Keeping your creativity alive has always been a challenge, but in the era of work from home, where the lines between work life and home life have blurred and where burnout and social disconnection are rising, creativity is at risk. We’ve asked some of the most creative folks we know for advice on how to keep one’s creativity alive.
Sam Felman
I keep my creativity alive by immersing myself in the world. Everywhere I go, everything I do, and everyone I meet fuels my inspiration, and makes me a more thoughtful, open-minded, and creative artist. Filmmaking is about capturing the essence of the human experience, and by immersing myself in the world, and truly living, I can keep my stories authentic and resonant with real people. Read more>>
Gabriel Acosta
For me, being creative is something almost institutional and natural but I admit that it was not always like this, one of the biggest problems that one has as artists will always be the “creative blocks”. When these little moments of crisis happen to my life what I do is simply forget about my role as an artist, for a moment I focus on exploring things that have nothing to do with what I’m working on or thinking about. Read more>>
Rocio Lopez
I keep creativity alive by allowing the world to inspire me. Trying to see the pretty in everything allows ideas to flow. Being in touch with my spirituality and conducting moments silence or meditation outdoors, also assists in removing mental blockages. I also like to witness the creativity of others that serves as a form of inspiration and admiration to create. Read more>>
Dorian Webster
This has been my biggest fear, losing my creative edge/ creative mind. I constantly think about if at some point I will lose the ability to think of new concepts and ideas and that really frightens me because that is the sole provider of any brand, new fresh and creative ideas. So to combat this I center myself around my friends who are heavily involved in the fashion and modelling world who critique and help foster new ideas that can keep my creative mind still flowing. Read more>>
Angie Vasquez
I love to push my boundaries of creativity by believing there is no “box”. I grew up at a time when being outside and using our imaginations to stay entertained was the norm. I feel as we grow older and begin to have more responsibilities we lose sight of the creative youth we once were. There were points in my life when I felt trapped in a box, destined to live life in the constructs of what society felt was acceptable. Read more>>
Rashad Jiles
Since I was young, I’ve been in a creative space. I attended an Arts elementary where we studied music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. So when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” My answer was never, a doctor, teacher, or astronaut. It was and still kind of is, “an actor/ entertainer” And for my childhood and most of my adult life I got to live in those creative spaces. Read more>>
Elizabeth Lee
When I’m driving on the freeway, I look for green. I focus on the trees and nature by the side of the road. If there is none, I look at the vast open sky. Taking in the nature, instead of the traffic, gives me more space to open up. When we are open, relaxed and happy, creativity is fostered. Wonderment seeps in. We reconnect with our innermost wisdom and know, we are not separate from our environment or each other. Read more>>
Alex Ellis
Is this not the million dollar question?! Ha ha! Being a committed lifelong artist through and through, never having a “back up” plan, I’ve had to push through those ebbs and flows of the ICK all the time! You all know the “ICK”, right?! The writers block, brain fog, procrastination, resistance to get back in the creative bubble? It’s kinda like going to the gym or even meditation. Read more>>
Nicole DeMaio
I am constantly inspired by the art that other musicians, visual artists, dancers, and theatre makers are putting out into the world. Devoting time to experiencing performances across various genres and disciplines is crucial for nurturing creativity. I love the feeling of attending a performance or seeing art at a gallery and then rushing home to my practice room, reinvigorated by what I saw or heard. Read more>>
Christine Mace
It’s literally impossible to not be creative when you live in New York City. When I first delved into photography, I knew I wanted to focus on capturing moments in black and white. What fascinates me about capturing moments on the street is the endless array of photographable scenes the moment you step out your front door. Read more>>
Derrick and Stephanie Nguyen
We have an enormous love for traveling, the outdoors, and music. These three things allow us to expand our mindsets and go deeper into our creative brains to truly keep the creativity alive. When we travel across the country and abroad, we observe what’s around us, hear the ambience, and let every detail we see and feel to enhance our minds. Read more>>
Melissa Baker Nguyen
I guess the first thing I had to do with creativity was define it- I’ve been told my entire life I am creative, but to me that didn’t really mean very much, because I couldn’t put my finger on what it meant, Often it appeared people used that word to define me as different from other people, but I didn’t always feel different, I just felt like me, and I assumed everyone else just felt like me. Read more>>
Canisha Pope
In most cases, I keep my creativity alive by watching a lot of TikTok and Youtube videos about current trends. I also lookout for the most current trends so help keep myself inspired! Read more>>
Kate McDermott
In my opinion, creativity requires two things: 1) Boredom. I think that so much creativity is an attempt to fill the vacuum left by boredom. Why do you think you get your best ideas in the shower? Because it’s one of the few times of day that there’s no input. You’re not on your phone, you’re (probably) not watching TV, you’re (probably) not listening to a podcast. Read more>>
Vanessa Flowers
