[amorphic]

The more people you talk to and experiences you expose yourself to the more ideas you will have.

I spoke at PyCon AU 2016 on "Controlling a 3D Printer with Python" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgvnPB_77z8). I wanted a 3D-printed prop and came up with an idea for The Pythonic Staff of Enlightenment - a staff with the Python logo on top. A friend designed it, I printed it and it was a big hit with the Pythonistas. A few asked "where can I buy one?".

A year later we're about to launch Enstaved (https://www.enstaved.com). It's a service that lets you design your own staff using a range of toppers and colors which we then print and post to you.

[amorphic]

You can also train your brain to be better at coming up with ideas. In his book Choose Yourself (my review here: https://jimter.net/book-review-james-altucher-choose-yoursel...) James Altucher talks about training your "Idea Muscle" by sitting down every day and writing down 10 ideas, no matter how stupid they seem. It sounds a little cheesy but over time it works.