How to Stay Inspired As an Artist

Co-authored by Lucy V. Hay and Amber Crain

Last Updated: January 2, 2022 References

Artists thrive on inspiration in order to create, so feeling uninspired can be a real blow to your productivity, motivation, and sense of self.^{[1]
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Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Expert Interview. 16 July 2019.} If you're looking for ways to stay inspired, you've come to the right place! We've compiled a handy list of tips for you that can help. We'll start by discussing specific ways you can tap into inspiration when your creative juices stop flowing. Then, we'll move into more logistical stuff like how your workspace and environment affect your creativity.

1

Collect images that inspire you.

Look through your collection whenever you need a boost of creativity. Try using Pinterest to collect images, especially when you’re about to start a new project, because it will inspire you and help you flesh out ideas. Follow artists you admire on Instagram and take screenshots of their work so you can revisit them later. Keep a folder on your desktop or phone for your collection so you can add to it and refer back to it whenever you need it.^{[2]
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- For example, if you're about to start a new series of drawings based on mythology, you might collect images of various deities in ancient art, illustrations from history books, examples of drawing styles you want to use, and color palette ideas.

2

Play around with your materials.

Give yourself permission to play without pressure or judgment. Grab your favorite art materials, clear your mind, and mess around! Don’t put any pressure on yourself to create anything particular—explore any ideas that come to you and see what comes out when you don’t restrict yourself.^{[3]
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- Don’t judge what you’re making, just lose yourself in it and enjoy yourself.
- For example, if you're a painter, dedicate an afternoon to working spontaneously without sketches or ideas. Play around with color combinations, try out abstract designs, and experiment with new textures.

3

Revisit your favorite artists’ work.

Boost creativity by reconnecting with artists who you admire.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Expert Interview. 16 July 2019.} Your favorite artists probably inspired you to become an artist yourself, and that’s a powerful thing. Spend a day watching or reading interviews with creative artists that you admire. Listen for anything they can teach you about their motivations, inspirations, and creative process. Let their enthusiasm reinvigorate you.^{[5]
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- For example, if you're a filmmaker, revisit some of the films that originally inspired you, read interviews with your favorite directors, and check out a few "making of" documentaries.

4

Learn something new.

Explore a new skill or concept that could benefit your art. If you’re a photographer, try learning something new about image editing. If you’re a painter, read about painting styles that you’re unfamiliar with. Look into free or inexpensive online courses, pick up a new crafting book, or take a virtual tour of an art gallery. Learning something new can get your creative juices flowing again.^{[6]
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- For example, if you're a graphic designer, spend an afternoon exploring current design trends, learning a new editing trick, reading up on color theory, or taking an online course on typography.

5

Allow yourself to take risks and make mistakes.

Perfectionism stifles creativity and makes you less productive. Striving for perfection in your art might cause you to shy away from trying new things, procrastinate on projects because you’re anxious about flaws, or never finish projects because you’re bogged down in minute details.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Expert Interview. 16 July 2019.} Try to remind yourself that perfection is an illusion; to strive for it is to set yourself up for failure. Instead, work on creating realistic goals for yourself. Focus on the process of creation rather than the end result. Give yourself permission to mess up!^{[8]
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- If you're feeling stuck or anxious about starting a new project, try asking yourself, “What am I afraid of? What is the worst thing that could happen?”
- Some mistakes may inspire you or take your art in a whole new direction.^{[9]
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- Perfectionism often starts as simple procrastination, but over time it can become a vicious cycle of artistic paralysis.^{[10]
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6

Collaborate with other artists.

Working with creative people opens your mind to new ideas. Reach out to friends or interesting artists about working on something cool together.^{[11]
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Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Expert Interview. 16 July 2019.} Stress that you want the project to be lowkey and fun for everyone involved. Once you’ve settled on a person (or group) to work with, get together to brainstorm themes and ideas. Come up with a plan, schedule some work sessions and low-pressure deadlines, and get to work!^{[12]
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- Instead of coming up with specific ideas, try offering broad suggestions during brainstorming sessions. That way, everyone can use these “seed” ideas to develop a truly collaborative project.
- Be open to and respect everyone’s ideas to prevent any bruised egos.^{[13]
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- Artists are sometimes wary about collaboration, but it can be a pretty powerful way to boost creativity. Give it a try!

