost your creativity and let your ideas germinate, sometimes you have to get bored on purpose.
Here are a few ways I love to treat myself to a little creative boredom:

• Take a bath without your phone. Skip the quick shower. Sink into the tub, let your mind wander, and see what ideas float to the surface. No ideas? It’s ok too. No pressure. Remember you went in to relax.
• Try a different commute. I did that yesterday. I took a Grab bike (equivalent of Uber with motorbike) instead of a car where I mostly take my phone out to watch “whatever things”. Watch the world go by sitting behind the motorbike driver. No phone, just you, (+ the driver) and the city.
• Go to the park and lay down on the grass. Look at the sky, the trees, people passing by. Let your thoughts drift like clouds. When was your last time you were in contact with nature and touch a tree.
  My dad used to tell me with a mix of words in French and Chinese (Teochew dialect to be exact): “Go out from room, go see some green”, in other words Grass. We, as human are made to rest our eyes looking at nature – not computers or video games.
• Photography reflex. Grab your camera and go capture anything that catches your eye-products, shop windows, people’s expressions, what they wear, cool cars. (I once started collecting photos of every Mini car I spotted when I lived in Germany! My friend Camille started to even help me spot them so I could capture them.)
• Walk in the city center and scroll with your eyes. Instead of scrolling on your phone, let your eyes jump from one detail to another: street signs, shoes, architecture, shadows, colors. Pay attention to the small things you usually miss. Like what Jean-Claude Vandamme says: Be Aware.

And here’s a tip I’ve heard from some creative people: plan a Disconnected Day every month-or even every week. No phone at all. Just you, your thoughts, and the world around you. It’s like a mini-retreat for your brain, and you might be amazed at how many ideas start to bubble up when you give yourself that space.

Unplug on purpose. And sometimes, the best ideas will come when you’re just “doing nothing”. And that’s your invitation to enter the flow state.

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My Final Thoughts:

So next time you’re commuting, waiting in line, or just chilling-don’t rush to fill the silence. Let yourself get a little bored. Watch what happens. You might be surprised by what your brain comes up with.

In French, “Saisi cet élan créatif avant qu’il ne t’échappe!”.
Take advantage of your creative momentum. Don’t let it slip away!

And above all, keep that childlike spirit alive in your creative process.
Your inner Peter Pan is your best creative ally. If you embrace boredom, art creation won’t feel lonely anymore. You’ll lift your head up from your phone to the sky and suddenly see the Train of Creative momentum coming. And you’ll catch it!

“Trust Yourself.”
Chou-Tac

PS: How do you keep your kid mindset alive?
What’s your favorite way to spark new ideas, enter the flow state, and find creative inspiration?
Share your tips in the comments!