I have been thinking about CREATIVITY a lot lately. It’s probably because of the season: there’s something about autumn, with its crisp cold air and rich colors, that calls the artistic side of me out to play.

Creativity happens to be my favorite part of marketing. Whether you’re writing a press release or just brainstorming ways to build your business, creativity is a welcome marketing partner. In fact, creative marketing can help you break through the clutter of other marketing messages.

But what happens when you’ve been marketing for so long that you run out of creative marketing ideas? Or perhaps outside pressures like the economy take all the fun out of your creative marketing efforts?

Julia Cameron, creativity guru and author of The Artist’s Way, speaks of “refilling the well.” It means that to create anything—a painting or a business or a tuna casserole—we draw from an inner well. But if we keep taking things out and never replenish the source, we’re destined to run dry.

Fortunately, refilling the well is fun. It simply requires us to take a break and find some inspiration. You don’t have to look hard. Just take a walk, and notice what sights inspire you. Listen to a favorite CD. Try a new recipe for dinner this evening.

If you need specific ideas on refilling your well, check out a few of my favorite sources:

• 52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativityby Jeffrey Yamaguchi

• The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

• How To Be An Explorer Of The World by Keri Smith

Where do you find inspiration for creative marketing? How do you inject creativity in the day-to-day tasks of running a business? Let me know in the comments section below.