Inspiration - where artists and creative people find them

How you can increase your inspiration as you as a creative and artist: 27 effective tips and valuable sources of inspiration

In today's fast -moving world, the search for inspiration can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in the haystack.

Do you know this situation?

They finally find time to go to their workplace, and then they get this terrible feeling: surrounded by a variety of materials they do not feel motivated to create something. Finding inspiration seems to be more difficult than crossing the Atlantic with a rowboat.

They may feel completely alone, but each of us has already had this experience - once, several times.

There is no creative person who can work without inspiration. For some it is easy and natural to find inspiration while it can be a challenge for others.

No creative is immune to creative blockages; They constantly appear in every creative practice. "

It is usually not difficult to motivate yourself to create, but sometimes we just need a little impetus or a few ideas and suggestions to go in the right direction.

The good news

With a few simple strategies and the willingness to break new ground, you can open up a world of creativity and tap your inner genius.

There are numerous ways to find inspiration for creating art. Some artists prefer to be surrounded by inspiring sources, stimuli and impulses, while others need absolute isolation to concentrate on their work.

Regardless of your personal preferences, it is important to find inspiration to maintain the creative river and produce its best works.

There are many ways to stimulate creativity in art, but the most important thing is to be open in principle and to continuously expose themselves to different sources of inspiration . You never know when creative ideas can appear. This can mean visiting art exhibitions, browsing books or exchanging ideas with like -minded people. Or try something completely new or unconventional.

In this article we present 27 effective tips and strategies that help the vast majority of creatively creatively bringing more inspiration to your life. Especially for moments when the muse does not respond to its news.

The search for inspiration - where do artists and creative people find their muse?

The search for inspiration is of central importance for artists and creatives. But where do you find your sources?

Often it is the little things in life that can lead to a flash of mind. For example, a walk in nature can cause real miracles. The beauty of the surroundings gives the creative spirit wing and creates new ideas.

Art of past centuries can also The works of old masters still inspire many artists today who can be soulful from them.

Music , rhythm and melody also play an important role in the inspiration of artists. Sounds can support the creative process and lead to new ideas. Literature and poetry also have a great power to inspire artists and creative people. The words of a book or poem can act like an enlightening inspiration and cause new ideas.

Travel around the world also opens doors to new perspectives for artists. Different places bring different moods with themselves and thus stimulate the imagination.

Emotions are also driving forces behind the inspiration of artists - be it joy, grief or fear - they all influence the creative process in a variety of ways.

Even everyday objects can be reinterpreted and thus have the potential of the banal discovered in the art world. Modern technology also offers new opportunities to promote imagination and support creative ideas.

The inexhaustible pool of inspiration sources invites artists and creative people to always discover new things and develop their works further.

What are the sources of inspiration?

01 Visit an art museum or a gallery

Spending the time in art museums and galleries They offer a quiet space to take a break and look at inspiring works. In one place you can discover paintings, sculptures and other types of works of art from different epochs and cultures.

This can help you to be inspired and expand your artistic horizon. Some museums even offer painting events in which you can bring a small easel and paint as a reference based on the paintings in the museum.

This practice has been used by professional painters for centuries. It is a great way to be inspired and try something new.

02 Take a look at art books

Books are a valuable source of inspiration that is often overlooked these days. Visit your local library or museum and browse through the art books. You can never know what you could discover there.

It is something special to hold a book in your hands and to feel the craftsmanship that is behind the compilation of the material presented on paper. This can be inspiring.

It is so easy to look at more and more pieces online, but nothing replaces the feeling of a physical book.

03 watch people and outline them from life

Many artists find it helpful to consider people intensively and capture them in their everyday situations to find inspiration. Through the observation of the world around you and capturing people in their everyday, you can develop a better understanding of human form as well as for movements and interactions.

Take a train ride with your sketchbook and let yourself be surprised by the fascinating characters you encounter. When sketching people out of life, it is important to stay relaxed and try to capture their essence .

Perfect portraits are not necessary; Instead, focus on presenting the character of the person and the emotions they experience.

