Like most people, there are days when inspiration simply doesn’t want to play ball and the inevitable creative block hits me. So how do I stay inspired?
Over the years I have found different ways of staying inspired and taken note of the things that can land me in a creative rut. So if you’ve found those creative juices aren’t flowing when they need to and you’re seeking out inspiration, here are my top 7 ways to get it back and stay inspired.
SOCIAL SWITCHUP
Update who you follow on instagram. Whose content isn’t inspiring you anymore? Viewing their content multiple times a day is likely to have an impact on your motivation and mental health. If the content you are choosing to view is no longer bringing you joy, unfollow or mute that account. It’s not personal, but it could have a dramatic effect on how inspired you feel.
I found I was consuming a lot of influencer based fashion and beauty content, making me spend a lot of money but not inspiring me to be creative. I’ve changed that up and unfollowed a huge number of accounts and replaced them with other creatives and accounts that create beautiful mood board style feeds. I’ve also recently set a time limit on my phone to remind me when I am spending too much time on particular social media apps knowing they impact my creativity and state of flow.
WALK
Some of my best ideas come from my walks, in fact it was a dog walk that affirmed my plans for my book, All Black Everything so never underestimate the power of a bit of fresh air. Not only is it good for the mind but it’s the perfect chance to get my body moving. I find that I spend a lot of time sitting down in front of a screen when I’m illustrating so going outside and unplugging from technology is a great way to fit some exercise into my day and give those creative juices a chance to flow without being interrupted by an email or notification.
NEW PLACES
Another excuse to leave that desk and maybe grab a coffee on the way. I love to look for inspiration in new places. Head to a book shop and browse the shelves. Visit a new coffee shop that displays local art. Go for a walk in nature in a place you haven’t been to, fresh air always helps clear the fog and I find inspiration comes through more clearly
PLAY
All work and no play can dry up those creative juices.
As a commercial illustrator so much of my time is spent on projects it’s easy to lose the play and experimental part of being creative. Finding time to draw something that no one else will see if the perfect chance to experiment with new techniques, try out new tools and play.
PODCASTS
Find a new podcast to listen to. I’ve always found podcasts incredibly inspiring. Nothing motivates me quite like listening to other peoples stories of how they pursued their dreams. I find it contagious. I also love to learn through podcasts and find them a great tool for growth.
I’ve recently listened to The Creative Boom Podcast, Diary of a CEO and Roxie Nafousi with Jay Shetty.
WRITE
Write it down. Whether it’s a fleeting idea, a task list or a journal entry, taking your thoughts and putting them on paper can have a powerful effect.
COLLECT
I find myself hoarding inspiration. When I’m scrolling through Pinterest and something catches my eye I will save it. Even if it doesn’t reflect what I am currently working on, if it captures my creative attention I’ll file it away and on those days when I am lacking inspiration I will often open that folder or Pinterest board and have a scroll through. I also like to look back at previous projects and mood boards, they’re a great reminder of what I have and can achieve and always give me a boost to stick with it.
