Instead of asking "what should I make?" start by choosing the emotion you want people to feel. This reverse approach makes creative decisions easier.
Most people start creating by asking one question: what should I make? But I like to flip that question on its head. Instead of thinking about the idea first, I start with the feeling I want people to have.
I call this the reverse inspiration method. Instead of beginning with a concept, a script, or a visual idea, you start with the emotion. You ask yourself: how do I want someone to feel when they watch this? Once you know the feeling, everything else becomes easier to design. Sometimes, right?
The emotion becomes the guide for your creative decisions. Because we all know emotions and we all know how to get there.
Before thinking about the visuals or the story, choose one clear emotion. For example, is it calm? Is it nostalgia? Is it curiosity? Is it excitement? Is it tension? Is it comfort? Happy, sad?
Try to keep it simple. One emotion is enough. Just pick one.
Now, start asking yourself: what elements help create that emotion?
For example, if you want calm, maybe you use slow movements or soft light or quiet sounds, like very chill sounds. Or if you want excitement, maybe you use quick cuts, right? Or strong music, dramatic and dynamic camera movement.
The emotion becomes your guide for creative decisions. Because we all know emotions and we all know how to get there.
Now start thinking about what kind of visuals could communicate that emotion. Look at things like lighting, color, camera movement, environment sounds, whatever you have around you. What can you make?
Instead of forcing a story, you are building an atmosphere that naturally creates the feeling.
This exercise is beautiful because from the emotion, I usually know how to get somewhere. I tried this out a lot, so I want you to try it out. Let me know how it goes and I cannot wait to see what you make. Good luck.
