Seeking inspiration as a creative

Being amongst nature is one of my favourite things to do for seeking creative inspiration. Sometimes it’s intentional - I’ll go wandering to try and get the inspiration to flow. Or often it’s unintentional - I can be out taking a walk or spending time outside with my family at the weekend, and inspiration will hit me.

Nature can be so inspiring and as creatives we can take inspiration literally from it or simply by being in nature and allowing the feeling of it to relax us, which is when inspiration can often strike. And not only that, it is an essential when we spend so much of our time behind a laptop or working inside. Being outside in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of the current season can bring can so much joy and a needed change, as well as the inspiration that will come with it.

So next time you’re feeling stuck in seeking creative inspiration, take yourself out for a walk or if that is not possible, plan for some time in nature and allow your mind to wander and the inspiration to flow. I'm sure you will notice a huge difference.

If you’re at all like me, you’ll adore wandering around a stately home, castle or any building that is seeped in history.

If it’s right for your brand then seeking creative inspiration from historical places can bring so much joy. Again, inspiration can be literal from what you’re viewing, the patinas of the building, the art that is hung, the stories you are learning or the architecture of the building. Or simply wander amongst the historical beauty and allow inspiration for your business to come your way.

I make sure that I am regularly visiting beautiful old buildings and learning about the history of them, it inspires me in so many ways and I hope it will for you too.

Another favourite way of mine for seeking creative inspiration. Running our own businesses is actually really hard and pretty lonely for most of us, as we’re in our own minds working by ourselves for so much of the time. And that’s not particularly conducive to seeking creative inspiration.

So I urge you to seek friendship, partnership and collaborations with other creatives. Take time for meet ups, creating connections on social media or checking in with people you have relationships with. And looking into creative workshops and retreats is another wonderful way.

Retreats and workshops can offer so much, if you choose wisely. And a bonus of them is meeting likeminded creatives, forging friendships and inspiring each other. You will leave feeling inspired in so many aspects of your business.

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As per previous types of inspiration, this can be literal or not. You may be reading something to specifically inspire you, perhaps a magazine, a coffee table book or even a novel. But as a creative, reading for joy can spark creative inspiration too. Allowing your mind to relax and concentrate on reading is a great way to take time out and to stop thinking about the business. Which in turn will mean the inspiration will flow when you come back to it.

I also love to write, either brainstorming ideas or journaling my thoughts, feelings and anything that comes to mind. Writing is an art that is being left behind in this modern world, but it's something that's lovely to pursue as a creative to move away from technology.

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This is something that you may not know you need, but is really crucial for us creatives.

Do you ever notice that the ideas just aren’t flowing, perhaps you’re feeling sluggish and you’re lacking seeking creative inspiration? Everything is feeling more difficult and just a little too much. I would suggest that perhaps you just need a break.

I’m someone that can get really caught up in my business and at certain times throughout the year - mainly in the darker, colder months - I can struggle with the overwhelm. But as soon as I take a break my mind feels free-er and taking time away from the business allows the overwhelm to ease. I come back after the break feeling so much better and ready to get back to it, and the creative inspiration.

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