This exercise can be enriching and help you to further develop your artistic skills.

04 b

A fantastic way to stimulate your creative juices is immersing in nature . Activities such as hiking, cycling or just a cozy walk offer the perfect surroundings to find inspiration.

Book an adventurous vacation or an activity that you have always dreamed of. The exploration of the breathtaking Alta via del Granito, for example, stimulates the senses and enlivens the spirit. The breathtaking landscapes and majestic views can inspire their imagination and stimulate their creativity.

Nature has always inspired people in a variety of ways. The beauty of the area can inspire the creative spirit and lead to new ideas. If we are in the middle of nature, we can experience a kind of inspiration or enlightenment that gives us new insights.

The sight of a picturesque sunset, the noise of a waterfall or the gentle rustling of the leaves in the wind - all of this can lead to something stimulating and we suddenly feel a new inspiration.

Nature also offers plenty of space for reflection and inner contemplation . We can be inspired by her to sort our thoughts and free our spirit from external distractions. In this silence we often find a clear head and are open to new ideas and perspectives.

In addition, nature offers an infinite number of motifs for artists . From breathtaking landscapes to fascinating fauna to the diversity of the flora - there are countless ways to be inspired by nature and implement this inspiration into a work of art.

05 e practice in creative hobby

Dealing with a creative hobby is an excellent way to find inspiration. You can address your inner artist whether you paint, play a musical instrument or write poems

By immersing them in the process, they create a space in which ideas can flow freely. The act of creating something unique can cause new thoughts and perspectives and be a source of inspiration for other areas of your life.

06 The examination of different cultures and periods of time

If you are looking for creative inspiration, it is a great way to let your creativity run free by looking at work from different cultures or periods. For example, deal with Japanese paintings from the EDO period, old Indian architecture or rock drawings of the Aborigines.

By dealing with works of different cultures, you open your own thinking for new perspectives and ideas. You can study different techniques and maybe even integrate them into your own projects.

Looking at works of art from different cultures or periods can also help to look at your own work in a broader context. You get a better understanding of the developments and trends of art history and can use this findings to further develop your own works.

07 out of the studio

Many artists find their inspiration by leaving the studio and watching the world around them. This can mean going to a café, taking a walk in the park and listening to inspiring music or watching people.

By leaving a comfort zone and standing out new environments, you can discover new things that you can be inspired by.

08 Constructive handling of criticism

Fine artists often use criticism to find new inspiration for their work. The feedback from others can help artists to look at their work from a new perspective and encourage them to take new ground.

In addition, criticism of the work of other artists can help to learn new techniques and to better understand the artistic process.

09 Find new experiences

Trying out new things can be a great way to stimulate creativity. Leave your usual routine and explore new media, topics or techniques. By urging yourself to try new things, open up to new opportunities and ideas.

If you step out of your comfort zone and expose yourself to new experiences, this is a tried and tested way to spark your inspiration. Travel to other countries, getting to know different cultures or simply trying out a new kitchen can expand your horizon and bring you to new ideas.

For example, if you get involved in an adventure in the picturesque three battlements Dolomites , you can immerse yourself in different landscapes, architectures and cultures and thus collect an abundance of inspiration.

Here are a few more suggestions:

Take part in a course and learn a new technology

By joining an art group in your area or taking part in a creative course, you have the opportunity to acquire new skills and integrate them into your professional activity.

Explore other art forms

Sources of inspiration can be found everywhere, so you should not only limit yourself to the view of works of art. Also explore other forms of expression such as music, dance, literature or film.

Experiment with new media

Experimenting with new media can also offer an excellent opportunity to find inspiration. If you usually work in the art of painting, could you try the sculpture ?

Now the ideal moment would have come to plan a visit to your local specialist shop for artist needs and to look for materials that can serve as a source of inspiration.

Change your topic

If you find it difficult to find creative drive, try something new and paint things that you normally don't paint. Instead of portraits, you could try still lifes or choose abstract art instead of landscape painting.

