How I Find My Inspiration
Back in my college days, I had this strange idea that true art had to be born from my solitary genius. Pulling inspiration from others was a big no-no, a case of outright "art theft."
Turns out, the creative world is all about embracing inspiration from every nook and cranny. It's like a treasure hunt, and you never know what shiny gems you'll find along the way. So, let me share how I find my inspiration and how it transformed my illustration game.
1. Living Life
The key to finding inspiration lies in experiencing life to its fullest. Break free from the routine and venture into the world with an open mind. Whether it's a stroll to the park, an exploration of a quirky bar, or attending an event, every moment offers a chance to ignite creativity. Keep your artistic objectives in the back of your mind as you go about your day, and you'll be surprised how the world around you can trigger new ideas.
2. Sketchbook
A pocket-sized sketchbook is an illustrator's best friend. It doesn't need to be perfect; it just needs to capture your thoughts. Whenever inspiration strikes, jot it down. Capture designs, fonts, colors, textures, and scenes that catch your eye. Snap photos to preserve the fleeting moments. These sketches and snapshots will become valuable resources when you're ready to sit down and brainstorm new illustrations.
3. Social Media
Venture into the digital realm to expand your creative horizons. Pinterest is a goldmine for visual inspiration, offering a plethora of ideas and themes to explore. Create multiple boards to organize your thoughts and curate a private board showcasing illustrations you're drawn to—a compass to guide your artistic journey. Keep your board dynamic, continuously refining and evolving it.Instagram is another platform that can fuel your creativity. Stay updated with the latest trends, observe other artists' processes, and learn from their techniques. Follow artists who inspire you and absorb their content to foster growth in your own style.
4. Free drawing
Sometimes, the best ideas come when you least expect them. You may have heard of “freewriting”, well this is freedrawing. Allow yourself the freedom to draw without a specific goal. Let your imagination wander, sketching random things that come to mind. Some may be discarded, but others might evolve into beautiful creations. Embrace this liberating approach to nurture your creative flow.In addition to capturing free drawing, don't forget to revisit your old illustrations. These seemingly forgotten gems can become wellsprings of new ideas. Take a trip down memory lane and examine your previous works with a fresh perspective. You'll be surprised how a doodle from months ago can suddenly spark a brilliant concept for a current project.
Conclusion
Inspiration is all around us, waiting to be discovered. By living life to the fullest, carrying a trusty sketchbook, exploring the wonders of social media, and embracing spontaneous drawing, you'll embark on an artistic journey filled with boundless imagination. As an illustrator, you have the power to breathe life into your creations—let inspiration be your guiding light.