Inspiration – Where artists and creatives find it

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

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

Are you familiar with this situation?

You finally find the time to go to your workspace, and then that terrible feeling washes over you: surrounded by a multitude of materials, you feel unmotivated to create anything. Finding inspiration seems harder than rowing across the Atlantic.

You may feel completely alone, but each of us has already had this experience – once, several times, often.

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

No creative person is immune to creative blocks; they occur constantly in every creative practice.”

It's usually not difficult to motivate ourselves to create, but sometimes we simply need a little push or a few ideas and suggestions to go in the right direction.

The good news

With a few simple strategies and a willingness to explore new paths, you can unlock a world of creativity and tap into your inner genius.

There are numerous ways to find inspiration for creating art. Some artists prefer to be constantly 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 flow and produce your best work.

There are many ways to stimulate creativity in artistic creation, but the most important thing is to be open to it in principle and to continuously expose yourself to different sources of inspiration . You never know when creative ideas might arise. This could mean visiting art exhibitions, browsing through books, or exchanging ideas with like-minded people. Or it could mean trying something completely new or unconventional.

In this article, we present 27 effective tips and strategies that will help most creative individuals bring more inspiration into their lives, especially for those moments when the muse isn't responding.

The search for inspiration – Where do artists and creative people find their muse?

The search for inspiration is of central importance for artists and creative people. But where do they find their sources?

Often it's the little things in life that can spark a flash of inspiration. A walk in nature, for example, can work wonders. The beauty of the surroundings gives wings to the creative mind and allows new ideas to emerge.

Even artworks from past centuries can be an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The works of old masters still inspire many artists today, who draw their spirit from them.

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

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

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

Even everyday objects can be reinterpreted, revealing the potential of the banal in the art world. Modern technology also offers new ways to foster imagination and support creative ideas.

The inexhaustible pool of inspiration invites artists and creatives to constantly discover new things and further develop their works.

What other sources of inspiration are there?

01 Visit an art museum or gallery

time in art museums and galleries is a great way to find inspiration. They offer a quiet space to take a break and contemplate inspiring works. In one place, you can discover paintings, sculptures, and other types of artwork from different eras and cultures.

This can help you find inspiration and broaden your artistic horizons. Some museums even offer painting workshops where you can bring a small easel and paint using the museum's paintings as reference.

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

02 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 never know what you might discover there.

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

It's so easy to view more and more pieces online, but nothing replaces the feeling of a physical book.

03 Observe people and sketch them from real life

Many artists find it helpful to observe people closely and capture them in their everyday situations as a source of inspiration. By observing the world around them and capturing people in their daily activities, they can develop a better understanding of the human form, as well as movement and interaction.

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

Perfect portraits are not necessary; instead, focus on portraying the person's character and the emotions they experience.

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

04 B Engage in outdoor activities

A fantastic way to stimulate your creative juices is to immerse yourself in nature . Activities such as hiking, cycling, or simply a leisurely stroll offer the perfect environment to find inspiration.

Book an adventurous holiday or an activity you've always dreamed of. Exploring the breathtaking Alta Via del Granito, for example, stimulates the senses and invigorates the mind. The stunning landscapes and majestic views can ignite your imagination and stimulate your creativity.

Nature has always inspired people in countless ways. The beauty of our surroundings can ignite the creative spirit and lead to new ideas. When we are immersed in nature, we can experience a kind of inspiration or enlightenment that gives us new insights.

The sight of a picturesque sunset, the sound of a waterfall, or the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind – all of these can stir something within us and suddenly give us a new inspiration.

Nature also offers ample space for reflection and inner contemplation . We can draw inspiration from it to organize our thoughts and free our minds from external distractions. In this stillness, we often find clarity of mind and are open to new ideas and perspectives.

Furthermore, nature offers endless motifs for artists . From breathtaking landscapes and fascinating wildlife to the diversity of plant life – there are countless opportunities to be inspired by nature and to translate this inspiration into a work of art.

05 E Pursue a creative hobby

Engaging in a creative hobby is an excellent way to find inspiration. Whether you paint, play a musical instrument , or write poetry , dedicating yourself to a creative activity can help you unleash your inner artist.

