Professor Gibson
blond woman painting using easel
Thought Bubbles

Inspire Creativity and Love Your Artistic Self

Hello, Creative Readers!

Whether we acknowledge it or not, every one of us houses an inner artist. This creative spark is not exclusive to those who paint, sculpt, or write. It’s an innate part of human nature that encompasses our unique ways of perceiving and interacting with the world. Nurturing this inner artist is crucial for personal development, self-expression, and mental well-being. 

If this concept is new to you, or if you are working to be more intentional, let me share some tactics I use, or try to use, to maintain the creative spark.

  1. Embrace Curiosity: Just as children explore the world with wide-eyed wonder, allow your inner artist to be curious. Don’t stifle questions or shy away from the unknown. Instead, embrace it. Curiosity fuels creativity and keeps the artistic spirit alive. Let me say that again, curiosity fuels creativity. Get in a creative mindset.
  2.  Create Without Judgement: One of the biggest hurdles to creativity is self-criticism. Creating art is a deeply personal process meant to be liberating, not confining. Give yourself the freedom to create without worrying about perfection or judgment. Remember, the goal is not to impress others but to express yourself.
  3.  Find Your Inspiration: Artists draw inspiration from a myriad of sources—nature, people, emotions, and experiences. Surround yourself with things that inspire you. Travel, read, listen to music, and engage in conversations. Get outside of your typical universe. The more diverse your experiences, the richer your well of inspiration.
  4.  Prioritize Self-Care: Like any other aspect of your being, your inner artist needs care and attention. This means looking after your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In full disclosure, this is a recommendation I struggle to follow. But when I make an effort to follow this, I can tell a difference. Getting rest, regular exercising, and eating a balanced diet can significantly impact your creative energy. Mindfulness practices like meditation can also help clear mental clutter and improve focus.
  5.  Commit to Regular Practice: Like any other skill, Artistic abilities improve with practice. Set aside regular time to create, whether sketching, writing, dancing, or any other creative pursuit. If you lack a creative spark, try doing the same creative activity every day for 20 days. Being forced to create regularly in a rigid framework can help you hone your craft and help you think in new innovative ways. Consistency is key in this journey.
  6.  Stay Open to Learning: Embrace the process of continuous learning. Attend workshops, take classes, read books, watch tutorials. Learning not only improves your skills but also keeps you in touch with evolving trends and ideas. Look into a service that will feed you new ideas and tutorials. I personally love SkillShare and use it regularly.
  7.  Connect with Other Artists: Building relationships with other creative individuals can be incredibly enriching. Engage in art communities, both offline and online. Share ideas, seek feedback, and collaborate on projects. Great ideas are the collision of two mediocre ideas. Find a trusted partner who can listen to your mediocre ideas and see the missing ideas that will make them great. The collective energy and inspiration can be a powerful boost to your inner artist.

Remember, nurturing your inner artist is a lifelong journey, not a destination. It requires patience, commitment, and a generous dose of self-love. So, step out of your comfort zone, honor your creative spirit, and let your inner artist shine brightly, adding its unique color to the beautiful canvas of life.

Embracing and nurturing your inner artist is essential to personal growth and self-discovery. By cultivating curiosity, creating without judgment, finding inspiration, prioritizing self-care, committing to regular practice, staying open to learning, and connecting with fellow artists, you pave the way for a fulfilling artistic journey. As you explore and develop your creative potential, you will discover the transformative power of art and creativity in your life. So, let your inner artist flourish and experience the joy, growth, and self-expression that come with embracing your unique creative spirit.