"How do you stay inspired?" is one of the questions I get asked most. The truth is that I live for my next project. There isn't a time in my life when I'm not completely obsessed about something. My mom says I've been that way since childhood (any other obsessors out there?). That said, I've put together a list of my 5 favorite ways to get a fresh burst of inspiration when I'm feeling a little lull. Enjoy...
1. Carry A Journal. No matter where I am or what I am doing I will have a little journal with me. It's in my purse, it's beside my bed... It's everywhere. Just carrying the journal is my constant reminder to write down ideas. Now, I don't use all the ideas I write down. For me, the act of jotting down ideas helps keep me in a creative mindset. The more ideas I write down, the more I have... and the better they become!
2. Find A New Muse. Oh my... the concept of a muse is so silly to me, but it really works! My current muse(s) can be anything from a band I'm loving to a movie that stuck with me or a vintage trend I want to re-create. A muse can be absolutely anything, but it's fun to find one with enough history to keep you studying for a while. The more you learn about your muse, the more inspiration you'll receive.
3. Develop A Creative Playlist. Several years ago I started painting on a daily basis. I had a favorite album at the time that I would play when I was working. Pretty soon I could only listen to that band when working... if it came on while I was driving it felt weird. I learned the value in having some comfort music to get me into work mode. This is especially valuable for people who work from home. Sometimes you need something to mentally put you into a creative state of mind and a playlist can most definiately do that for you! I like to have a different playlist (or favorite album) for every major creative season or project that I work on. These songs will bring back wonderful memories later on... trust me.
4. Refresh Your Workspace. This next one works wonders for me! One day I'm painting, the next day designing dresses and then working on a new art journal course the next... All of these different projects can make a studio VERY messy and that can cause stress.
My favorite thing to do when I need a pick me up is to rearrange just one little part of my studio. You don't have to clean or reorganize the entire space, but clear a table and arrange your supplies so that you have a fresh spot to work. If you need some extra happiness in your space grab a pretty bouquet of flowers from the grocery store or take a few hours to create a new inspiration wall. Refreshing your workspace can work wonders!
5. Prove Yourself Wrong! We've all been guilty of saying things like "I would love to, but I don't have time" or "I could never do that". These attitudes are so common, but they probably aren't even true. I know it sounds a little cliché, but if you believe you can do something... you can! It's a magical feeling to set a goal that feels a little bit impossible and then achieve it. I've marked quite a few things off my list that I used to believe I couldn't do. Proving yourself wrong is a great way to stay inspired because you'll be more motivated than ever when you meet your goal.
I hope these 5 Tips resonate with you. I love being inspired and want you to share the joy! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! elsie
thank you for the inspiration! it's so difficult sometimes handling a full-time job and my blog but you yourself are such an inspiration! i'm off to buy a moleskin tomorrow. :)
Posted by: julia | September 08, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Great tips! :-)
Posted by: Stefani | September 08, 2011 at 11:27 PM
I loved this!! You ARE always so creative and I look forward to each post. I totally agree with creating a playlist. At the moment I am doing a blog post..then spotted yours and since I am ADD I clicked over ha..but music is so motivating!
Posted by: Lindsay @ Delighted Momma | September 08, 2011 at 11:29 PM
thank you for your spirit + positivity! Truly inspiring.
Posted by: Sarah | September 08, 2011 at 11:30 PM
nice the number 5 is true!! :)
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: irene wibowo | September 08, 2011 at 11:32 PM
seriously elsie, i am LOVING your blog this month. so many amazing posts!
Posted by: Katie | September 08, 2011 at 11:39 PM
These are great tips:) Yes...I am an obsessor! I like to carry my cheap point and shoot camera with me at all times too so I can snap a picture of something that inspires me:) I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant...so the nesting (mixed with my natural need to make lists and always have a project going on) kind of makes my head want to explode:) I find so much inspiration on your blog...so thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Melissa | September 08, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Great post! I especially love #1&5, I think they work nicely together. Everything takes practice and whats amazing is we all have the ability to practice! One of my favorite quotes is, "anything worth doing is worth doing badly" it helps me remember that I *will* get better at the things I work at<3 Thank you for this reminder xo
Posted by: danielleorama | September 08, 2011 at 11:45 PM
Awe, I feel inspired already! I really need to try harder to meet my goals.
Have a happy weekend, you too!
Miki.
Posted by: Miki | September 08, 2011 at 11:46 PM
These suggestions are all so perfect! And SO what I needed to hear!
Something else that really helps me is to speak out my goals to someone else - my husband, a friend, my sisters....this helps me to actually get it done, because I don't want to say I'm going to do something and then not do it! I've got pride ya know? ;)
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | September 09, 2011 at 12:07 AM
Eeee, yes, I am ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS obsessing over SOMETHING. Something new to do! Something new to try! Something for a game, my blog, my deviantART account. A new journaling technique to try, a new web design skill to develop, etc., etc. and... I LOVE IT. Like, a lot.
This is a FABULOUS list. Thank you, miss!!!
Posted by: Angie Bailey | September 09, 2011 at 12:10 AM
wow thank you....truely this has really made a difference to me. i am sitting here with a baby in my arms and a pre schooler sitting at the kitchen table. both eating apples and are quiet giving me this rare moment to enjoy your blog. art is my hobbie and i'd like to give it some more time! ta for the inspiration x and good luck in your own adventures.
Posted by: rachel | September 09, 2011 at 12:22 AM
Awesome tips! Carrying around a notebook helps so much. I also love the idea of a creative playlist!
Posted by: stela | September 09, 2011 at 12:31 AM
you are a sweetheart for writing these-- especially the last one. I can't wait to really prove myself wrong. :)
happy weekend. :)
Posted by: erika | September 09, 2011 at 12:32 AM
Number five completely reflects my motto of : How hard could it be?
If you don't think about how hard something is, it's pretty easy to try new things. And on occasion, I learn that certain things don't come so easily to me, but at least I tried.
Posted by: Audry | September 09, 2011 at 12:45 AM
I love these tips! They're rather inspiring :)
Posted by: Liz V. | September 09, 2011 at 12:54 AM
So timely. I've just taken on a 21 day challenge to blog every day and I need all the motivation I can get. I think your post might just be my inspiration for my blog tomorrow. Thanks. xxx
Sally
Posted by: Sally | September 09, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Thanks! I needed that. I've been worn out this week!
http://www.thoreausdaughter.com/
Posted by: Hillary | September 09, 2011 at 01:15 AM
Elsie, you never fail to inspire! I love your positive nature. Thanks for a great post!
Posted by: Claire | September 09, 2011 at 01:24 AM
For once more, so useful tips! You never fail to motivate me. Thank you so much!
p.s. I love that your DIY projects are back. It's been a while and I've missed them. :-)
Posted by: Angela | September 09, 2011 at 01:30 AM