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

06 The engagement with different cultures and historical periods

If you're looking for creative inspiration, a great way to unleash your creativity is by looking at works from different cultures or time periods. For example, explore Japanese paintings from the Edo period, ancient Indian architecture, or Aboriginal rock art.

Engaging with works from different cultures opens one's own thinking to new perspectives and ideas. One can study various techniques and perhaps even integrate them into one's own projects.

Looking at artworks from different cultures or time periods can also help to view one's own work in a broader context. One gains a better understanding of the developments and trends in art history and can use these insights to further develop one's own work.

07 Get out of the studio

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

By leaving your comfort zone and exposing yourself to new environments, you can discover new things that can inspire you.

08 Constructive Handling of Criticism

Visual artists often use criticism to find new inspiration for their work. Feedback from others can help artists view their work from a fresh perspective and encourage them to explore new avenues.

Furthermore, criticism of other artists' work can help in learning new techniques and better understanding the artistic process.

09 Are you looking for new experiences?

Trying new things can be a great way to stimulate creativity. Step outside your usual routine and explore new media, topics, or techniques. By pushing yourself to try new things, you open yourself up to new possibilities and ideas.

Stepping outside your comfort zone and exposing yourself to new experiences is a proven way to ignite your inspiration. Traveling to other countries, getting to know different cultures, or simply trying a new cuisine can broaden your horizons and spark new ideas.

For example, if you embark on an adventure in the picturesque Three Peaks Dolomites , you can immerse yourself in different landscapes, architectures and cultures, thus gathering a wealth of inspiration.

Here are a few more suggestions:

Take part in a course and learn a new technique

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

Explore other art forms

Inspiration is everywhere, so don't limit yourself to just looking at works of art. Explore other forms of expression such as music, dance, literature, or film.

Experiment with new media

Experimenting with new media can also be an excellent opportunity to find inspiration. If you usually work in the art of painting, why not sculpture ?

Now would be the ideal moment to plan a visit to your local art supply store and look for materials that can serve as a source of inspiration.

Change your theme

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

By changing your motives, you can view the world with a fresh perspective and find new inspiration for your work.

Are you working at a new location?

Sometimes, simply changing your surroundings is enough. Performing your artistic work in a new location, whether outdoors in nature or in a different room of your house, can help you gain new inspiration and energy for your practice.

10. Surround yourself with like-minded people

The people we surround ourselves with can greatly influence our level of inspiration. By surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar passions and interests, you can create an environment conducive to inspiration.

Joining creative communities, attending workshops, or participating in online forums can provide the necessary support and encouragement to foster your inspiration.

Exchanging ideas, receiving feedback, and collaborating with others can generate a creative synergy that transcends individual boundaries.

Even people without an artistic background can offer you new perspectives that can help you progress. You might simply need a friend, colleague, or mentor to motivate you to pursue creative work. A conversation can spark new ideas.

11. Looking back at old works

Ecclesiastes 1:9 states:

There is nothing new under the sun

Delve into your archives and search for past ideas to develop new ones. If you're feeling incredibly bold, take a piece you're not happy with, turn it upside down, and start a new painting based on it.

Sometimes, simply the process of seeing your progress or recognizing the beginning of an idea you've never fully explored can help you develop some ideas.

12. Create something new every day

Yes, that sounds simple, but how can you create something if you have no inspiration?

The trick is to look at the situation differently: If you take time every day to do something – anything at all – it will become a creative habit .

Take 15 minutes and doodle something on a piece of paper. Paint something on a canvas. After a while, it will be hard to break this habit. You will look forward to the time you dedicate to creating art, and you will have more ideas than you can possibly realize.

13 Keep a diary/journal

Keeping a journal is an effective way to capture and nurture inspiration. By writing down your thoughts, ideas, and experiences, you create a visual representation of your creative journey .

Furthermore, reviewing your journal entries can offer a fresh perspective and inspire new ideas. A journal allows you to transform your experiences into a tangible source of inspiration.

Here are some list ideas that offer great creative inspiration:

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

14 Decluttering – Get rid of excess baggage

It is almost heretical to expect artists to part with some of their things, tools, and materials.

