Inspiration is that burst of enthusiasm and motivation that helps you to create novel ideas. The beauty about being an artist is that you can find inspiration from numerous things, people, places, experiences, your environment, emotions, your imagination and so much more. Let’s admit it, we all have spells of demotivation, and don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal! Try looking at your demotivation as a moment to renew yourself and your art and to rest before that burst of creativity. Now, sometimes there are certain telltale signs that you’ve momentarily lost your inspiration which can manifest themselves as a lethargic or apathetic feeling when thinking about creating, discouraging yourself and your ideas, a decrease in productivity, following trends solely to gain notoriety but without a genuine interest in them and even emotional, mental and physical withdrawal. But worry not because we have 10 effective tips to help you to revive your artistic inspiration!

1. take a break to relax

I think that this can be the best place to start. Sometimes we get so caught up with worrying and putting ourselves under pressure to come up with the best ideas, we often overlook that, at times all we need is simply to disconnect to be able to reconnect and equally, that great ideas too can emerge when we are relaxed and resting. Those light bulb moments can hit us in the strangest of places and the weirdest of times but often, it is as a result of the harmonious balance between productivity and rest. We need both in order to function optimally. So, next time you’re on Netflix looking for the next series to start but simultaneously consuming yourself with the thought that you haven’t come up with a new idea to paint, draw or photograph, don’t stress! Focus on relaxing and that idea might just come to you while your mind subconsciously interprets, processes, and finds inspiration from your environmental stimuli.

2. KEEP YOUR ART SUPPLIES CLOSE AT HAND

Have you ever gotten so caught up in the creative process that you don’t even know where to start? Well, sometimes the simplest place to begin is by organizing your art supplies and storing them somewhere where you can easily access them when creativity hits because one of the worst things that can happen is you have a new idea and are frantically looking for your tools and ground to start sketching or making notes. Creating a space where you know exactly where everything is and what to do when your inspiration is waning will be a great asset and will also allow you to focus on what’s important - making art without any distractions!

3. network within the art community

Working in solitude can make it seem like no matter how hard you try, there is nothing new left. There are ways to get around this though. You can join art leagues or go to craft fairs, exhibitions, and gallery openings to connect with fellow artists and learn about their inspirations. Conversations alone have the power to stimulate your creativity and get those wheels turning. This is because conversing with others allows us to experience and interact with entirely fresh perspectives that can spark new artistic ideas for you.

4. TURN TO NATURE

For many artists, nature provides a boundless source of inspiration and the best part is that it can come from anywhere because it’s all around us. Taking a walk through nature can not only be therapeutic but it can allow your mind to process things in a calm and peaceful environment. Imagine inhaling that fresh air and refueling your mind and body with the plethora colour, lessons, explorations, and memories that intertwine in nature. 2nd Edition Finalist, Elizabeth Rickert finds inspiration in visiting and getting lost in koi ponds and water gardens as well as going on walks and hikes in nature. She also found a great love in capturing its endless beauty.

5. READ INSPIRATIONAL ART QUOTES

‘A quote a day can make inspiration come your way’ or however the saying goes! But seriously, at times we don’t even realize how much what we consume visually can impact our energy and minds. Just surrounding yourself with positive affirmations and inspirational art quotes can transform your creative process. Here are a few of our favourites:

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time” - Thomas Merton

“Follow your curiosity. Do what interests you and intrigues you most. Never think of whether or not other people might like it, and more importantly never think of whether or not it’s commercial” - Amnon David Ar (3rd Place Winner in the 4th Edition)

“While drawing I discover what I really want to say” - Dario Fo

“There is no must in art because art is free” - Wassily Kandinsky

“It is only when we are no longer fearful that we begin to create” - J. M. W. Turner

“Art needs to have a soul. It can’t just be a technical display. Anyone can learn technique. Originality and creativity is what makes it special” - Angela Ales (2nd Edition Finalist)

6. CREATE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE

It’s okay that you may not be inspired at the moment. The key is to start anyways because sometimes while you are doodling, sketching, or starting a piece, that’s when inspiration hits. By trying to create as often as possible, rather than waiting on inspiration to come, you are improving your discipline and surely enough, inspiration will find you in the process. In your daily schedule, even just allowing 10-15 minutes for sketching, painting, or taking photos can be a great way to form a new useful habit that sparks your inspiration. To make the process easier, you can also select themes or topics beforehand as a guide to what you’ll create on a given day.

7. make a list OF CREATIVE PROMPTS

Why not make a list of things that you love, that make you feel a particular emotion such as gratitude, happiness, anger, sadness, and also things that challenge you? Reviving your inspiration can truly be as simple as jotting down some bullet points underneath various headings because this list will remind you of your passion for art as well as the many different sources of creativity all presented in an organized, manageable manner. A bonus is that you can always revisit the list in times when you need a little more inspiration so both present and future you can continuously benefit.

8. LEARN A NEW TECHNIQUE

There’s something refreshing and inspiring about the novelty of experiencing, learning, and adventuring new paths. It can be like a breath of fresh air and a source of empowerment! Often, monotony can lead you to feel bored, drained, and apathetic because you’re so used to something that you’re no longer as mindful and present as in the beginning and you are just doing it to get it over and done with and there’s no fun in that. To combat this feeling, you can join a class to learn a new technique that will also help you to venture out of your comfort zone.

9. READ AND RESEARCH

Reading and researching will provide a wealth of knowledge and from that knowledge, you can get new ideas and explore new possibilities. It’s a process of allowing yourself to understand the world and various topics more. More knowledge can equate to the manifestation of more questions, hypotheses, and conclusions that you can explore in your art. You can even come across more topics that might interest you and inspire your next piece. Also, remember that even the authors of the books, entries, and articles you engage with would have been feeling what you feel because demotivation is a part of the human condition. So, knowing you’re not alone can also help you to better cope with your lack of inspiration.

10. CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

If you usually work indoors, try opting to work outside and do some Plein-air art (art that is created outdoors in the open air) and if you typically work outdoors, bring all your art supplies inside and find a clutter-free, well-lit area to work indoors. Basically, changing your environment can ameliorate your productivity and your mood as well as help you to feel renewed and less anxious or stressed before you start your creative process. The mind can be excited by the new which in turn can skyrocket your motivation. Try incorporating this change ever so often so that when your mind thinks of art, it doesn’t associate it with monotony.

When you have a hard time getting back into the creative mode, try one of these tips and see if they help. We hope this article has helped you get your creativity flowing again as we know how frustrating it can be when that spark is just out of reach. Remember to keep creating because through art comes inspiration and we invite all readers to share their tips below!