Issue 25, looking up It’s Paige here with this week’s newsletter. I wanted to talk about the cosmos — not as a guide to your future (though I’m all for that), but as the ultimate creative playground. Astrology is one of the earliest ways humans made sense of
Issue 24, better when shared Hey. This week, I’m thinking about what happens when we create together — especially as Thanksgiving rolls around. There’s something special about collaboration. Whether it’s cooking, storytelling, or just coming together to play a game... these moments remind us that creativity doesn’t
Issue 23, unlikely matches This week, we’re diving into a theme that’s close to the heart of creativity: juxtaposition. The clash of opposites, unexpected connections, even the humor in two things that shouldn’t quite fit—there’s something deeply creative about it all. Think of it this
Issue 22, finding poetry in the everyday Mike here, and this week, I want to talk about everyday poetry. And if you’re thinking, I don’t know, poetry’s never been my thing, hear me out. Poetry is just a fancy word for looking at things in a way
Issue 21, fake news Journalism isn't always what it seems these days, is it? From clickbait headlines to completely fabricated stories, unscrupulous journalism is everywhere, blurring the line between fact and fiction. But here’s an interesting thought: creativity actually plays a huge role in both the good
Issue 20, sonder and strangers You know that feeling when you’re sitting in cafe, staring at a stranger and wondering what their story is? There's a word for that: sonder. It's the mind-blowing realization that we’re all main characters in our own lives. And
Issue 18, on gratitude Turns out, gratitude isn’t just about improving your mood. Yes – it gives your brain a boost of those feel-good chemicals – but it’s also a pretty sneaky way to level up your creativity. When you’re tuned into what makes you happy, even the weirdest
Issue 17, dialects and slang Language is where creativity meets culture. Dialects and slang show us how words can be colorful expressions of the places and people they come from. They break the rules and reshape language, making it more vibrant and alive. Today, we’re diving into how language,
Issue 16, personal playlists You know that feeling when a song comes on and sends you back in time — to your first concert, your school days, or even just a random Tuesday that's stuck with you for some reason? Music has a way of soundtracking our lives, through
Issue 15, on time In a world obsessed with productivity hacks and squeezing every last drop of efficiency out of every day, sometimes the best thing you can do is... get creative. Why not spend 5 minutes doing something just for the fun of it? Let go of the idea
Issue 13, a celebration of color Ever looked at paint names in your local hardware store – like Dead Salmon or Careless Whisper – and wondered 'who comes up with these?!'. This exact thought inspired one of our challenges — but more than that, it got us thinking about how color
Issue 13, collective creativity Creativity loves company. Think about it—some of the best things in life are better shared. Like splitting a dessert at your favorite restaurant or inside jokes with old friends. It's the same with creating... sharing the experience can turn a good idea into
Issue 12, untranslatable words Isn’t it fascinating how humans have taken sounds and shapes and turned them into language—our most powerful tool for connection? Language is a testament to human creativity. Yet, even with thousands of languages, some ideas are so unique, they struggle to capture the full
Issue 11, humor: a life hack Ever have one of those days where it feels like the universe is playing tricks on you? You stub your toe, spill your coffee, and miss your train—all before 9am. In moments when all you want to do is cry, sometimes the only
Issue 10, beginner's mind Imagine tackling every task like it’s your very first time—no expectations, no preconceptions, just pure curiosity. This week, we're exploring the concept of 'beginner's mind'. Whether you’re an artist looking to break through a creative
Issue 9, connection and collaboration On this day in 1966, John Lennon declared The Beatles were more popular than Jesus. Whether you agree or not, it’s undeniable that music has the power to shape cultures and bring people together. Today, we're celebrating the theme of connection and
Issue 8, on slowing down This week, we're taking it slow... literally. In a world that's always rushing, sometimes the most radical act is to slow down. With slowness, comes spaciousness. And it's in that space exciting ideas can emerge. We're inviting
Issue 7, book covers This week, we're diving into the world of book covers. The cover of a book is the first impression it makes, setting the tone and hinting at the story within. The art of designing a book cover is a profound exercise in creativity and
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 11 minutes. Supervillain backstory0:00/709.5118751× 0:00 - 0:22 intro 0:22 - 1:00 superhero backstory 1:00 - 5:00 flow: create your superhero.
