Do you need ideas on how to stay inspired as an artist? Don’t worry, it’s normal to go through blocks where you can’t seem to create and inspiration is lacking.
Some people may be lucky and always be inspired, while others may not have such luck and go weeks or months feeling uninspired.
My biggest tip is to discover what you truly love and what you love to create. From there, it will be easy to stay inspired.
Once I realized that I’m 100% a nature artist, (landscapes, florals, etc) I had endless ideas and am always inspired. So going outside and observing nature helps me stay inspired. I have a folder on my computer of endless pictures I’ve taken filed for future inspiration.
Sometimes you have to go back to the basics and discover yourself again.
In this blog post, I share 10+ ways how to stay inspired as an artist. Let’s get into it!
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How to Stay Inspired as an Artist
1. Nature!
My number one tip is to go out in nature! As a nature artist, going outside helps me recharge. Go for a walk in the woods, visit a sunflower field, or watch the moon rise. Observe the sky changing colors during sunset. Check out the texture of tree bark or patterns in flowers and plants.
My favorite activities include observing flowers, moon gazing, being outside during golden hour, noticing light and shadows, and so much more. Nature is an endless source of inspiration especially with seasons.
2. Experiment with New Mediums
If you’re not completely committed to one medium, try experimenting with some new mediums and see what happens. You never know and stepping outside your comfort zone can reignite your creativity!
3. Create a Daily Sketchbook Habit
Keeping a sketchbook is a great way to capture fleeting ideas and explore concepts without pressure. Even simple doodles or color swatches can spark something.
4. Artist Friends
Join local artist meetups, participate in online forums, and attend workshops. Engaging with other artists allows you to share ideas, receive feedback, and stay inspired through collaboration. Social media is great for this. 🙂
5. Revisit Your Favorite Artists
Go back to the works of artists who inspire you. I love to look at Van Gogh and Monet’s work when I need a boost of inspiration.
Going to your local gallery or museum is also a great idea.
6. Curate Inspiration Boards
Gather images, quotes, and color palettes that speak to you and arrange them on a physical or digital mood board. Pinterest is great for this. Sometimes I get a vision in my head and find images on Pinterest to help me curate that vision’s aesthetic.
7. Take A Break
Everybody needs a break once in a while. If you’re really feeling drained, take a break! Your art will be there for you when you return. Sometimes the best way to stay inspired is to just step away.
Do other activities you enjoy while you rest, whether that be music, reading, etc.
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8. Trust The Process
Not every piece you create has to be a masterpiece. The important thing is to keep going, exploring, and creating.
I’ve made stuff that I initially hated at first, but then ended up loving once I gave it a chance! Sometimes all you have to do is return to your work a few days later with a new set of eyes.
Some Other Ideas For Staying Inspired:
Art Prompts & Challenges– find a challenge on Instagram or Pinterest to follow. Post your progress on social media or keep it to yourself, whatever you’d enjoy more!
Limited Palette Challenge– Limit your palette and see what happens! Great for exploring color theory and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Capture Everyday Magic – Paint small, unnoticed moments (like light through a window). Sometimes the littlest things ignite our minds the most.
Read! – Read books. Whether art-related or some new non-fiction books you’ve been looking to read. Reading is great for many reasons, and for getting and staying inspired.
Journal – Journal about your life. Little things, big things, whatever comes to mind. Lay out your thoughts and see what happens.
I got a Kindle last year and it’s helped me read so many more books. I read about 1-2 books a week and it’s boosted my creativity so much!
Finding Inspiration For Art
I love being an artist, but it’s not always an easy journey. Take it one day at a time. Don’t forget it’s okay to take a break from your art if you need to.
Do you have any other tips for staying inspired? Let me know in the comment section below!
Thanks for reading. 🙂
-Amanda
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