10 Ways To Find Creative Inspiration

So, are you feeling uninspired? Maybe burned out? Don't know what you want to create? Feeling a little paralysis by analysis (too many ideas = overwhelm?) You're not alone!

​I find myself sometimes wanting to make many different things at once, wanting to bring a multitude of ideas to reality right now, and therefore I feel too overwhelmed to make anything! Or there are other times when I am just not inspired, lacking the drive, wanting to just *be* and chill. Hands up if you can relate!! 

Well, I want to be one to tell you that IT'S OK. You're perfectly fine, take a breath, actually make that a few deep breaths, with eyes closed, and take a moment to relax your shoulders. It's all good.

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​It's common to feel like we need to constantly be making, producing, posting content, share more content and just keep that groove going! In our social media lovin' world, it's easy to feel like we need to be as "productive" as everyone out there seems to be. But here's the thing: 

When we scroll on social media, we're bombarded with so many different things - if we added up all the time it took for everyone you look at, to make all those things we double-tap or heart, it would astound us. So try not to compare. (Not a new sentiment, but always a good reminder.)

Don't hold yourself to unrealistic expectations. Perception hardly ever matches the reality my friend. 🙂 So...

1. Let yourself off the hook. Less if more. Give yourself time to recharge your batteries so that you can create something more meaningful to you, not a bagillion things that your heart/mind/soul aren't into because you feel you have to make it happen. Do what most inspires you.

2. Relax. Take a walk. A bath. Meditate. Basically, find some calm, quiet space for your mind to internalize that everything is truly ok, and to tap into what most inspires you, in this moment.

3. Trust your gut. In some place within you, that radiant space of your true self, you know what's most important to your heart. Focus on that. Trust yourself. You got this.

One thing that helped me to regain some internal creative space recently was literally creating some physical external space! In my last post (that DIY cropped sweater project), I mentioned watching some Marie Kondo on Netflix. Kondo is the master of creating more *joy* in the home and that is exactly what inspired me to pull out my easel and put some paint to canvas!

After going through my clothes with what brings me joy in mind, I had made enough space to dedicate my paints and pallets to a dresser surface! This felt AWESOME. It's amazing what cleaning out stuff can do for our inspiration and drive.

Here's a peek at my "first painting back at it". I wanted to create a painting that would give me that deep feeling of peace, warmth (it was still wintery when I started it), and embody that feeling that I experience when looking at a flock of birds flying at sunset... and a bit of that sense of adventure. Basically, a lovely summer evening.

Having the space and supplies always at the ready makes a world of difference not only in getting to work and cleaning up simply and quickly, but in creating a habit too! It's amazing how doing a thing every day, even just for 1/2 an hour, makes it a significant part of your life.  So, that brings me to number...

4. Make some space! Clear out some stuff, and renew the vibe of your home or studio so that you can fill it with new ideas and work... and if you can...

5. Make it easy for yourself. Dedicate a physical space to your creative endeavors if possible! It doesn't have to be huge. My easel is in the corner next to my bed, and the top of my small dresser hold my paints and brushes. 

6. And, make it a habit! Create a daily, non-negotiable routine that will ground your work and get it done realistically. (Preferably in the morning first thing).

*(Full disclosure, nobody is perfect. I do my best to hold myself accountable to my morning routine, but sometimes I slip up, have to get up early, or it's the weekend. Just get back on that habit horse and keep going.)

***Bonus Self-Hack Tip***
Create a playlist that matches the time frame that you have for your project or routine! I made a playlist that perfectly matches my morning routine to help me stay on time and on track with what I want to accomplish before the day gets too far gone!

(The Formula: 3 "wake up, make herbal tea" songs, 6 songs for yoga and journaling, have breakfast going by this song... painting to 1/2 hour of lovely classical etc.). Basically, audio triggers to help bypass my thinking mind (which can have umpteen pitfalls before my eye balls are even open!)

And finally, surround yourself with creative people! Going to a class, being around other artists or just chatting about something new you learned with a friend is a great way to feel inspired. Sharing with others is a huge part of our humanness and it's great to remember this and give it to ourselves and one another. I love to teach art and empower others with new creative skills and confidence, be it kids or adults! It's just something that makes me feel so so happy! (That's that radiance I'm always talking about!) So number...

7. Try going to a creative class or workshop! Maybe one that gets you talking to other people. You can always see what your local library has on their calendar. Or check your local yarn store, craft store, creative studio's or co-working spaces for more workshops!

8. Go visit a museum. A great way to get inspired is to learn about other artists and see their work. Don't compare, just feel and notice what you like, don't like, and what your eye is drawn to. Use it as inspiration! ("Good artists borrow, great artists steal." - Picasso) ... and then make it their own. 😉 

9. Hang out with some kiddo's and pull out the art supplies. The lack of boundaries or limits in their creative thinking is always an inspiration! I find it so freeing to see what they come up with and create! 

And finally, the all time favorite creative recharge go to: 

10. Get out out into nature! Go for a hike, find a friend or just go solo. Find some trees, a wildflower meadow, an intriguing desert, bold beautiful mountains, or sunny beachy area, or park or garden nearby, and just breath it in and let it all go.

You will find your groove, remember to ride the wave, and keep the habit going even when you're not feeling 100% inspired and on top of your game. No one can be 100% 100% of the time, and always having balance is a myth. Just keep rolling and try not to get sucked down because you need to recharge a bit. It's a good thing!

And you're human. And that's totally radiant. 

​- Erin