Finding Inspiration in the Everyday
- Katrina Rumsey
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Feeling stuck? Ten tips for loosening the jam in your creative process.
Feeling uninspired to create? That's perfectly normal, albeit frustrating. The good news is that you don't have to wait for something to magically pop into mind, you don't have to go on a life-changing trip (Eat, Pray, Love comes to mind!), and you don't have to fret, because some of the best inspiration can come from everyday life.
Below, you'll find 10 ways to re-inspire your creative process and stop your endless Pinterest scrolling.
Just start.
Pablo Picasso famously stated, "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." I've found that just putting something down on the canvas always helps me feel less intimidated to start a project. It really doesn't matter what starting looks like to you. Scribble on your paper. Throw a bit of paint on your canvas. Knead your clay. Twist some wire. Just. Start.
Flip it on its head.
Find a new perspective to view things from. That can mean literally looking at things upside down, sideways, or from below. Use a funky mirror, a fish-eye lens, a telescope, magnifying glass, kaleidoscope, etc. to warp your usual view. Crawl around on the floor, stand on your head (if you can!), or just look up. A new perspective could also be seen through learning about a situation you may not be looking at regularly. Set a timer for 10 minutes and research a random topic of choice, then create something based on what you've learned.
Look really really BIG or small.
Take a regular object and simplify its overall shape, just focusing on the big picture. Or zoom wayyyyy in and learn about textures, details, and colors. This may feel a bit like Art 101 again, but the basics are always great to revisit.
Dig out old supplies, or get a new one!
Dust off those crayons, markers, or old paints -- they're itching to be used! Or look around for a new material to try. Whether its brand new or just renewed, switching up your normal can lend itself to fun discoveries.
Combine your materials or colors in a new way.
In high school, my Advanced Art class required me to use at least three types of media in sketchbook assignments. If it weren't for that, I don't know whether I would have tried mixed media artwork, but now it's one of my favorite ways to create! If you still have no idea what to grab, write each option on a slip of paper and draw three or four from a hat.
Take a look at your media usage.
Alright, maybe it is the phone... With so many ways to watch, listen, read, and learn, it can be easy to hit information overload or to simply get too distracted to create. Take a step back and assess how you're actually feeling after consuming, and whether what you're viewing aligns with the types of art you want to create. What you're putting into your mind will be what comes out in your work.
Draw from experience.
Everybody has a story to tell. Think back to some of your most formative memories and associated emotions. Did you have a funny story from a night out? Or maybe an interesting job? What did your childhood look like? Use color, shape, and line to reflect your thoughts. You don't have to make something realistic or even coherent to another person. Your art can be just for you.
Dream it up...
Literally and figuratively! Use your artwork as a dream diary, especially if you experience vivid dreams. Think about your life goals, bucket list items, and most outlandish wishes. Both options can lead you to learning more about what makes you tick, and could lead to a more clear idea of a pathway to take.
Make the mundane exceptional.
What's going on in your day to day? Norman Rockwell's paintings are a phenomenal example of painting regular everyday life. Creating based upon how you spend your time can add more depth to your pieces. You could try changing colors, adding more or less texture, or emphasizing certain parts of a setting you regularly find yourself in.
Go outside or get your body moving.
This one is my favorite. Fresh air and endorphins can clear out the cobwebs in your mind and take your mind off of stressors, endless to-do lists, and excess noise. Take your sketchbook on a walk or do some plein air painting. Snap photos every time you see something on your walk that brings you joy or captures your attention, and add those images to an album to reflect on when you need references. Can't get outside? Put on some music and dance around for a bit. Stretch out, work out, or get out.
I've been there, you've been there (or are currently there), and that's okay. Creative blocks won't last forever, especially if you loosen things up a bit first. Good luck and enjoy the process!
Got a tip that worked for you? Let us know in the comments!
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