Do NOT use a typical flint aka 'BIC' lighter, in fact, I'd say it's better to use a torch lighter. But if not torch, at the very least a 'clicky' type. Or if you must use a flint lighter get some hemp wick and use that to heat the ceramic element. With a bit of practise you'll get the technique down pat in no time.
I guess that flint(dust) is some sort of very not healthy substance. Which speeds up the process of plugging up the ceramic element. There was a time where I emailed the makers of the GVG to see if they could sell me one of those ceramic elements and they do if you can prove you own a GVG but best just to not plug it up in the first place.
Also if you have a 'typical' non torch lighter (the yellow flame kind) I would not be sucking that flame into the ceramic element too much, they produce soot that will plug up the ceramic with time, reducing the airflow eventually to nothing. I used the hemp wick for a long long time, people said it was okay and in my experience it seems to be true. Just be careful, the hemp wick does produce ash and I was always extra careful not to get that in the ceramic part.
I was curious on this one thing though, I had a torch lighter that you had to hold the button in order for it to keep the flame going... but it got ruined. My current lighter has a slide on/off switch that requires a tiny bit of dexterity to turn off. Is this a bad idea with spice...? I figure there should be enough time to click the switch to the off position before takeoff but ... I consider myself to be still a spice noob, have yet to break through still. Is there anyone that would be strongly averse to such a lighter?