Artistic Inspiration

This week's challenge to you is simple: Get inspired! Whether you're working in a creative field or you just love new arts experiences, there is inspiration for everyone.

All too often, making time for creative outlets may not sit high among our priority list, especially in times of uncertainty. And even when you do find the time and space to create, you may feel a lack of motivation to get started. Getting inspired isn't difficult, but sometimes we just need a little push. To get you on the right path, we've compiled a list of 10 tips that can help you find inspiration today:

1. Create every day. Setting aside time for creativity every day will form a constructive habit. Before you know it, you'll be able to create even when you don't feel inspired.
2. Make a list. Not everyone is a writer or journaler, but writing down a list of ideas (things that made me happy today, things I'm grateful for, etc.) serve as great creative prompts for future projects.
3. Your creative workspace is reserved solely for creating. The functionality of your workspace has a huge impact on how you function as an artist. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.
4. Make mistakes. The fear of making mistakes can prevent us from finding inspiration. But part of being inspired is working through that fear and taking risks. Once you embrace mistakes, you will internalize that there's more than one way to express creativity!
5. Make time for play and experimentation. When you stretch your creative process beyond your comfort zone, you'll realize the possibilities are endless.
6. Don't always rely on the internet. Look around you when motivation is lacking. Check in with your senses, your thoughts, your surroundings, and your experiences.
7. Be inspired by what you love. By starting with something you already enjoy, this will likely influence your ability to find inspiration easily!
8. Copy yourself. When you can't find something new, bold, or innovative, there's no shame in recycling a good idea. Sometime a familiar technique or concept can spark new ideas altogether.
9. Don't over-analyze your work. Whether you're working on a painting, a poem, or a song from the heart, let creative juices flow and work intuitively.
10. Find inspiration in nature. Seeking beauty in the world around us can reveal a sense of inner-peace that only art can reflect.

So the next time you hit a wall seeking inspiration, we hope that you can take one (or some) of these ideas and run with it! In the coming weeks, we will continue to be a source of hope, inspiration, and moral support. For more information about our mission, visit our website, or contact us at [hidden email]. Let the inspiration flow!

Sincerely,
The SWCA Team