3 Ways to Boost Your Artistic Creativity

There is nothing worse than setting aside time to “create” and then you find yourself staring at your screen, or a piece of paper, or a blank canvas waiting for creativity to hit. And nothing happens!  Can you relate?  

Let me share with you tips that I follow when I’m facing a creative block.

My first tip:  add as many new experiences to your day as you can.  

During the first two weeks in March, I changed my location and worked from the West Coast in Los Angeles.  It was an amazing experience.  Though I had been to LA briefly in the past, this was my first time staying there for an extended period. I spent the first week in West Hollywood and the second week in Santa Monica.

I know it is not always possible to work from a different city - but if you can, I highly recommend it.  Here are some easy ways to experience new sights and sounds while staying local:

1. Take a walk in a different part of your neighborhood or walk in the next town over. 
2. Work outside or even simply work from a different part of your home.  
3. Work from a co-working space. Many co-working spaces offer a day pass.

While I was there, not only did I open a shop on Society 6 (something I had been wanting to do for months!) but I also created two new prints to sell, inspired by the beach, sun and sand.  The ideas just flowed and I was able to complete the print in a few hours, instead of it taking me a few days. 

Read more about the launch of these prints on Society 6 in my blog post, Now Selling Art Prints on Society 6.

Tip 2: pay attention to your surroundings for inspiration and take plenty of photos!  

I’m always paying attention to colors, patterns and objects that catch my attention.  For example, the hotel decor at the Chamberlain Hotel in West Hollywood, where I stayed  caught my eye.  In particular this butterfly print chest!  I have two small white bookshelves that I was thinking about repainting in a solid color but now after seeing this chest, I might create something similar.

Tip 3: draw quick sketches of patterns you see in everyday things

Patterns are everywhere and sometimes you don’t even notice them, especially when they are on everyday objects.

As part of my daily sketchbook practice (see my blog post, Benefits of a Daily Sketchbook Practice), I try to observe these patterns and make a mental note, take a photograph and draw a quick sketch.

Here are some of the patterns I noticed during my walks in Santa Monica and the corresponding pencil sketches!

Conclusion:

Just because one is creative or an artist, that does not automatically mean that we are filled with creative inspiration instantly!  We, as creatives, have to be intentional about how we develop our creative mindset and allow ideas to flow.  

Try out these tips and let me know how it helps you foster your own creative inspiration and generate new ideas.