10 Ways to Inspire Yourself

Watercolor of a park in Maynooth, Ireland (actual landscape below).



This is my creative space that reminds me of my love of painting and color, my commitment to veganism and trying to save the world, and mementos from friends that remind me of their endless support.


1. Create a space that gives you joy and makes you want to be creative.

2. Make a routine for yourself so that creating comes more naturally. If you sit down every evening to write a little about your day, it will become more natural and require less effort the more you get used to it.

3. That being said, also don't be afraid to shake things up. Go out and experience things so that you have new things to think and express, and try being creative in different spaces.

4. Be a good creative citizen and participate in your community. Whether that means being a literary citizen and going to readings and buying books from local authors, or going to art shows, or writing a review on a piece you liked, being present helps the collective stay alive and thrive.

5. Be creative with and around others. Being around other people, even if they're not interacting with you, can cultivate inspiration. And collaboration with your work can also really help you get out of your own head and see things in a new way.

6. Don't hold yourself to perfection. Let go of trying to live up to your and others' expectations, and let yourself get weird. Remember that first drafts are just drafts for a reason!

7. Put out your favorite paints, pencils, pens, canvases, etc., to make yourself want to be creative. Make yourself crave that feeling of accomplishment and productivity.

8. Find prompts that excite you and just roll with it. Artists constantly share ideas and work, and getting started with inspiration from elsewhere is okay!

9. If you find yourself hitting a creative wall, write down 12 possibilities for where your piece could go. If you're writing, write 12 plot possibilities, as dramatic and unrealistic as you want. For art, write down twists that would make your work stand out, like symbolism you could incorporate or add a layer of paint over everything. Pick your favorite one (or a few) and see where it takes you.

10. Just do it! Nike was on to something; instead of fearing failure, just force yourself to put something on the page/canvas. You've got to start somewhere!

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