Is creativity an innate quality … like a sense of humor or 20/20 vision? Or is it a skill that can be sharpened? For Austin Kleon and Jonah Lehrer, the authors of two recent books on the subject, anyone can enhance their innovative thinking … simply by mixing it up.

Everyone will find inspiration in a different way, such as trying a new hobby or taking a break from the cubicle walls. And then there’s the trick of imitating the work of artists you admire.

In “Steal like an Artist,” Austin Kleon argues that all creative types attempt to copy the work of their heroes. And in doing so, they find their own style. He isn’t advocating plagiarism, rather the “collection” of creative elements that can be combined into something new.

The book is full of funny and inspirational quotes, included to help readers think outside the box about … well, thinking outside the box. I like this one by illustrator Jessica Hische: “The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life.”

(However, I’d like to point out that there isn’t much money in trolling Piperlime for the perfect pair of black flip flops.)

Neuroscience writer Jonah Lehrer also explored the subject in a recent Wall Street Journal column and his new book, “Imagine: How Creativity Works.” To Lehrer, creativity is not the mystical, inherent power we often imagine it to be. It’s often the product of relaxing … whether with a hot shower, daydreaming or even a cold beer.

Lehrer points to studies that link relaxation and the brain’s ability to connect abstractedly related information. Anecdotes include the story of Steve Jobs orchestrating creative interaction among Pixar employees by insisting on a single, central location for the studios’ restrooms, as well as the breakthrough of Nike’s famed “Just Do It” slogan.

But Lehrer also concedes that creative problem solving is sometimes the result of grueling, caffeine-fueled work.

Or as Pablo Picasso put it, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.”

Costa DeVault staff writer Erin Heston is so devoted to creativity that she’s willing to borrow from the greats, shop online or even drink a cold beer … whatever it takes.

Subway’s “Jared” ad campaign

Advertising agencies are known for creativity and “big ideas.” But good ad agencies place just as much emphasis on listening and researching. Effective ad campaigns usually aren’t based on luck or productive brainstorming sessions — there’s a foundation of understanding the company that fosters creative cultivation.

In 1983, when advertising mogul David Ogilvy wrote the book Ogilvy on Advertising, he paid homage to the tedious studying involved before launching successful ad campaigns. He wrote:

“When I got the Rolls-Royce account, I spent three weeks reading about the car and came across a statement that ‘at sixty miles an hour, the loudest noise comes from the electric clock.’ This became the [print advertisement] headline.”

Later, Ogilvy landed the Mercedes account and sent a team to the company’s headquarters for three weeks to tape interviews with the engineers. That launched a campaign of in-depth, factual advertisements, which helped triple Mercedes sales in the U.S.

Along the same line, listening is equally important. In the book Made to Stick, authors Dan and Chip Heath point to the example of how a Subway franchise owner took notice of a loyal customer who ate Subway sandwiches every day and lost a lot of weight. The owner suggested that Subway’s Chicago ad agency look into the idea. Luckily, they listened because the suggestion was the foundation for the hugely successful Jared campaign.

These examples demonstrate that ideas aren’t always born within ad agencies’ walls. It takes rolling up your sleeves, customer and competitive research, and listening to everyone.

So although inspiration is a big part of the idea process, don’t overlook the perspiration involved. Advertising agencies like to hang their hats on creativity — not sweat — but don’t be fooled.