Through this change in motifs you can look at the world with a fresh look and find new inspiration for your work.

Work at a new location

Sometimes it is enough to change the surroundings. Executing your artistic activity in a new place, be it outside in nature or in a different room in your house, can help win new inspiration and energy for your practice.

10 surround yourself with like -minded people

The people with whom we surround ourselves can strongly influence our level of inspiration. If you surround yourself with like -minded people who share similar passions and interests, you can create an environment that is conducive to inspiration.

Entry to creative communities and communities, visiting workshops or participating in online forums can offer the necessary support and encouragement to promote your inspiration.

The exchange of ideas that get feedback and cooperation with others can create creative synergy that goes beyond individual borders.

People without an artistic relationship can also convey new perspectives that can help you with progress. You may only need a friend, colleague or mentor who motivates you for creative activity. A conversation can give rise to thinking.

11 Review of old work

In preacher 1.9 is:

There is nothing new under the sun. "

Immerse yourself in your archives and look for previous ideas to develop new ones. If you feel incredibly brave, take a piece with which you are not satisfied, turn it over and start a new painting about it.

Sometimes the process of seeing your progress or the beginning of an idea that you never fully researched can help you to develop some ideas.

12 Create something new every day

Yes, it just sounds, but how can you do something if you don't have inspiration?

The trick is to look at the situation differently: If you take your time every day to do something - no matter what -, it becomes a creative habit .

Take 15 minutes and scribble a little on a sheet of paper. Paint some color on a canvas. After a while it will be difficult to give up this habit. You will look forward to the time you are dedicated to the art, and you will have more ideas than you can implement.

13 lead a diary/journal

Leading a diary is an effective means of capturing and promoting inspiration. By writing down your thoughts, ideas and experiences, you create a visual representation of your creative journey .

In addition, looking at your diary entries can open up a new perspective and inspire you for new ideas. With a diary you can transform your experiences into a tangible source of inspiration.

Here are some list ideas that offer great creative suggestions:

• Things that made me happy today
• Things for which I am grateful today
• Random things about today
• Things in which I was good today
• Calm moments of the day

14 muck out - get rid of ballast

It is almost heretical to expect artists to separate them from part of their things, tools and materials.

But the functionality of your workplace plays a crucial role in your artistic work. If your studio is overcrowded, this can hinder your creative river.

If you have difficulty throwing something away, you should think about donating it to a good cause or keeping outside your workplace. Pack it in a box and add it to the date.

If you haven't searched for it for a year, you can dispose of the box.

15 Maintain a healthy error culture / make mistakes

What often prevents us from finding inspiration is the fear of making mistakes - even small ones. We don't want to risk ruining our work. We do not want to take any risk if it is not worth it.

Creativity is suppressed when someone approaches a creative project with the fear of mistakes. Options are restricted and possibilities are taken.

There were times when I was too intimidated by the fear of destroying a work of art to continue, even though I knew that the work of art was incomplete.

This fear can prevent us from crossing our creative limits and leaving our comfort zone, which in turn prevents our art from being raised to the next stage ...

Art is all about risks. Creativity should have no limits. As soon as you accept mistakes, the door opens and the possibilities become endless ...

16 Leave space for a playful approach

Maybe you have taken time for art regularly, but now you feel that this time has to be spent with something important.

Just as it is important to invest time in concrete projects, it is also important to play (apparently without a specifically formulated goal).

Restrictions are eliminated when playing and deadlines are eliminated. It is a way to live out your creativity and to expand your artistic skills like few other things.

17 Creativity Unplugged - Treat yourself to a digital break

Do not always rely on the Internet. The search for ideas on the Internet is great, especially if you feel a lack of motivation - until you get into an endless distraction and look at everything that has ever been created.

Then there can be a creative standstill when it comes to actually implementing something - where should you start with all the impressive ideas?

There is something like too much inspiration. Then only helps to pull the plug ...

