How to Get Inspired When It Feels Like Your Creativity Switch Is Off
So much of creating quality work that you are proud of as an artist or designer relies on having good inspiration. I assume I’m not the only person who can’t just sit in a stark white, silent room and create amazing work. As someone who thinks creatively, I need visual, audio, and physical stimuli to help my process be more effective. The things that inspire me on a day to day basis are ever-changing. Sometimes it’s trial and error to find exactly what I need for a specific project. Everyone is inspired by different things, but this is my (somewhat) comprehensive list of things I do to get the creative juices flowing:
1. Look at other artist/designers’ work.
As a visual artist, it makes sense that visual inspiration is super effective. I use Pinterest, Google, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, and essentially any other social media/internet source that you can find artists’ work.
2. Listen to music – new and old.
A lot of times, listening to music I love can be a huge boost to my creativity, but what I’ve found recently is that listening to songs that are in the genres I like – but that I don’t know the words to – can sometimes be more effective. Sometimes I get carried away listening to the lyrics I know that I get distracted from my work, so not knowing the lyrics eliminates that issue. Most important of all is to experiment – listen to instrumental music, different genres – match the music to the mood of your piece!
3. Do something tactile that’s not what you’re already working on.
When I experience a creative block, it always helps for me to do things with my hands. Specifically, I like to cook. It’s another art form, but far enough removed from what I’d normally be doing (studio art or graphic design) that it can be relaxing and free up some mind space. If it’s not cooking, maybe it’s cleaning, or painting your nails, or organizing a drawer or a room. Distracting your mind can help you come up with your best ideas sometimes.
4. Go outside.
There are very few things a bit of fresh air can’t help fix. Plus, there’s so much natural beauty and inspiration outside if you just take the time to notice it. We’re constantly on high speed through our whole lives, and it helps to take a moment to slow down, and let what nature creates be your muse.
5. Take a nap.
As an artist and a designer, I fully understand the struggle of juggling multiple professional and personal projects at once, and feeling like you never quite get all the way rested. While it seems weird to say that sleeping is a source of inspiration – because most people can’t control their thoughts when they sleep – it’s one of my most important tools for keeping myself inspired, but indirectly. I always think best when my mind and body are rested, as I assume most people do. Taking a power nap, or just making sure you get a good night’s rest can help you to think thoughts your tired brain may never been able to.
That’s my short list. By no means are these my end-all-be-all methods of staying inspired, but they’re my tried and true. At the end of the day, if none of this works, just remember to take a step back, get your mind off what’s blocking you, and then push through however you can.