However, the functionality of your workspace plays a crucial role in your artistic work. If your studio is cluttered, this can hinder your creative flow.

If you have trouble throwing something away, consider donating it to a good cause or storing it away from your workplace. Pack it in a box and label it with the date.

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

15. Cultivate a healthy culture of learning from mistakes / 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 don't want to take a risk if it's not worth it.

Creativity is stifled when someone approaches a creative project with a fear of making mistakes. Options are limited and opportunities are lost.

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

This fear can prevent us from pushing our creative boundaries and leaving our comfort zone, which in turn prevents our art from reaching the next level…

Art is all about taking risks. Creativity should know no bounds. Once you accept mistakes, the door opens and the possibilities become endless…

16. Leave room for a playful approach

Perhaps you have regularly made time for art, but now you feel that this time needs to be spent on something important.

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

Playing games removes limitations and eliminates deadlines. It's a way to express your creativity and expand your artistic skills like few other things.

17 Creativity unplugged – Treat yourself to a digital break

Don't rely solely on the internet all the time. Searching for ideas online is great, especially when you're lacking motivation – until you get lost in endless distraction and end up looking at everything that's ever been created.

This can lead to a creative standstill when it comes to actually implementing something – with all these impressive ideas, where do you even begin?

There is such a thing as too much inspiration. The only solution then is to unplug…

18 Intuitive working

Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts that we can't find a way out. We overanalyze every mark, every brushstroke, and every piece of ephemera we're about to work with.

This makes us feel anything but inspired to create art. Working intuitively allows us to let go of expectations and plans and simply be creative.

We need to learn to trust our inner voice in order to feel inspired.

19 works of art from past centuries: Old Masters and their works

One often overlooked source is the artwork of past centuries. The masterpieces of old artists can be a valuable source of inspiration for modern artists.

They not only offer a glimpse into bygone eras, but also stimulate the mind to develop new ideas and interpretations.

Looking at old paintings or sculptures can evoke feelings of awe and admiration. It is fascinating to see how people long ago captured their visions on canvas or stone. The details, colors, and compositions can provide new insights and stimulate the creative process.

Looking at works by old masters can also lead to exploring different styles and techniques.

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

Studying old artworks can reveal new ways to express one's own artistic voice. Furthermore, engaging with the works of old masters can help identify mistakes and learn from them. Some pieces exhibit clearly visible flaws or imperfections, which were often intentionally incorporated.

These “mistakes” can serve as a reminder that perfection is not always desirable and that even imperfections can lead to new creative inspiration. Drawing inspiration from artworks of past centuries is a valuable resource for artists and creatives. It offers new perspectives, broadens horizons, and fosters the discovery of new ideas.

20 Music, Rhythm and Melody: How Sounds Promote the Creative Process

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

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

It can conjure images in our minds or remind us of past experiences. Sometimes, all it takes is a single moment of musical enlightenment to dissolve a blockage or unlock new avenues of creativity.

Whether classical compositions or modern pop songs – music speaks a universal language and can inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. The diversity of melodies, rhythms , and genres allows us to constantly discover new sounds and enrich our artistic expression.

It doesn't matter whether you play an instrument or are musically active yourself – simply listening can provide inspiration. In a time when we are constantly bombarded with information and everything changes rapidly, music offers a place of peace and retreat. It creates space for reflection and stimulates our imagination.

21 Idea Recycling

Artists are constantly encouraged to try new things, push their boundaries, spread their wings, and break other stereotypes.

However, there's no shame in recycling a good idea. Some artists have built impressive careers by repeatedly using the same idea.

When time is short, you can return to a work of art you love and analyze what makes it great.

Then use these elements as inspiration and simultaneously incorporate new ideas, impulses and/or materials into the mix.

22 Follow your heart

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

Choose something that is close to your heart and sparks your curiosity . Take some time to sketch it out briefly, and if possible, develop it further. I assure you that you will feel as if you truly lived during that time. No matter how short or long the moment is, it will stay with you.

Can't draw? Create in other ways that you enjoy: make collages, write it down, use it as a template for a page in an art journal, or sew it together. If you start with something you already enjoy, you're more likely to get into a flow state .