18 intuitive work

Sometimes we are so caught in our thoughts that we cannot find a way out. We analyze every marker, every brush stroke and every piece of Ephemera with which we want to work too much.

This makes us feel anything but inspired to make art. Through intuitive work we can let go of expectations and plans and simply be creative.

We have to learn to trust our inner voice to feel inspired.

19 works of art of past centuries: old masters and their works

A source that is often overlooked are the works of art by past centuries. The masterpieces of old artists can be a valuable source of inspiration for modern artists.

They not only offer an insight into the past, but also encourage the mind to new ideas and interpretations.

The consideration of old paintings or sculptures can cause a feeling of awe and admiration. It is fascinating to see how people held their visions on canvas or stone a long time ago. The details, colors and compositions can provide new insights and stimulate the creative process.

A look at the works of old masters can also lead to dealing with different styles and techniques.

Some artists are inspired by certain eras and then try to integrate these elements into their own work.

By studying old works of art, you can discover new ways to express your own artistic voice. In addition, dealing with old masters can also help to recognize mistakes and learn from them. Some works show clearly visible deficiencies or imperfections that have often been deliberately incorporated.

These “mistakes” can serve as a memory that perfection is not always desirable and that even imperfections can lead to new creative influences. The inspiration of works of art of past centuries is a valuable resource for artists and creative people. It offers new perspectives, expands the horizon and promotes the discovery of new ideas.

20 Music, rhythm and melody: How to promote the creative process

Music has a unique ability to support the creative process and to arouse inspiration. Sounds, rhythm and melody have the strength to calm our thoughts and open our minds . You can put us in a meditative state and give us space for new ideas and influences.

Often it is the harmonious sound structures or even individual notes that suddenly trigger an idea or an inspiration. Music can inspire us by causing emotions or creating certain moods.

It can create pictures in our heads or remind us of past experiences. Sometimes you only need a single moment of musical enlightenment to dissolve a blockade or open up new ways of creativity.

Whether classic compositions or modern pop songs-music speaks a universal language and can inspire people of all ages and origin. The variety of different melodies, rhythms and genres enables us to always discover new sounds and enrich our artistic work.

It is not important whether you play an instrument or are musically active - listening alone can already provide inspiration. At a time when we are constantly flooded by information and everything changes quickly, music offers a place of calm and withdrawal. It creates space for reflection and stimulates our imagination.

21 Ideas recycling

Artists are always encouraged to try new things, expand their limits, spread their wings and break through other clichés.

However, it is not a shame to recycle a good idea. Some artists have built up an impressive career by using the same idea again and again.

When time becomes scarce, you can return to a work of art that you love and analyze what makes it great.

Then use these elements as inspiration and at the same time let new ideas, impulses and/or materials flow into the mix.

22 Follow your heart

Let yourself be inspired by what you love. Find something every day that really captivates your attention.

Choose something that is important to you and awakens your curiosity . Take your time for a short sketch and if possible, develop it. I assure you that you will feel that you really lived during this time. No matter how short or long the moment is, it will be remembered.

Can't you draw? Design in other ways, as you like: Create collages, write it down or use it as a template for a page in an art journal or sew it together. If you start with something that you already enjoy, the probability is greater that it will put you in a flow state .

23 Literature and Poetry: The Power of Words as a source of inspiration

The power of the words is undeniable. You have the ability to move, touch and stimulate our thoughts.

They are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists. Literature and poetry open doors to new worlds , bring emotions to life and give us an insight into the human being.

In books we find stories that can touch us deeply. The protagonists become friends or enemies, their trips become our own adventures. Through language we get insights into different life perspectives and get to know new words that can expand our own expression.

Poems also have a transformative force . They capture moments of enlightenment and sum up complex feelings. The poetic language not only inspires with its beauty, but also by its complexity.

Each word is chosen carefully and contributes to the overall effect. In addition, translations of literary works from other languages ​​can open up new ways of thinking. By dealing with different cultural backgrounds, we expand our horizon and develop an understanding of being human in all its facets.

Literature and poetry are like a window at the moment - they enable us to explore past epochs and learn from the masters of the past.

