what do you guys do when you are trying to create new material

Think of desired effect, then a method to achieve that effect.

Look at sirbrad's sticky in General Discussion.

And, maybe don't TRY to create, but let it come to you.

-JT

are you talking about routine material....or trick material?

You don't create tricks.

Tricks are created by a need not a want. Sure people want to create the next big trick to be on the front page of magic websites and in magic shops, but it simply doesnt usually happen. If you want to create something you look at something you want to do or think of something. Try to find as much material if any on the subject and try to create new, cleaner and more visual and direct methods. Or simply create something completely original that is just for you fits your personally and fits into your routines.

I think you may be contradicting yourself.

As for the original poster, one of the first ways that I started creating new tricks for myself is by taking a deck of cards, and writing sleights, objects, and types (levitation, vanish, etc) on each card. One idea per card (such as, one card would have the top palm written on it, the next card having the word pen, or something like that).

Not all of the cards worked together, but it helped start the creative juices.