Tips for Finding Inspirations
When the Muse Goes Walkabout
Some days, creativity flows like magic — and others, it’s nowhere to be found. You know the ones: you sit down to paint, stare at your brushes, and somehow end up making another cup of coffee instead. (And promise yourself you’ll start after this one… right?)
But here’s the thing — every artist hits that wall now and again. The trick isn’t to force it, but to gently find your way back. So, when my inspiration wanders off, these are the little things that help me coax it home.
🌿 Go for a walk.
Head out side - whether through a woodland, along a path, or just around the block. Breathe in the air, listen to the sounds: birdsong, rustling leaves, snippets of conversation. Notice the small details - colours, textures, the way light hits a surface. Are there colour combinations you love? Interesting lines between buildings or on the land? What words come to mind as you walk?
🎨 Plan an “Inspiration Date.”
Go solo or with a friend. Visit a gallery, an exhibition, or even a museum that’s not art-related - local history, natural sciences, anything that sparks curiosity. Sometimes seeing creativity in other forms re-ignites your own.
📚 Go to the library and pick something unexpected.
Browse with intention not to pick your favourites. Head to a random section - maybe the fifth shelf up, sixteenth book from the left - and open whatever you find. Even one unexpected page or photograph might set something stirring.
🖌️ Head to the DIY store.
Pick up a handful of paint sample cards and play with new colour combos - especially ones you’d never normally choose. See what sparks. While you’re there, check out the decorating tools too - rollers, scrapers, sponges - all brilliant ( and often cheaper!) for mark-making experiments.
📌 Do a bit of Digital Exploring.
Jump onto Pinterest or Instagram and see what catches your eye. Search words like expressive, mark-making or mixed media and follow the rabbit hole of suggestions. Check out what your favourite artists are pinning or who they follow. Then create your own inspiration board - a little digital moodboard of images that speak to you. Once you have generated a few, see if there’s a theme or feeling that connects them.
🧹 Tidy up your space.
I know, I know - not the most exciting task! But sometimes a bit of sorting works wonders. You might unearth forgotten sketchbooks, half-used materials, or tools you’d completely overlooked. Be honest with yourself - if something really doesn't spark interest, donate it or pass it on. Or, give yourself a week to experiment with it - if it still doesn't inspire you, let it go. A tidy space often makes room for fresh ideas.
🎶 LIsten to Music.
Even if you’re feeling a bit low, choose something upbeat - let it move you. Bonus: if no one’s around, sing along!
🎧 Tune into a Podcast.
It doesn’t have to be art-related. I sometimes listen to In Our Time (BBC) and love discovering unexpected subjects. Inspiration comes from the most surprising places.
📱Experiment with your work digitally.
Take photos of your pieces and play around with free apps like Photoshop or the equivalent. Flip, crop, tweak tonal quality or contrast - you might discover a composition you prefer, or get inspired to explore new colours or work in black and white.
📰 Cut, Collage, Create.
Gather magazines, newspapers or any print material. Pick out images or text that catches your eye, cut and collage them into a sketchbook. Overlap, add text, mix papers. I even raid my kitchen cupboards for interesting wrappers - just remember to note what was in the tin first!
📓 Journal.
This doesn’t have to be long. A few lines, single words, or even a brain dump of thoughts works. Note how you feel, or jot down qualities you’d like to bring into your work - atmospheric, expressive, lively…whatever sparks you!
Inspiration isn’t always a sudden spark - sometimes it’s about giving yourself space to notice, play, and experiment. Try one (or all!) of these tips, and remember, even small steps can re-ignite your creative spark!
Some images are courtesy of Unsplash.com