7

Spend more time in nature.

Studies show that spending time outdoors improves creative potential. Nature can have a significant impact on your creativity. Researchers of one study found that spending time in nature boosted creativity by as much as 50 percent. That’s a big boost!^{[14]
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Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- Go on a hiking trip, ride your bike in the park, take a day trip to the beach, plant a garden in your backyard—it doesn’t really matter, just get outside and let nature inspire you.
- Use nature to help you generate new ideas. For example, looking at the geometric patterns in nature might give you an idea for a series of photographs or drawings.

8

Take a walk if you’re feeling stuck.

Stepping away for some fresh air can help you mentally recharge. If creative ideas just aren’t flowing, don’t force yourself to stare at a blank canvas for hours on end! This can put you in a pretty anxious of state of mind, which isn’t exactly inspiring. Go for a quick walk around your neighborhood or hit the local park so your mind can disconnect from art for a little while.^{[15]
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- For example, if you're making sketches for a new painting but none of them feel right, don't try to force it! Put your materials aside, head out for a walk, and come back to your sketches later on.
- Don’t focus on anything particular—clear your mind, let it wander, or listen to music.^{[16]
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9

Organize your workspace.

Work in a comfortable space that encourages your creativity. It’s tough to get inspired or do your best work when your workspace is cluttered, loud, or unpleasant. Set up a safe, quiet space for yourself so you can clear your mind of distractions and work.^{[17]
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- Does my work area feel private and secure?
- How can I minimize distractions in this space?
- Are my materials organized and easy to find?
- Do I need to let in more natural light?^{[18]
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10

Schedule your day to prioritize creativity.

Set aside time every day to work or brainstorm so inspiration can strike.^{[19]
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Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Expert Interview. 16 July 2019.} If you aren’t feeling particularly inspired, mindless distractions like social media and Netflix are hard to resist. Prioritize your art by blocking out time each day to spend in your workspace. Brainstorm, daydream, sketch, or do whatever you want, as long as it’s related to your art. The sense of accomplishment you get from this can help you focus.^{[20]
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- Inspiration doesn’t usually strike out of nowhere (although it certainly can). Most of the time, though, it comes when your mind is open and ready for it.^{[21]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you get over a creative block?

Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Lucy V. Hay is an author, script editor and blogger who helps other writers through writing workshops, courses, and her blog Bang2Write. Lucy is the producer of two British thrillers and her debut crime novel, The Other Twin, is currently being adapted for the screen by Free@Last TV, makers of the Emmy-nominated Agatha Raisin.

Lucy V. Hay

Professional Writer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

A block, such as writer's block, usually has to do with confidence. You may struggle to believe in yourself and your work, or you may feel stressed that you don't have enough time. Working out where the source of stress or lack of confidence is coming from is the key to unlocking your ability to create.
Question

How do you keep your ideas flowing?

Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Lucy V. Hay is an author, script editor and blogger who helps other writers through writing workshops, courses, and her blog Bang2Write. Lucy is the producer of two British thrillers and her debut crime novel, The Other Twin, is currently being adapted for the screen by Free@Last TV, makers of the Emmy-nominated Agatha Raisin.

Lucy V. Hay

Professional Writer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Schedule time to be creative every day instead of waiting to feel inspired. Set a goal to work or brainstorm during this time. This habit will help you be more creative overall.
Question

How do you foster creativity?

Lucy V. Hay
Professional Writer
Lucy V. Hay is an author, script editor and blogger who helps other writers through writing workshops, courses, and her blog Bang2Write. Lucy is the producer of two British thrillers and her debut crime novel, The Other Twin, is currently being adapted for the screen by Free@Last TV, makers of the Emmy-nominated Agatha Raisin.

Lucy V. Hay

Professional Writer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try hanging out with other creatives. Talk to them, appreciate their work, and share your work with them. You might also reach out to your favorite artists.