Where to find inspiration offline
When we struggle to get some fresh ideas or melt a stubborn creative block, many of us automatically turn to our iPads, laptops or phone for the shining answer to our creative problem. When we don’t fall down an Instagram or Pinterest scrolling rabbit hole the internet is such an amazing and rich resource of journals, blogs, accounts and magazines that provide endless inspiration for any project, however there are downsides to solely relying on this web of unceasing information. The wealth of sources can sometimes be overwhelming, and the majority of us online typically present a perfectly packaged shiny version of our lives and work, with little thought to the wonderful, messy and often crazy behind the scenes process that goes into creating a flawless photo before it hits our screens. I think now more than ever taking a break from the endless scrolling and focusing on all the amazing things that are happening in reality is essential to clearing your mind and welcoming inspiration. Check out some of my tips below (And make sure to power off after!)
Meet up with people IRL. Social platforms are amazing for making connections, but I often feel it doesn’t even begin to compare with seeing a friend or family member in person. Conversations in real life often delve deeper into fostering more meaningful and in-depth relationships (I think most of us don’t need any convincing to spend less time on zoom anyway!) Having a good chat with a close friend over coffee is also a great way to bounce new ideas around!
Go for a walk. I previously mentioned the 54321 method in a previous post, but I find it’s an amazing place to start if you’re beginning to get inspired by nature or simply just need to quiet your mind. To begin, look around you, wherever you are and say out loud (or in your head) five things you see, then four things you hear, three things you feel, two things you smell and one thing you taste. Being fully in the present moment allows you to completely notice and appreciate all of the little things around you.
3. Check out your local library or second hand bookstore. The relaxation you feel while making yourself a cup of tea and opening a new book while allowing yourself to get lost in another world for an afternoon is often hard to beat. For some of my art faves for you creatives out there, check them out here!
4. Spend some time at a cafe and people watch. A fun and calming technique many authors use when developing characters for their novels, sitting at a cafe and lazily watching the people pass by is such a fun way to get inspiration. Whether it’s energy, interactions, facial expressions or outfits even just a little thing you notice can spark a new idea in your mind.
5. Take a drive! I don’t know about you but I have some of my best ideas while I’m driving. Turn the music off and let your mind wonder. I also find that I notice fleeting light and the changes in the sky while out on the road. If it’s safe to pull over, you might just spot something new to paint!
6. We have so many ideas inside of us, we just need to quiet the mind to tap into them. Journaling is a great way to do this. As Julia Cameron recommends in her book The Artist’s Way, start your day by writing three pages of whatever comes to mind. You can jot down things you need to do for the day, whatever you’re struggling with or affirmations to boost yourself up.. whatever pops into your head, write it down! I find this so helpful to clear out the things that are annoying me or giving me anxiety. I also find that sometimes the ideas just begin to pour out onto the paper. Journaling can be such a powerful tool!
Happy exploring!
