Einstein said creativity is “knowing how to hide your sources.” I’m going to disobey and openly share my sources. Because that’s an important part of creativity. Copying ideas, mixing them up and making them into something new.

I was planning to go on an ‘Inspiration Jaunt’ to London today. I decided to cancel after hearing the advice from Chris Witty. Instead, I read Projects 45-65 by Giles. I like his approach so I thought I’d do something similar and delve through my memories of 2021.

I like music. I listen to it all of the time. It soundtracks my day as I beaver away which is why this is one of my favourite blog posts each year. I enjoy being reminded of my listening habits during the last 12 months.

Marc Wilson's opus is 738 pages short. A book that deserves time. Time to dwell on the 350 photographs, read intently the 22 personal stories, pore over the captions and maps in an attempt to have a modicum of understanding of the horror.

“You are free to do whatever you want. You need only face the consequences.” A curious mix of ideas, exhibitions, sabotage, tips and maps.

How the world changed 20 years ago, how to think like an artist. The case against simplicity, the case for going somewhere different to reflect and renew.

On 3rd December 2021 I will be doing a Rooster Talk on creativity at the Glove Factory.

How to remember what you read, the eye-opening JR: Chronicles exhibition, an art gallery as a haven from the rush of the city, the benefits of an afternoon nap and how to have a ‘hot streak’ of creativity.

I like playing around with new platforms and features. To test them and see if any of my clients could use them in the future. So when we decided we needed a quick, one page website to kickstart BoA Business, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to try out Mailchimp websites.

What’s it like to work with one of your heroes? With someone who has inspired you? Someone who has influenced the way you see? This month I have found out…

This is a piece written for Bradford on Avon Town Council during lockdown, giving our local businesses help with improving their online shopping experience.

Joyful art from David Hockney, a very goodJoyful art from David Hockney, a very good idea from Andy Foster, ditching the Echo Chamber, be human and make networking easy, reusing buildings and don’t take boring photographs.

Steve Jobs said that new ideas are nothing more than a new combination of old elements. Our ability to see relationships between these old elements - to connect the dots - is what fuels creativity.

Kazuo Ishiguro writes about an Artificial Friend, a beautiful new gallery in Berlin, Sally M Fox shows her workings out, Text Sniper - a simple app that saves time, 40 years since Heaven Up Here and photos by Bas Loosekoot.

Some thoughts on why Twitter’s recent initiatives are a good thing.

Design is humanity’s best friend. Exhibitions I can’t wait to see. Wise words from Tim LeRoy, Kevin Kelly and Roald Dahl; wise thoughts from Seneca and Albert Camus. Time to ditch Gmail and time to visit Bristol Photo Festival.

Marketing tips for small business, bland corporate speak from Abrdn, John Cleese on creativity, Dave Trott on strategy, Giles Turnbull on monochrome and some new rosé from Dunleavy Vineyards.

Anyone can be creative. All you need is to allow ideas time to evolve. Walk away and let your unconscious take over. Give yourself time play, explore and be curious. Never, ever stop learning. And be patient.