Discovering Inspiration: 10 Ways to Find Inspiration for Creating Art and Living an Artful Life

I’ve got a nickname. I think it may have been meant as a slight insult but for me, it has always been the ultimate compliment. I have been called “Martha”, as in Martha Stewart. Why the nickname? Living an artful life has always been important to me. It goes beyond making art and is about embracing creativity in every aspect of my daily life. Like Martha Stewart, I’m the person who wants my dinner plates to coordinate with the napkins, and the party invitation to perfectly set the theme and tone for the party, and I always give a beautifully wrapped gift with a bow. I’m one of “those” people and it drives some people crazy.

Is it about perfection? No, but I think it appears that way to those who don’t care about such things, which is totally okay by the way. If these things don’t matter to you, no worries. You can call me “Martha”. 

But if you are also one of “those” people and want to keep your creativity flowing, read on. Inspiration is everywhere, but it can often feel so hard to find. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who simply wants to live a more creative and artful life, finding ways to spark creative inspiration can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore ten ways to ignite your creativity and infuse art into your daily routine.

1. Observe the World Around You

The world is filled with colors, patterns, and shapes that can fuel your creativity and often all it takes is a little mindful observation to notice. Take a walk through your neighborhood and notice the details - the way light filters through the trees, the textures of buildings, or the color combinations in your neighbor’s flower box. Take note of anything that stands out.

2. Surround Yourself with Art

Curiosity is the compass that leads to new sources of inspiration. Experience different forms of art by visiting museums, exploring art books, or following an interesting artist on social media. Pay attention to how artists use composition, color, and storytelling in their work. Exploring new and different types of art expands your pool of inspiration.

3. Create Every Day

Make art a habit, even if it’s just five minutes a day. A quick doodle or photo of something you took a minute to observe becomes a daily creative practice that allows ideas to flow. Creativity is like a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. 

4. Find Beauty in the Ordinary

Inspiration often lurks in the ordinary. Living an artful life means appreciating the little details that often go unnoticed. Pour your morning coffee into a beautiful mug, find joy in a beautifully wrapped gift, or notice how sunlight brightens a room. These small moments of beauty can be just as inspiring as any work of art.

5. Explore Different Mediums

Try something new. If you’re an artist used to working digitally, get out your watercolors or try making a collage. Paint your bedroom walls a new color or try making a flower arrangement. Switching up your creative materials can spark new ideas.

6. Experiment and Play

Creativity thrives in an environment free of judgment so give yourself permission to make “bad” art. Stop trying to make something perfect and allow yourself to play with colors, textures, and compositions. Some of the best ideas come from experimentation. Artistic innovation often comes from happy accidents.

7. Keep an Inspiration Journal

Keep a journal for gathering ideas, sketches, quotes, and color palettes. Scribble thoughts, collect clippings from magazines and document interesting things you come across throughout your day. This can be a goldmine when you’re feeling uninspired. 

8. Connect with Other Creative People

One of the biggest sources of creative motivation for me is connecting with other creatives. Artistic communities are fertile ground for inspiration. Whether it’s through online groups, local art classes, or creative challenges, the exchange of ideas within a creative community can lead to unexpected ideas and perspectives that can breathe new life into your work.

9. Look to Nature

Nature has long been a source of inspiration for artists. The organic shapes of leaves, the textures of the forest, and the color palette of a sunset can all serve as sources of creative fuel. 

My recent visit to the museum exhibit, Exquisite Creatures Revealed by artist Christopher Marley showed me that there is an infinite supply of inspiration in nature as you can see in the images above that I have shared from that show.

Take time to get outside and let nature influence your work!

10. Trust the Process

Inspiration doesn’t always strike like lightning and creativity will often bloom in the face of challenges. Viewing these challenges with an open mind can lead you to a breakthrough. Sometimes, you simply need to show up and do the work. Creativity is a journey, and each step you take leads to discoveries that redefine your artistic path.

Living an Artful Life

Living an artful life goes beyond making art and is about embracing creativity in your daily routine. It can be in the way you set your table, the music you listen to, the clothes you wear, and the way you express yourself. Being intentional, seeking out joy in the small moments, and surrounding yourself with beauty can transform your everyday experiences into works of art.

Try incorporating creativity into your routine by curating a space that inspires you, writing with your favorite pen, or taking time to arrange flowers in a vase. Artful living is about making ordinary moments special. By shifting your perspective to see life itself as a canvas, you invite creativity to become a natural, effortless part of who you are.

What inspires you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!