24 emotions as a driving force

Emotions play a crucial role in the inspiration of artists. They serve as a driving force that drives the creative process and produces new ideas.

When artists of strong emotions such as love , loss , joy, pain or grief are taken, these feelings can lead to a profound influence on their art. Emotional experiences enable artists to deal with their innermost world and bring in their individual perspective.

These personal experiences create a connection between the artist and his audience because they can address universal feelings. An artist's emotions can take different forms - be it in painting, sculpture or music. Each brush or every sound can arise from a deeply felt inspiration.

The artist's ability to express his emotions in his work also enables him to inspire other people and emotional response from them.

Another aspect is the timelessness of emotions . Although society has changed over the centuries, certain basic human emotions remain. As a result, works of past centuries are still considered inspiring today.

Reinterpret 25 everyday objects: the potential of the banal

In the art world, inspiration is often sought for exceptional sources. However, everyday life be an amazing source of inspiration.

Everyday objects that we normally overlook or consider it banal can be reinterpreted in art and develop enormous potential. The idea that something ordinary can become something special at once is fascinating.

By sharpening the view of their surroundings and opening up to the beauty of everyday life, they can gain new insights. It is about giving things a different meaning and discovering their hidden aesthetics.

A simple cup can become a symbol of cosiness and security, an old chair to the metaphor for transience and memories. Capturing the banality of everyday life in art requires a certain sensitivity and a creative spirit.

It is about seeing the familiar with new eyes and taking unconventional perspectives This type of inspiration can trigger a real “aha moment” -sudden enlightenment or inspiration that drives the creative process.

26 Technology in the service of the imagination: Modern aids for promoting creative ideas

Modern technology has an enormous impact on our everyday life and opens up countless possibilities. She also plays an increasingly important role in the creative creative process of artists and creatives. At a time when the world is more networked than ever before, technological aids can serve to promote creative ideas.

An example of this is digital tools and software that enable ideas to visually present and edit ideas. With programs for image processing or graphic design, you can express your inspiration and take new creative ways.

In addition, online platforms offer an abundance of information and resources for exchange with other artists worldwide.

Internet also an infinite source of inspiration. From art blogs to social media platforms to online magazines, there are numerous ways to be inspired by others and get new impulses for your own creative process.

In addition, the translation of words or texts into other languages serve as a source of inspiration. Exploring foreign languages ​​not only extends your own horizon, but also gives new ideas wings. A look at an English dictionary or studying a German translation can cause surprising insights and new associations.

The technology thus offers a variety of ways to support the creative process and generate new ideas. It is important to consider the technology as a tool and not as a replacement for your own creative ideas or inspiring experiences.

27 take breaks and practice self -care

A fundamental knowledge at the end:

Inspiration often comes when we expect it the least. "

That is why it is important breaks and take care of yourself. Activities that help you relax, such as B. meditation, yoga or just spending time in nature, can clear your head and create space for inspiration.

Enough sleep and a healthy lifestyle ensure that your mind and body are in optimal shape, so that you are receptive to new ideas and inspiration.

Video bonus - more tips from artists

Source directory:

We also used inspiration sources to put together this list of advice, suggestions and strategies. To a large extent, they are based on the valuable experiences and invaluable findings from other creative and artists.

That is why we would like to appreciate them as sources:

• Artistnetwork : Technique Tuesdays: 10 Tips for Finding Inspiration , https://www.artistsnetwork.com/
• Career Bibel : Find Inspiration: 7 Sources + 37 Tips that inspire you , https://karrierebibel.de/
• Miranda Balogh : 10 Easy Ways to Find Art Inspiration (that work) , https://mirandabalog.com/
• Skillshare : How to Find Art Inspiration , https://www.skillshare.com/
• Symposia : The Creative State: How to Find Inspiration for Art Making , https://www.artsymposia.com/
• The Guardian: Top Artists Reveal How To Find Creative Inspiration , https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/jan/02/top-artists-ecreative

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/