23 Literature and Poetry: The Power of Words as a Source of Inspiration

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

For artists, they are an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Literature and poetry open doors to new worlds , bring emotions to life, and give us insight into human nature.

In books we find stories that can deeply move us. The protagonists become friends or enemies, their journeys become our own adventures. Through language, we gain insights into different perspectives on life and learn new words that can expand our own expression.

Poems, too, possess a transformative power . They capture moments of enlightenment and encapsulate complex emotions. Poetic language inspires not only through its beauty but also through its multifaceted nature.

Every word is carefully chosen and contributes to the overall effect. Furthermore, translations of literary works from other languages ​​can open up new ways of thinking. By engaging with diverse cultural backgrounds, we broaden our horizons and develop an understanding of humanity in all its facets.

Literature and poetry are like a window to time – they allow us to explore past eras and learn from the masters of the past.

24 emotions as a driving force

Emotions play a crucial role in inspiring artists. They serve as a driving force that propels the creative process and generates new ideas.

When artists are gripped by strong emotions such as love , loss , joy, pain , or grief , these feelings can have a profound influence on their art. Emotional experiences allow artists to explore their innermost world and contribute their individual perspective.

These personal experiences create a connection between the artist and their audience, as they can evoke universal emotions. An artist's emotions can take many forms – be it in painting, sculpture, or music. Every brushstroke or every note can spring from a deeply felt inspiration.

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

Another aspect is the timelessness of emotions . Although society has changed over the centuries, certain fundamental human emotions remain. This is why works from past centuries are still considered inspiring today.

Reinterpreting 25 everyday objects: The potential of the banal

The art world often seeks extraordinary sources of inspiration. However, the everyday be a surprising source of inspiration.

Everyday objects that we normally overlook or consider banal can be reinterpreted in art and unleash enormous potential. The idea that something ordinary can suddenly become something extraordinary is fascinating.

sharpening their perception of their surroundings artists can gain new insights. It's about giving things a different meaning and discovering their hidden aesthetic.

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

It's about seeing the familiar with fresh eyes and unconventional perspectives . This kind of inspiration can trigger a real "aha moment" —a sudden enlightenment or insight that propels the creative process forward.

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

Modern technology has an enormous influence on our everyday lives and opens up countless possibilities. It also plays an increasingly important role in the creative process of artists and creative professionals. In a time when the world is more interconnected than ever before, technological tools can serve to foster creative ideas.

One example of this is digital tools and software that allow ideas to be visually represented and edited. With image editing or graphic design programs, one can express inspiration and explore new creative avenues.

Furthermore, online platforms offer a wealth of information and resources for exchanging ideas with other artists worldwide.

The internet itself is also an endless source of inspiration. From art blogs and social media platforms to online magazines, there are countless ways to be inspired by other creative people and to gain new impetus for one's own creative process.

Furthermore, translating words or texts into other languages serve as a source of inspiration. Exploring foreign languages ​​not only broadens one's horizons but also gives wings to new ideas. A glance at an English dictionary or studying a German translation can evoke surprising insights and new associations.

Technology thus offers a multitude of possibilities to support the creative process and generate new ideas. It is important, however, to view technology as a tool and not as a replacement for one's own creative insights or inspiring experiences.

27. Take breaks and practice self-care

One fundamental insight to conclude:

Inspiration often comes when we least expect it

That's why it's important breaks and look after yourself. Activities that help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature, can clear your mind and create space for inspiration.

Sufficient sleep and a healthy lifestyle ensure that your mind and body are in optimal condition, making you receptive to new ideas and inspiration.

Video Bonus – Even more tips from artists

List of sources:

We too drew inspiration from various sources to compile this list of advice, suggestions, and strategies. They are largely based on the valuable experiences and invaluable insights of other creative professionals and artists.

Therefore, we would like to acknowledge them accordingly as sources:

• Artistsnetwork : Technique Tuesdays: 10 Tips for Finding Inspiration , https://www.artistsnetwork.com/
• Career Bible : Find inspiration: 7 sources + 37 tips to inspire you , https://karrierebibel.de/
• Miranda Balogh : 10 Easy Ways to Find Art Inspiration (That Work) , https://mirandabalogh.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-creative-inspiration