Sources of Inspiration When You’re Struggling Creatively

Whether you’re a writer, a photographer, an artist, or anything in between, finding the inspiration for your next big project can be a tricky undertaking at times. Writer’s block is a known phenomenon, but it can be hard for artists of all kinds to come up with ideas for their work. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find inspiration, whether it be online or outdoors or anywhere in between. These are some sources of inspiration to use when you’re struggling to come up with something fresh. 

1. Web Surfing 

Web surfing is sort of an outdated term, but it's meaning still applies to today. Essentially, you search up anything online and browse through it until you feel that spark of inspiration. It could be through articles, images, blogs, or anything else. I prefer to use images because they take less time to digest and usually, I get inspired pretty quickly, but anything that inspires you is great. 

2. Pinterest 

If you’re looking for a place where artistic people gather, Pinterest is the place for you. Thousands of artists, poets, writers, painters, and more come to Pinterest to post their work and show it off to the world. Usually just searching up the word “inspiration” brings up hundreds of posts that can bring new ideas to your brain, and if you really take a liking to Pinterest, posting your own work to the platform is a great way to get your name out there! 

3. Everyday Occurrences 

A simple walk outside or a chance encounter can have a huge impact on your creativity. Taking a walk through a forest or in your neighborhood could lead to you finding something incredible. For example, I went on a walk around my neighborhood over spring break. On that walk, I saw a woman pushing a child on a bike and then letting him go to ride on his own. It inspired me to write a poem and relate the woman to a magician letting a dove fly free. Just walking around led me to finding my next project, and regular everyday occurrences can have this effect too. 

4. Other Works of Art 

Looking at other people’s art might make you think of a way to put your own spin on it, or it might inspire something new entirely. I like to read a poem or a piece of short fiction before I write or try to think up a new idea. Just be careful not to follow your inspiration too closely. You can find other people’s works of art online, in museums, in books, and in other places too.  

5. AI  

This one’s a little controversial among artists, but if used correctly, it can be a great tool for finding inspiration. Plus, AI does have a massive negative environmental impact, so I would recommend using it sparingly and only if nothing else works. That being said, using AI can be a quick and easy way to find your spark. By asking specific questions pertaining to your field of art, you can get helpful answers that pertain to exactly what you want. It can also generate images, although they are pretty lifeless and sometimes creepy. But, overall, it’s a decent last resort tool. 

These are just a few of the different streams of creativity out there. No matter how or from where you get your ideas, have fun creating whatever it is you love to create.  

 Image credits to Alexander Grey on Unsplash