Ten Ways to Get Inspired

I love to create.  Many days I get the itch to make something.  But more often than not, I am unsuccessful at finding a productive outlet for that energy because I have no direction.  For me, it is critical that I find inspiration fast so that I can find something to do, otherwise the urge will pass while I look at design blogs online rather than doing something I can feel proud of and that I learn something from.  Here is a list I have compiled of the ten best ways to get inspired when the mood strikes.

1. Think outside your genre.  Consider looking at an area of art that is seemingly unrelated to your work.  Maybe architecture can influence your paintings, or an evocative photograph can inspire your writing.
2. Collaborate.  Work with another person.  It doesn’t have to be someone with experience in your field.  Anyone can write or draw, and chances are that an inexperienced person can help freshen up your view on your work.  Grab your tech-minded spouse or the nearest child and have fun with a box of crayons in your sketchbook!
3. Look at your favorite artist.  Google your biggest inspiration and see what comes up.  You might discover something new.
4. Go outside.  Nature is the original artistic inspiration.  There is always something new to examine and discover.  Try shifting scales to get new ideas (look at something tiny up close or take in the entire landscape from a new perspective.)
5. Look at a book.  If you are anything like me, you probably have at least a couple of books about your subject area.  Even if you have looked before, LOOK AGAIN.  That’s what they are there for.  I find I almost always find something new to be inspired by when I look at a book.  Plus, there is nothing better than a real life book in front of you with printed pictures to get the creative juices flowing.
6. Listen to music.  Maybe you will be inspired by a lyric or a particular rhythm in the music.  Or maybe listening will help your mind focus on the task at hand.
7. Pinterest.  You  don’t have to have an account to browse all the inspiration ripe for the picking on Pinterest.  Search an artist or a technique and see what comes up.  You can also browse by category which can help lead your to things in your medium.
8. Go on a blog hunt.  Ultimately, inspiration is why you’re here, right?  Blogs are a great source of inspiration because they are always changing and often link to other blogs that are related.  Go to your favorite blog and click around to see where it takes you.  Just be careful not to let your browsing scratch your creative itch, let it fuel it!
9. Prompt yourself.  Whether you put together a still life to paint in your apartment or make up a silly prompt to get you writing or drawing, nothing is too silly if it gets the ball rolling.
10. Try a new medium.  When all else fails, I find that buying a new toy usually gets me in the mood to make something.  Trying a new tool or material to work with can turn you onto new methods and inspire old media in exciting ways.