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 12 minutes. Secret life of things0:00/732.0032921× 0:00 - 1:20 intro 1:20 - 1:50 set up: looking around for a muse 1:50
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 13 minutes. Amateur astrologer0:00/796.6041251× 0:00 - 0:55 intro 0:55 - 1:20 start signs 1:20 - 3:20 flow: list 12 random
Issue 6, parallel perspectives This week, we're diving into the theme of parallel universes. By exploring different perspectives and dimensions, we can expand our creativity and transform our understanding of the world around us. Sometimes, seeing things from another angle can open up entirely new ways of thinking
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 12 minutes. R.A.T0:00/729.3126671× 0:00 - 2:00 a puzzling warm up 2:00 - 3:00 flow: solve the RATs. Find the connecting
Issue 5, the essence of home This week, we're considering the concept of home. Home is more than just a physical space. It’s a canvas for personal expression and creativity, influencing how we live and think. In this issue, we look at how artists, designers, and philosophers
Issue 4, the art of taste This week, we’re exploring the art of taste. Taste is more than just a physical sensation. It's a profound experience that connects us to memories, emotions, and cultural practices. It's an opportunity for creativity—whether you're preparing
Issue 3, creative genius This week, we’re unlocking the secrets of creative genius. What makes someone a creative genius? Is it a gift bestowed upon a select few, or something that can be cultivated in each of us? Let's explore the nature of creative genius together, examining
Issue 2, finding flow Achieving a state of flow can significantly enhance your cognitive performance, boost your creativity, and bring more joy and fulfillment into your daily life. But what is flow? And how do you access it? These pieces will help you understand the essence of flow and provide
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 17 minutes. Drawing faces0:00/1003.1543331× 0:00 - 1:00 why we think with our hands 1:00 - 2:00 flow: draw sixteen boxes with a
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 14 minutes. Exhaustive non-fiction0:00/835.2392081× 0:00 - 0:45 an introduction 0:45 - 3:00 today's challenge and examples 3:00 - 13:
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 17 minutes. Naming paints0:00/1027.321× 0:00 - 1:50 playful paints 1:50 - 4:50 flow: cast around for colours. Select 4-5 colours from the
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 10 minutes. Chindogu0:00/620.041× 0:00 - 2:15 introduction to the useless 2:15 - 3:30 setting the scene 3:30 - 9:30 flow:
Before you begin, grab a piece of paper and a pen. Or whatever tools you choose to noodle with. Get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 15 minutes. Hit play and we'll guide you through your practice. In today's pursuit of
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 13 minutes. Life soundtrack0:00/786.2073751× 0:00 - 1:40 introduction and playlist part #1: favourite songs 1:40 - 4:40 flow: pull together your favourite
Grab some pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 11 minutes. This is your time. Food truck0:00/679.4187921× 0:00 - 2:10 an introduction to the food truck challenge 2:10 - 6:10 flow:
Issue 1, Your creative brain Welcome to Altered. Each week, we'll bring you thought-provoking articles, insightful shares, and practical advice curated to help you think differently and unlock the benefits of creative practice. Whether you're seeking new perspectives, innovative solutions, or just a spark of inspiration,
Grab a pen and paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 13 minutes. Reflecting in Haiku0:00/799.5820831× 0:00 - 0:45 an introduction 0:45 - 1:45 haiku structure and examples 1:45 - 2:45
As always, grab a pen and some paper before you start and get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 15 minutes. Character misplacement0:00/875.4416671× 0:00 - 0:25 an introduction 0:25 - 1:40 juxtaposition and brainstorming characters 1:40 -
For today's practice, grab a pen and some paper. Get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 10 minutes. This is your time. Today, you're going to create some portmanteaus. Hit play to start the guided practice. Portmanteaus0:00/620.0163331× 0:
As always, it's helpful to have a piece of paper and a pen before you start. Get ready to put the outside world on pause for the next 11 minutes. This is your time. Hit play and we'll guide you through your practice. Today, you'
