Finding Inspiration

One of the hardest things we artists tend to struggle with is finding inspiration. It’s what motivates us to create the art we love. It’s what engages out hearts into the work we do, turning our work into our passion. 

There are definitely times where I feel like I have been wandering a void with no inspiration to be found and my productivity falters. One way that I have always been able to find inspiration is by watching those who have succeeded and perfected their craft. This also includes immersing yourself in their work. Go to an Art Museum and look at the masterful and passionate perfection that the artist poured into his work. Find a new book and let yourself get lost in the story that the author stressed and cried over because of the personal aspects of his life that are woven into the story.

Or do what I do. Go to a concert! Last night I went to the second night of KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas.

This is an annual two day festival that features multiple bands each day. This year was the 25th year that the concert has happened, so they brought out an epic line up.

Vance Joy

Alt-J

Interpol

Modest Mouse

Imagine Dragons

Tears For Fears

Weezer

Smashing Pumpkins

No Doubt

This amazing line up took me through a journey of my life, dating back to middle school. Most importantly, it took me through a journey of my writing career, as I have written much of my work while listening to these amazing bands. 

Listening to each one last night and watching them all do what they love, got my creative blood boiling. I feel re-energized and most importantly, INSPIRED. 

So I encourage you artists who struggle with inspiration. Find that thing that you can always go back to. Watch people do and enjoy what they love. See, read and listen to the achievements of these artists. But also appreciate the struggle that each one of them had to go through to get there, because that is the same struggle we are going through to accomplish what we want and love.