Creative Stimulus - HIROMIX, making a copyplace book and Too Many Ghosts
3 creative inspirations worth your time this week
2026 is the year to get inspired! Creative Stimulus helps you to consume with purpose. Instead of doomscrolling as a way to procrastinate, be selective about what you give your creative bandwidth to.
Here are three things that inspired me this week.
“We seldom realize, for example, that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but which were given to us by our society.” - Alan Watts
1. How a Teenager Changed Photography
If you have seen any of my posts about photography, you will know that I take great inspiration from Japanese photographers. Hiromi Toshikawa, better known as Hiromix, is a Japanese photographer and artist. Her photography is so raw and natural that it feels relatable to anyone who has tried their hand at photography.
She was only a teenager when she became a famous photographer. Her honest view of her world resonated with millions.
2. How to make a copyplace book
I’ve spoken about how important a pocket notebook is to my creative process. It’s an indispensable creative tool that has changed the way I create. The best part about a commonplace notebook is that it doesn’t have to be anything special. You can easily make one yourself at almost zero cost. But the impact it will have on your creative work will be priceless.
This video shows how to easily and affordably make a pocket notebook. In this particular case, it is used as a way to collect textures for design and other creative work. I love finding and using unique textures in my creative work, especially my zines. If you don’t have a pocket notebook yet, this might be the best way to get your hands on one within the next 5 minutes.
3. Too Many Ghosts - Sky Valley Mistress
It wouldn’t be a good Creative Stimulus if I didn’t share some of the music I have been listening to while working on creative projects. Over the last week, I have discovered Sky Valley Mistress. This UK duo is dripping with desert rock swagger. Big riffs that give me a feeling of freedom. This song makes me want to take a long drive while listening to great music, specifically to get my creative juices flowing.
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What has inspired you this week? Please share it with me in the comments.