Look at my base hand's thumb and index finger! This is such a fun little

Look at my base hand's thumb and index finger! This is such a fun little motion, and I already have a few ideas on how to expand this into something much, much larger :D . Now for some discussion on creativity: When I first started creating, it seemed impossible to create something original and interesting. So I laid out some ground rules for what I wanted to create. These were some simple ideas covering things like mechanics, aesthetics, and other personal preferences. These channeled my creativity by giving me direction and boundaries, which then fostered more creativity and problem solving. But over time, I learned to break these rules and use the knowledge I'd gained within these rules to further evolve and push my style outside where I'd started. . For example, an early rule was to avoid Sybil openers because I had no clue how to avoid creating something that had already been done, but once I gained knowledge on what I *could* do and what others were doing, I was able to create Collapsybil. . Throughout my time as a cardist, I've found that giving myself creative rules, time to create within those rules, then the freedom to break out of those rules with newfound knowledge to be the most successful framework for all my creative methods. With this in mind, I've lately been trying to combine my own style with many of the more basic, often combo-y movements I've avoided in the past. This idea for example starts with a very simple, classic charlier and near-pincho packet movement, then closes with a very interesting oblique motion of the kind I think needs to be explored more. I'm trying to do this more often lately: taking more classic ideas then transforming them with movements more of my own to see what new things I come up with, and it's been very successful! . My point to all this is: if you haven't tried creating within rules/boundaries yet, give it a go! See how you fare with the creative problem solving that comes from self-imposed rules and challenges, then start breaking those molds. It is extremely satisfying, and one of the best ways I've found for rejuvenating stagnant creativity.