As a creative person, from a young age I used to get asked the scary question, “Where do you get your inspiration?” Today, as an artist, I often get the same question. The answer might have changed as I’ve grown, but the difficulty in answering hasn’t. Because inspiration doesn’t sit in one place or in a magic drawer, inspiration is like a flowing river that you have to learn how to catch it as it moves. And like water, it isn’t static but is always moving, and it can be found everywhere. Every artist picks from their own experience and story, every aspect of our existence can fuel creativity. So, if you're curious about what drives my artistic process, here are four ways I keep myself truly inspired.
1. The Art Inspiration Hidden in Ordinary Moments
One of the most significant inspirations for me is simply life itself. Everything around me is constantly providing experiences, feelings, images and new ideas that I can transform into art. A simple walk, can show me a moment that captivates me, resonating with my sense of aesthetics, and I immediately know I could use it. It could be something as subtle as the way a woman ties her hair up or a stranger making an impression. These everyday experiences make me want to reproduce these emotions in order for others to experience them as I did. The amazing thing about this kind of inspiration is that it comes without warning. I don’t look for it; the fact that I’m alive and open to receiving it is more than sufficient.
2. Books: What I’m Reading, What I’m Creating
Books have always had a great influence on my work. I’m always reading two at the same time; they are often on my bedside table. One is typically focused on personal growth and motivation, hoping to become a better version of myself, and the other creates an atmosphere for my creativity. In the past months, I’ve been reading a book called "Love Letters of Great Men – Volume 1," which set the mood for the romantic inspiration of one of my latest drawings, “Timeless.”
Books about other artists and creators also play a huge role in my artistic journey. Some of my favourites are the biographies of Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood, and Elsa Schiaparelli. Their lives, full of “normal” experiences, with normal families, difficulties, and hard journeys to find their vocation, make me feel connected to their designs. Their stories remind me that even the most successful people share the same struggles and emotions we do.
3. Taking a Break: Giving My Mind Space to Breathe
Creativity can’t always be ON; there are days when I simply need to rest and step away from the blank page. Sometimes, when I’m stuck with an idea, the best thing to do is to take a break from it. Focusing on something non-creative, like the business side of being an artist, it gives my mind the space it needs to breathe. Ironically, this is often when the most brilliant ideas pop up as I can get fed up so fast with paperwork that I just want to go back to drawing!
4. Collages: A Creative Process Born from Childhood Memories
As a child, I spent many days during summer holidays making collages. I just loved cutting and gluing images from magazines. I could create my universe! That experience still influences me today, and if you’ve read my blog post “Turning Vision Into Art: The Process of Creating Giclée Prints”, you know that I now do it digitally. Many of my artworks start as collages where I combine photos I’ve taken myself with images I find online or in books. It’s a safe way for me to approach the creative process without facing the blank page directly. It’s also fun and I can come up with something quite unique.
5. Music and Film: Setting the Mood
In my experience, being an artist, requires a good amount of time spent by yourself. Time to connect with your emotions, your feelings, and your ideas. To feel less isolated, I like to choose music or films that are in harmony with my work. Whether it’s opera, rock, jazz, or anything else that helps me stay focused, or films or podcasts providing background sounds, everything is welcome. While music and films are not my primary sources of inspiration, they are essential to help me create the perfect atmosphere, allowing my creativity to flow and that’s all I need.
Inspiration Is Everywhere!
At the end of the day, my inspiration comes from many sources. It can be a moment I witness during a walk or a beautiful letter I read in a book, everything can be the creative inspiration I need. Life is full of unexpected experiences and endless possibilities; it’s just important to always be open to grabbing them.
What sparks your creativity? I'd love to hear. Join the conversation on social media! And if you're curious to see how inspiration takes shape in my work, explore my collection of modern art prints, fashion art, black and white pieces, and Giclée prints in my online shop.
