Why Every Creator Needs a ‘Bad Ideas’ Folder

creativity ideas business

Okay, confession time: I’ve had some terrible ideas. Like, I once thought about designing a line of neon pink cat hoodies for humans…because, well, cats. Did the world need them? Definitely not. Did I waste three days sketching hoodie designs anyway? Absolutely.

But here’s the thing: bad ideas aren’t useless. They’re seeds. Sure, some won’t sprout, but others? They might turn into something incredible down the line. And that’s why every creator—whether you’re an artist, writer, designer, or all-around dreamer—needs a “bad ideas” folder. Think of it as your personal junk drawer for creativity, where nothing is off-limits and every messy, half-baked thought has a home.


1. The Case for Saving Your ‘Bad’ Ideas

When you’re stuck in a creative rut, it’s easy to feel like every idea you have is garbage. But here’s the secret: even the so-called “bad” ones have value.

  • They Build Momentum: Creativity is like a muscle—if you keep exercising it, even with “bad reps,” it gets stronger.
  • They Can Morph Into Something Great: That cringe-worthy hoodie sketch? It actually inspired a poster design months later.
  • They’re a Snapshot of Your Brain: Your ideas—good, bad, or weird—are a reflection of your unique perspective. Save them, and you’re essentially creating a map of your creative growth.

2. What Belongs in a ‘Bad Ideas’ Folder?

Short answer: everything. But if you’re wondering where to start, here’s what you might include:

  • Sketches, Doodles, and Drafts: That half-finished drawing you abandoned? Toss it in.
  • Random Brainstorms: Ever jotted down a wild idea at 2 a.m. and thought, “Why did I write this?” Keep it.
  • Rejected Concepts: Just because a client or collaborator said no doesn’t mean the idea is worthless.
  • Over-the-Top Ideas: Sometimes, the things that feel too much at first glance are the most fun to revisit.

3. Where to Keep Your ‘Bad Ideas’ Folder

Your folder can be physical, digital, or a mix of both—whatever works for you.

  • Digital Options: Use tools like Notion, Google Drive, or even a basic notes app to keep track of your ideas.
  • Physical Options: If you’re more tactile, dedicate a sketchbook or a binder to your ideas. Sticky notes and scrap paper? Perfect.
  • Hybrid Systems: I personally keep a mix of messy sketches on my iPad and handwritten notes stuffed in a drawer.

4. Revisiting Your ‘Bad Ideas’ Folder

The magic of a “bad ideas” folder isn’t just in saving things—it’s in going back and mining them for inspiration.

  • Set a Reminder to Review It: Every few months, flip through your folder. You’ll be surprised at how many ideas spark something new.
  • Combine Old Ideas With New Skills: Sometimes an idea didn’t work before because you weren’t ready to execute it. Now you might be.
  • Look for Themes: Do certain concepts or aesthetics keep popping up? Maybe they’re worth exploring further.

5. The Line Between ‘Bad’ and ‘Brilliant’ Is Thin

Some of the most iconic creations started as ideas that seemed ridiculous at first. Need proof?

  • Post-it Notes: Originally meant to be a super-strong adhesive, they were deemed a failure until someone realized they were perfect for temporary notes.
  • Netflix: A DVD mail rental service? People thought it was laughable—until it wasn’t.
  • Any Viral Meme or Trend: Let’s be honest, half the internet’s best moments probably started with someone saying, “This is so dumb, but…”

6. How to Embrace Your ‘Bad Ideas’ Without Judgment

Saving “bad” ideas is only helpful if you stop being so hard on yourself. Creativity thrives on experimentation, and experimentation means you’re going to have duds. Lots of duds. And that’s okay.

  • Ditch the Inner Critic: Every creative process is messy. Don’t let perfectionism block your flow.
  • Let Ideas Be Playful: Not every idea has to have a purpose. Sometimes, the act of creating is enough.
  • Celebrate the Weird Stuff: The weirder your idea, the more potential it has to stand out.

7. My Favorite ‘Bad Ideas’ That Paid Off

I’ll let you in on a secret: some of my favorite projects started in my “bad ideas” folder.

  • The Time I Tried Abstract Art: It was awful. But months later, I revisited the shapes and ended up creating a logo design that a client loved.
  • A Botched Blog Post Concept: What started as a rambling, chaotic draft about digital tools turned into one of my most popular posts after a major rewrite.
  • A Terrible Slogan Idea: It was so cheesy I almost deleted it—but it became the tagline for a successful ad campaign.

Wrap-Up: There Are No Bad Ideas, Only Untapped Ones

Your “bad ideas” folder isn’t a graveyard for failures. It’s a playground, a sketchbook, a time capsule. It’s where your creativity gets to stretch, stumble, and surprise you. And who knows? That random, off-the-wall thought you’re about to throw away could be the foundation of your next masterpiece.

So, go ahead. Save the “bad” stuff. Revisit it. And let it remind you that creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up and trying, no matter what.

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