5 TED Talks for Creative Types: Get Inspired, Nerds!

It’s time to get inspired, nerds! Whether you’re a writer, an artist, a musician, a comedian, or a designer, you are both a thinker and a creator. Creativity doesn’t always flow easily, especially when you hit an obstacle that zaps the motivation out of you. Let’s fix that, shall we?

You’re seriously deprived if you haven’t watched any TED Talks, because these bite-sized speeches jump-start the creative process. I’ve gathered a few short videos that seem to speak directly to any nerd or geek out there. Take time out of your day and watch them! I promise you’ll feel better about life (and hopefully even get inspired enough to work on that big project you’ve put off for too long).

1. Amy Purdy: Living Beyond Limits

Your excuses are bullshit. Do you know why? Because this young woman was able to win 2 gold medals in snowboarding — despite losing both of her legs below the knee to spinal meningitis. She’s got a few words of wisdom for you in under 10 minutes, if you’re willing to listen.

Amy asks: “If your life were a book, and you were the author, how would you want your story to go?”

The choice is yours.

2. Janet Echelman: Taking Imagination Seriously

Sometimes the most innovative materials are right in front of our faces, but it takes a vivid imagination to understand how to use them. Learn from Janet Echelman, a once-struggling artist who now designs enormous sculptures made out of ever-changing materials like fishnets and lace. Her sculptures can be viewed all over the world, with more on the way.

3. Gary Vaynerchuk: Do What You Love (No Excuses!)

Are you stuck in a dead-end job you hate? Do you aspire to become what you’ve always wanted to be? Do you doubt your talents? STOP IT. Gary Vaynerchuk didn’t become one of the most successful young entrepreneurs by moping and procrastinating! In a particularly animated TED Talk, Gary urges viewers to replace complaining with hard work in order to get what they want from life.

Just watch it. Seriously. It’ll kick you in the ass!

4. Scott McCloud: Understanding Comics

I don’t have to tell you who Scott McCloud is, right? Any aspiring comic artist should read Understanding Comics, his comic book about comic books, to learn the ropes. Well, any aspiring artist should also watch his TED Talk and see him in action firsthand! Don’t worry, non-artists — there’s a shit ton of inspiration for the rest of us, too!

5. Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking

Wouldn’t it be great if artists were directly supported by fans to make a living? Alternative rocker Amanda Palmer thinks that’s the only model for the future. Find out what she learned during her years as a street performer, how she moved into the music scene, and how you can squeeze more out of your future just by implementing a simple concept: ASKING.

Never be afraid to ask.

Are you rejuvenated now? Good! Don’t let go of the feeling. Go do something that matters right now.

You can do it! Go!

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Image credit to Bohman on Flickr.