We all have those days (or weeks, or months) when we feel like our creativity has gone MIA.
Maybe you're feeling uninspired by your current project, or maybe you just can't seem to get the ideas flowing no matter how hard you try. Whatever the reason, we've all been there. So what can you do to get your creative juices flowing again?
It's important to remember though that nobody is creative 100% of the time. It's normal that sometimes you’ll feel uninspired. But these are not words of comfort when facing a looming deadline. Nor when you are reckoning with a pang of self-doubt over your identity as an artist.
And at the back of your mind, you're wondering, 'should I not be able to inspire creativity myself, simply muster up my own inspiration like other artists seem to do?' The truth is you're may just trying to feel inspired to start creating in a way that actually makes you feel uninspired.
And actually, its a myth that artists are inspired all the time, give yourself a break from your own work from time to time, its ok for creative people to have fun without being constantly productive.
Small things you can do to inspire creativity
Creativity is such a fickle thing; it comes along in fits and bursts when you least expect it and goes away when you need it most, often only appearing when doing obscure or mindless tasks.
Creativity is often about creating connections between things too.
Rarely does it show up when feeling stressed?
A few ideas on how to put yourself in that frame of mind.
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Go to a bookstore and browse the dullest section you can find and try to find the most exciting book; how has such a dull subject been made more fascinating?
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People watch, take note of their outfits, and imagine what inspired their choices.
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Go to a clothing store and pick out items you would absolutely never wear, either lack of confidence or it's just not your taste. Try them on.
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Try a coloring book; these things grown-up versions come in every possible available pattern.
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Watch a movie you loved as a kid and haven't seen in years. How do you feel watching that movie now, do you identify with a different character more now you have a few life-years behind you?
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Take a backseat and help a friend with their creative projects. When the pressure is off to not be the primary innovator, the ideas may come rushing in.
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Be a tourist in your hometown, and explore like you're a person visiting for the first time.
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Ask deep questions, and try to find out what makes as many people tick as you can.
Finding inspiration as a creative person: the struggle is real
It's no secret that the Internet has changed the way we find inspiration. In the past, if you were feeling stuck creatively, you might have gone for a walk or thumbed through a magazine for some visual stimulation. But these days, all you need to do is open your web browser, and you'll have instant access to a never-ending supply of ideas. So why is it that so many creatives feel like they're struggling to find inspiration?
One reason may be that we're simply overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content that's available to us. Instead of being able to focus on one thing and let our minds wander, we jump from article to article, scrolling through social media feeds and clicking on links that promise to take us to the "most inspiring" content. But this constant stimulation can actually leave us feeling exhausted and uninspired.
Another reason may be that we've become too reliant on technology for inspiration. While it's great to have instant access to a wealth of information, sometimes the best ideas come when we're not actively looking for them. Sometimes the best ideas come when we're in the shower or taking a walk or doing something completely unrelated to our work. If we're always searching for inspiration online, we may be missing out on those eureka moments.
So what can we do to find more creative inspiration? First, try taking a break from the Internet - go for a walk, read a book, or do something that doesn't involve staring at a screen. Second, make time for daydreaming and allow yourself time to think about things that have nothing to do with your work. By Taking some time away from technology and giving our minds some space to wander, we just might find the inspiration we've been searching for all along.
Don't forget the basics can get the creative juices flowing
Looking to find creative inspiration then don't discount these basics to kickstart the creative process.
1. Take a walk to inspire creativity
There's something about being in nature that has a way of sparking creativity. Maybe it's the fresh air, or maybe it's the change of scenery. Either way, getting out of the house (or office) and going for a walk to explore nature is a great way to jumpstart your creativity. And if you're really struggling, bring along a notebook and jot down any ideas if inspiration strikes. I for one am a big fan of nature walks and writing outdoors.
Try to listen to music too if that helps, many artist find inspiration and get more ideas with music listening.
2. Experiment with different mediums
As an artist don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment with new mediums. If you typically write articles, try painting or photography. Or if you typically work with clay, try sculpting with paper mache or wood. Trying new things can not only lead to some pretty amazing results, but it can also help refresh your creative perspective.
1. Use non-traditional materials:
If you normally work with paints, try using pen and ink or charcoal to help bring new creative ideas to the surface. If you're used to working with clay, find creative inspiration with new ideas and materialstry using wood or metal. Experimenting with different materials will force you to think outside the box and approach your art in new ways.
2. Incorporate found objects:
Rather than buying all of your supplies from the store, try incorporating found objects into your artwork. This could mean anything from using leaves and sticks in a collage to using old jewelry in a sculpture. Found objects can add an element of interest and surprise to your artwork.
3. Think outside the canvas:
A canvas is not the only surface you can paint or draw on - try experimenting with different surfaces like paper, cardboard, wood, or fabric. You could even try painting on an unconventional object like a piece of furniture or an appliance.
4. Use multiple mediums:
Rather than sticking to one medium, try combining several mediums in one piece of artwork. For example, you could paint on top of a photograph or incorporate mixed media into a collage. Using multiple mediums can add depth and dimension to your artwork.
Instead of visual art you could write instead, put on some music, and try creating with words. Write a story, write a list, the possibilities are endless once a creative person uses their imagination.
5. Take it outside:
If you normally work in a studio or indoors, try finding a creative spark by taking your artwork outside. This could mean painting open air or practicing photography in an open space. Working outside the confines of a studio can help you feel more connected to your surroundings and inspire new ideas.
3. Take a break to find creative inspiration
Sometimes the best way to find inspiration is to simply take a break from whatever it is you're working on. Step away from your project for an hour, a day, or even a week think of it as a creative journey. This will give you some much-needed time to clear your head and come back with fresh eyes. And who knows? You may even find that the break was all you needed to come up with that game-changing idea.
Break free from the creative rut
If you're in a creative rut or suffering creative blocks the best thing to do is anything. Some kind of jolt from the ordinary can work wonders.
When it comes to being creative, there are no right or wrong answers—it's all about what works for you. So if you're feeling uninspired, try one (or all!) of these three methods for finding creative inspiration, and see what happens!
