6 Tips For Finding Creative Inspiration as an Artist
Finding inspiration as an artist is a journey.
Ever had those moments when your creative well feels a bit dry? We've all been there.
My biggest tip for you isn’t to go out of your way looking for inspiration. You don’t need to travel halfway across the world. You don’t even need to make a trip to your local art museum (although those are very good options for finding beauty).
The best thing you can do is learn how to find inspiration in everyday life.
Take in your surroundings. Inspiration doesn’t need to be some magical unicorn you’re chasing. Beauty is all around you, even in the mundane.
Here are my six tips for finding inspiration as an artist.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
I have over 20,000 photos in my iCloud. That might sound like a lot to you or it might not. But I can tell you, my iCloud storage is constantly telling me it’s full and I need to upgrade to more storage space and that’s all from photos.
My camera roll is full of inspiration photos. Florals at the supermarket, artwork at museums, inspiration from walks around our neighborhood, you name it.
Make an album of inspiration photos on your phone. Take it a step further and revisit your childhood art, or reflect on past projects. You might be surprised at how revisiting the past can trigger fresh ideas.
2. Embrace Nature's Beauty
Nature has been inspiring artists for centuries, and for good reason. Take a walk in the park, hike a trail, or simply sit in your backyard. Finding inspiration in nature is one of the easiest ways to feel excited to create.
Observe the colors, shapes, and patterns around you. Nature has a way of sparking creativity like no other.
My toddler jumped out of bed a few mornings ago and yelled “I hear birds singing, Mommy!” It’s so refreshing being around my toddler watching the way he observes the world. Acorns, pinecones, and mushrooms always get screams of excitement in our home. Exploring nature the way he does has helped me find inspiration in new ways.
3. Make a trip to the Art Supply Store
Walking down the aisles of your local art store could be the help you need when you’re stuck in a creative rut.
The other day I needed to pick up some watercolor paper for my custom wedding portraits. I walked down the aisle with all the canvases, just for fun, and immediately wanted to buy some to take home for a new collection of paintings. I didn’t have free hands at the time because I had a baby with me, but I hopped online when I got home to order some.
Some new materials might inspire you too. Maybe a couple of new, creamy oil pastels or a new type of cold-pressed watercolor paper.
It doesn’t need to be much to give you that spark. Change up your routine and try new activities, or visit places you've never been before.
4. Keep an Idea Journal
Oh my, I cannot recommend keeping an idea journal enough, especially when you need help finding inspiration in the present moment. Sometimes inspiration comes to us at inopportune times, so keeping a journal of your ideas will keep the inspiration alive.
Plus, idea journals are an art form in themselves. The process of creative one can even spark your inspiration.
Here’s how you can easily create the perfect idea journal:
Do yourself a favor and purchase a scrapbooking kit from Amazon that comes with washi tape and a few types of paper
Print small photos from your camera roll.
Grab some markers and make small sketches of your environment
Take verbal notes of your visual surroundings. What about it inspires you?
Gather materials, like ribbon scraps, or pieces of paper that have pretty fonts and tape or glue them into your journal
Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. Keep a journal handy to jot down ideas, sketches, or snippets of conversation that spark your interest. You can frequently flip through these pages to find inspiration when you feel like you’re in a rut.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Some of my best creativity comes when I’m in the shower or just about to fall asleep. My mind starts settling when I can reflect and have some phone-free, kid-free quiet time.
I remember reading a story in college about a man who was practicing mindfulness. He described the experience of mindfully eating an orange. First, looking at its bright color. Then, peeling into the orange. Smelling the sweet aroma, and taking a bite and really mindfully tasting its tanginess.
This mindfulness practice has stuck with me and I’ve found it helpful when looking for inspiration for art.
Take a step back, breathe, and be present in the moment. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help clear your mind of clutter and allow inspiration to flow naturally.
6. Don't Fear the Blank Canvas
Lastly, know that every artist faces moments of creative block. Creative block isn‘t something to get frustrated about. It’s part of the journey of discovering who you are as an artist. So when you’re stuck, remember that every artist has trouble finding inspiration now and then!
Don't be too hard on yourself. Embrace those moments as part of the artistic journey.
Sometimes, it's in the quiet and seemingly empty spaces that the best ideas brew.
You’ve Got This
So, fellow artist, whether you love finding inspiration in the rustling leaves of a forest, the vibrant strokes of a masterpiece, or the quiet solitude of your studio, know that your creative muse is always nearby. It's just waiting for the right moment to reveal itself. Keep exploring, keep creating, and keep being uniquely you. Happy creating!
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