Unlikely Inspiration

Inspiration doesn’t always arrive with a flash of brilliance. Sometimes, it hides in the ordinary, the overlooked, or the downright unexpected.

This week, we’re inviting you to seek creativity where you least expect it. A mundane object, a simple phrase, or a familiar setting, these everyday elements hold untapped potential. All it takes is a little curiosity to uncover their magic.

Let’s step out of our comfort zones and let the unexpected guide our creativity.

The Challenge Prompt

This week’s challenge is all about embracing the unexpected:

1. Find unlikely inspiration—pick an object, phrase, or setting that wouldn’t typically spark creativity for you.

2. Let it guide your next creation—use this inspiration as the foundation for your work.

Whether it’s a coffee cup, a grocery store trip, or a toothbrush, push yourself to reimagine the familiar. Let the challenge take your creativity somewhere new and exciting.

Creative Examples to Inspire You

Here are some ideas to jumpstart your exploration:

Visual Artists

Pick a mundane object—like a chair, a keychain, or a streetlight—and create an imaginative interpretation. How can you transform the ordinary into something extraordinary?

Writers

Write a story or poem inspired by an everyday moment. It could be a conversation overheard at the store, the contents of a forgotten drawer, or a scene from your morning commute.

Designers

Experiment with an unconventional color palette, texture, or typography style you wouldn’t usually explore. How does it change the mood or impact of your design?

Musicians

Turn everyday sounds into music—incorporate the hum of an appliance, the rhythm of footsteps, or snippets of overheard dialogue into your piece.

Optional: Share Your Unlikely Inspiration

Take a moment to reflect:

• What was your unexpected spark of inspiration?

• How did it shape the way you approached your work?

• Did stepping out of your comfort zone help you discover something new about your process?

Sharing your inspiration and reflection can make your work even more relatable and engaging.

Closing Encouragement

Creativity thrives in the unknown, and this week is your chance to lean into it. Finding inspiration in unlikely places helps us grow as creatives, it challenges our habits, reshapes our perspective, and opens the door to innovation.

Take this challenge as an invitation to pause, observe, and let curiosity lead the way. There’s beauty waiting to be uncovered in the most unexpected places.

We can’t wait to see what inspires you! Share your creations with the Simplex Minds community by tagging us and using the hashtag #SimplexChallenge.

Ready to dive in? Find something unexpected and let it spark your next piece. Step out of your comfort zone and explore the magic of unlikely inspiration this week.