Recently I read an article about how to boost creativity. This idea resonated with me because keeping the creative juices flowing is critical to any artist at every level.
To increase inspiration as an artist can be a challenging task, but there are many techniques and strategies that can help. Here are a few tips to help you tap into your creative potential and take your art to the next level:
Seven Ingredients Useful to Increase Inspiration
1. The first ingredient to boost creativity is quiet.
Apparently creative people need more quiet than others and this has the ring of truth.
When it is quiet, you can hear and listen to your thoughts. Ideas and inspiration come from the Creator and there is nothing more disappointing than having an idea and then being distracted by some media or commercial before I can write it down. Happily most of them get away briefly but they come back.
It’s true that I am easily over-stimulated and it turns out that extra-sensitive hearing may run in the family. In my last Michigan apartment there were fire trucks, ambulances, boats, trains and traffic noises. Living near a busy street is nothing I want to do again. Even the TV and the radio on at the same time drives me crazy.
Some people use the TV for background noise for every moment that they are home and awake. In the car, the radio must be on. I imagine they are trying to escape their thoughts. Like quiet is a terrible thing.
For me quiet is necessary. It is a tool that increases creativity. If I have not had my daily allotment of quiet time, I get irritable. Ultimately an hour of quiet time every day is the barest minimum. Sometimes I am not even aware that this is what I am missing.
2. Music also helps to boost creativity and increase inspiration.
Creativity is at least enhanced with music. Many times if I am working on a project, the music I want to listen to has no vocals. Jazz or Ambient house music is perfect. My playlists are filled with instrumentals that encourage deep thinking. Since there are no words, I can think and draw. Or think and write.
3. Experiment with different mediums and techniques.
One of the best ways to increase inspiration as an artist is to try out new mediums and techniques. This can help you break out of your comfort zone and discover new ways of expressing yourself. No need to buy new supplies, even though new things do help get into a “flow state” of extreme focus. You can get the same spark of creativity using two current supplies together that you never used together before. Novelty is the key. Of course new supplies is also a direct route to a flow state as well, but this may
4. Take inspiration from other artists to boost creativity.
Another great way to boost creativity is to take inspiration from other artists. This can help you see things from a different perspective and develop your own unique style. Make sure not to compare yourself and your work to theirs. You have no idea where they are on their journey and to compare yourself to them is always apples and oranges. As you look and admire their work, pay attention to the styles and subjects that appeal to your spirit.
5. Keep a sketchbook or journal to increase inspiration.
Keeping a sketchbook or journal is a great way to collect and organize your ideas. It can also help you visualize your ideas and develop your artistic skills. New ideas will pop up in the sketchbook. As you review the drawings you added to the sketchbook, something you drew months prior may give you a new idea.
6. Practice regularly.
Practice is essential to improve your art and increase inspiration. Set aside some time every day to work on your art and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills will improve. Instead of waiting for inspiration to show up, draw every day whether you feel inspired or not.
7. Take a break and do something different.
Sometimes the best way to increase inspiration is to take a break and do something completely different. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or trying a new hobby, taking a break can help you recharge your batteries and come back to your art with fresh perspective.
In conclusion, boosting creativity takes time, effort, and dedication. By making time to be quiet, experimenting with different mediums and techniques, taking inspiration from other artists, keeping a sketchbook or journal, practicing regularly, and taking a break to do something different, you can invite inspiration into your creative routine.
If you set aside some time every day to work on your art, your creativity will grow. Consider your sketchbook a playground or a mistake book and remember, the key is to keep experimenting, practicing, and having fun.
Share your results on IG with the hashtag #sketchbookplayground
My buddhist practice has allowed me to experience calmness and quiet when I most need it.
I feel exactly like you about distractions and my voice inside me is finally telling me to trust what i think and feel.
Finally?
I think there is more than one voice inside us; it’s that still quiet voice that speaks truth and gives guidance if you are still enough to listen. I hope that you get more than enough quiet time going forward. Love you!