Do you feel like you can’t find inspiration when you need it to get work done? In this article, I’ll give you three tips you can use right now to boost your inspiration.
ACTION BEFORE INSPIRATION
Here’s the truth: you can’t always wait for inspiration to find you; you have to chase it down. Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it must find you working.” So the first thing you need to do is show up consistently, whether or not you feel inspired.
This could be sketching thumbnails, working on paintings, or even going to the museum and taking notes. The key is to keep the momentum going. So do something creative and manageable as often as possible.
BROADEN YOUR SCOPE
Next, if you want inspiration to come, you need to cast a wider net and redefine what you consider potential sources of inspiration.
If you’re a landscape painter, possibly consider tossing a few still lifes into the mix. If you mainly paint daytime scenes, perhaps try some nocturnes.
And write absolutely every idea down. Don’t label ideas as good or bad. Consider everything, and don’t discount an idea because you think it may not have potential. James Gurney says, “Note first—analyze later.”
Some of the most famous creators had doubts about their most renowned creations.
SHAKE THINGS UP
Finally, if you want inspiration to come, try getting out of your usual routine. It’s easy to get trapped in our creative bubbles and screen out the massive world of possibility we live in.
If you’re a studio painter, maybe try painting plein air for a while. Or you could change up your materials. Try a limited color palette or using just a palette knife for a little while. Be creative. Think of what you typically do and try the opposite.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it. If you want inspiration to come to you, you have to invite it in. First, you need to take action (any creative action) to get the ideas flowing. Next, you can broaden your definition of what qualifies as good inspiration. Then, make sure you write it all down and give every idea a chance to grow. Finally, you can try new approaches you normally wouldn’t have considered.
But that’s just a start. Generating ideas is an evolving and individualized process. Experiment and find out what works best for you.
NEXT ARTICLE TOPIC
In the next article, we will discuss what an artist can learn from the Grateful Dead.
You must act first before inspiration will hit. -Robert Rodriguez
Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work. -Chuck Close