I’ve been blessed with a creative mind and I never seem to run out new ideas! Maya Angelou once said “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” It’s so true! To keep my creativity alive, I connect with people from different backgrounds and industries because I find that when I learn something new it sparks new ideas in me! Read more>>
Linxin Lu
As an art director and graphic designer, I have realized that the most abundant sources of creativity are walking out of my screen. This realization came not from spending hours in front of a computer screen but from living fully in the world around me. Although it may seem cliché, it is crucial. Read more>>
Julie Cloutier
Always having a side project is key for my wellbeing, my small business and my art. Although my work and ceramics business may seem to offer an overflow of creative opportunity, it’s far from it. When my work can’t give me the creative fulfillment I crave, I have to find it elsewhere. Which means I switch gears and find my creative outlet through other art mediums. Currently, that’s collage and film photography. Read more>>
Jan Pomeroy
I go for hikes in nature almost every morning. I feel that helps to ground me and gives me a better perspective for the day. Getting out in God’s creation is very uplifting and gives me gratitude for the natural world around me. On the days I don’t do that I go to the gym and work-out. That does help me to feel strong and healthy and gives me a good start to the day. Read more>>
NEVRMIND
In a world consumed by videos and thrilling adventures, I live an exciting life filled with frequent travels, fun experiences, and a constant readiness to capture moments through my camera lens. Recently, Instagram wrongfully disabled my account, impacting my creativity. However, this setback has fueled my determination to reconnect with lost followers and cultivate a new community on a fresh account. Read more>>
Amy Zubieta
I’ve worked a variety of jobs over the year – starting my post-college career in human resources, working my way up to assistant director, and then shifting my focus to music and yoga, teaching in different environments, with different age groups and slowly making the journey to acting. This is where I truly found my passion. There was something about acting for film that made sense to me. I fell in love. And that was just the beginning. Read more>>
JoAnna McMurray
I keep my creativity alive by finding inspiration through mindfulness and self-reflection. Stepping out of my comfort zone sometimes to experiment and take risks when creating different types of content. I also find inspiration from fellow creators like myself, music, films, and nature. Read more>>
Jamie Freya Knott
A willingness to make mistakes along with a receptiveness to new things keeps me creative . The reality is we are on par with any other human on Earth at any given time. This means that we can achieve anything. I try to stay open, meditate, and learn constantly. Plus I don’t mind looking stupid in the beginning, which is crucial when taking new risks. Read more>>
Juan Narcos
Looking up to my favorite artists like The Strokes, Interpol, and Mac Demarco is what keeps my creativity going. Their music, Image and their stories of making music is such a cool thing. Another way that continues the flow of my creativity alive is going to live shows. It fuels this passion along with going to my favorite record store, “Sonido Del Valle” in Boyle Heights, CA. This is where I discover more music, to be able to be inspired, and to create! Read more>>
Jodi Jill
I find creativity to be the drive that, in part, defines my passion. There is a deep hunger I have to be part of today’s world and embrace what humans can do today and into the future. The way I keep my creative spirit alive is allowing it to explore. Living in Los Angeles offers a number of opportunities to explore, understand and embrace our world and I couldn’t be more excited to do this on a weekly basis. Read more>>
Stacey Gregory
I believe that artist should “cross-train” their creativity in different disciplines and media, much like athletes cross-train to fine tune their bodies in ways their own sport may not emphasize. Trying other mediums, taking an improv or dance class, writing poetry; all these can mine areas of your talents that you may not have known existed. This avoids mental blocks, boredom, repetition, and staleness. Read more>>
Stephanie Utka
It’s what keeps me sane. Crocheting and knitting are very relaxing for me. My nanna taught me when I was very young and she always loved seeing what I could make. She’s a big part of it, too. Read more>>
Svetlana Vasina
Currently, I find a lot of inspiration in the city I live in – New York. The city’s museums and galleries are like my creative playground, full of fresh ideas and trends in art and design. I don’t want to stop growing; there’s so much more I want to explore in my art. Read more>>
Matvei Lisitsa
Usually, to nurture my creativity, I endeavor to broaden my horizons. I watch many films, seek inspiration from the works of old masters, and listen to music. These are some of the primary sources for maintaining my creativity. Additionally, I strive to stay abreast of all developments in the design industry, conceptual art, and CGI. The market is very dynamic, and everything changes rapidly, which helps me stay relevant and constantly motivates me to explore new approaches, thus fostering a creative mindset. Read more>>
Stacy Tucker
To keep my creativity alive, I watch others in my field and try emulate them or use parts of their style and make it my own. I do a great deal of research on the types of products I want to sell and use that research to create the kinds of items that my set audience likes to purchase. I found my niche in 2022 and have been building on it ever since. Read more>>
nfn Kalyan
maintaining a high level of creativity is paramount to making artwork that’s worth a damn. some artists get lucky and have one good year of paintings. or one good album. but maintaining that level is difficult. in your daily schedule there is a balance that has to be met. you have to know when to do nothing. and you have to know when to work. Read more>>
