February 29th, 2008
Need a creative spark? Find a new and cool place to work.
I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to generate a creative spark is to find a creative a cool environment to work.
I’ve been working intermittently out of the lobby of the W Hotel in San Francisco for the last couple of days. As fans of the W chain will know, they use interior design, materials, audio/visual (and even scent) to craft a provocative experience for their guests. The W known for being hip and attracting the same with their clientele (myself excluded!)
The lobby at the San Francisco W is a little loud and there is constant action and people milling about—basically there’s a lot of distractions. Nonetheless, I’ve been able to get a large amount of work done, both in quantity and quality. I’m finding that the environment is inspiring and clearly conducive to getting work done.
When you get busy and under pressure there’s a normal inclination to hole up in your office, seek quiet, and hole up with the familiar. The last couple of days have shown me that contrary just may be just as true. Working somewhere new and cool may be just what you need to get you out of your creative funk.
Unfortunately I’ll have to wait until August of 2009 for the W Hotel Boston to open…


