How long is a piece of string? How to answer a question which has no real answer?
There are no hard and fast rules for creating something from scratch. Sometimes it comes to you in a flash of inspiration, sometimes it’s a hard slog. The thing you need to develop over time is a way of getting yourself into an environment and a head space that helps you think and develop an idea.
Whether that’s in a quiet space listening to a playlist of ocean sounds or smack bang in the middle of a busy studio with the stereo on full volume, it is personal to you. Now, you may not always be able to get yourself into the ideal place to create but, with a bit of luck, you should be able to tailor your environment just enough to help you work some creative magic wherever you are.
It’s also good to remember is that if you’re struggling for inspiration, taking yourself out of your usual environment for a short time can really change your mindset and spark fresh ideas. Sometimes stepping away from the brief for just 10 minutes to make coffee for your thirsty colleagues, before returning to the task at hand, can be the break you need. Mine’s white with one sugar, if you were wondering.