Tianna Mae Andresen
My creativity has been kept alive through community, nature, discipline, and challenges! I am consistently inspired by my community and friends to create and really embrace my creativity through different means. I also try to do something creative everyday, even if its something as small as a doodle. Read more>>
Ky Ngo
I nurture my creativity by going on fun road trips, exploring art galleries, enjoying beautiful sunsets, and most of all, organizing photo meet-ups with my friends. We challenge each other to be creative in a short time, working together to make awesome art! Read more>>
Raymilly
Creativity comes from within. However the outside world can influence how you create. I keep my creativity alive by living. Just live your life, you literally won’t have to force the creative thoughts. When you speak about your life and your own personal experiences it can do so much for you and help you grow! Read more>>
Libby Goetz
There is a great community of other small businesses out there and when I get a chance to talk to them it lifts me up and makes me want to go home and start working! We bounce ideas off each other, compliment each other, talk about challenges,. We all know what goes in behind the scenes so there is a great appreciation for each other. Read more>>
Dan Washburn
I’m really an observer of life…all life. I watch and hear what is going on around me as an observer and sometimes as a participant…if you look at the world and the people in it, there’s a lot to write about. If you love and have been loved, lost love, you will always have something to write about. I’ve learned a lot about life and myself from my faith, from my kids and from my relationships. I then try to write about them with music….songs. Read more>>
Maithillee Zaveri
Beig a full time artist is quite a rewarding career but it also has its setbacks. The desire to consistently create original artwork is taxing on the mind. It’s absolutely imperative to allow oneself to take mental breaks during the creative process. Exposing myself to the outside world in various ways, such as taking a walk nature, looking at other art, listening to music, or simply just taking a break from the studio are all ways in which I allow my creative mind to refuel and recharge, so that it can continue to run as a well maintained creative machine. Read more>>
Slick Guruzee
One of the biggest misconceptions about being creative is that it’s some sort of special talent or ability. When I think about being creative, the first thing that comes to mind is the human experience. For me, creativity comes from experiencing and going through daily life. You remember that random homeless guy you saw today but paid no attention to? Or maybe a nostalgic sound that can make you reminisce on some of your favorite moments. Read more>>
Anthony Ricciardi
Keeping my creativity alive is a dynamic and evolving process for me. I find inspiration in the world around me, constantly seeking out new experiences and perspectives. Travel has been a significant source of inspiration; exploring different places, meeting diverse people, and immersing myself in different environments sparks a fresh and vibrant energy in my work. Read more>>
Jacki Moonves
A Lil Guide To Keeping Your Creativity Alive: Hey there! Are you in a rut? Feel like everything you do is trash? Have you sat awake in bed for hours waiting for that perfect idea to come to you, only to realize you are the least creative person who has ever walked this earth and why bother anyway because the robots are coming for our jobs? Me too, pal. Read more>>
Ismael de Anda III
As an artist, I’m fortunate to be part of a creative artistic community. As a member of the artist-run gallery Durden and Ray, I have the opportunity to continually engage with a group of outstanding contemporary artists to keep me creatively stimulated. Through this organization, we participate in exchange exhibitions with art organizations from around the globe. Read more>>
Nile Yang
I like to keep my creativity alive by allowing myself flexibility, grace, and the space to feel and grow through life’s changing waves. I remind myself what it is that I truly want and what it means to me, as often as I need to. I look for inspiration in the things that fill me with happiness and love. I try my best to constantly surround myself with people, places, and things that inspire me. Keeping myself grounded and being in nature is a big one for me. Read more>>
Michael Gonzales
I am the type of person that always has to have an active project or goal going. If I find myself without a project I will simply make one up. For example, when the covid lockdown went into affect, Everything that I was working on came to a halt. My solution to that was to release a cover song on Youtube every week for a year. So every week I would learn, record and master a cover song. Then I would shoot it, edit it and then release it every Thursday. Read more>>
Nakira McCrea
Being an entrepreneur I spend a lot of time working on the non-creative aspects of the business. I keep my creativity alive but scheduling time for creativity. I’m intentional about creating something often because I come alive when I see something I thought about in my mind brought to life. Read more>>
April Tippitt
Creating is my therapy. I love learning new things. All of my passions in life are connected to the creative side of my mind. The feeling of making something you’ve never made before is so satisfying and invigorating! Everytime we learn something new, new synapses and connections are created in the brain. Read more>>
Amaret
As Amaret, we’re always looking for ways to tell a story through dance. Rather than crafting our performances around a particular style, song, or genre, we let our imagination run and inspiration grow to think of a story that speaks to us enough to share it with the world. Because of this, we’ve learned that creativity can spring from anywhere – any experience, person, or thing – as long as we have open minds and hearts to receive it. Read more>>
