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.
Tony Malzone
A human is the greatest art form, and the human experience is the greatest story. Humanity has defined creativity, and it is our creativity that defines us. Creativity has made us the most advanced species our world has ever known. It’s enhanced our human experience to know no bounds other than that of our own imagination. Read More>>
Kaneeka Moore
I keep my creativity alive by being inspired by EVERYTHING around me. I use the people and things that are in or happening in my life as my motivation to create magic. I love transmuting negative energy and negative situations into something beautiful and positive. I am able to create regardless of my mood or situation. I created when I am happy, sad, upset, etc. Read More>>
Khang & Hien Luong
Creativity requires constant effort. Without trying, motivation and fresh ideas will fade faster than they appeared. Everyday life can become so mundane amid busy work schedules, dormant side projects, and lack of motivation. Burnout is much too common and often causes us to turn our backs on the creative outlets that bring us the most joy. Read More>>
Drai$
I keep my creativity alive because it’s something in me that will never die. Ever since I was a kid I always loved drawing and expressing myself through words on a piece of paper to the people I loved. Read More>>
Angela Kroeger
For me, creativity stays alive by staying curious. I see designs everywhere, in animals, music, mythology, even in dreams, and I try to protect that sense of wonder. Shifting mediums also keeps me fresh if I get stuck. Read More>>
Dr. LaToya Geter-McElroy PhD
Every author has their method for completing a book. I’ve been an independently published Christian fiction author since 2019. In my books, I write what God instructs me regarding the plot and redeeming factors. Adding an unexpected, pearl-clutching, jaw-dropping, emotionally evoking plot twist is my creative addition. Before adding shocking twists and turns and exposing secrets of fictional characters, I must gain my writing flow. Read More>>
KHAI Designsz
I maintain my creativity by staying curious, inspired, and committed to continuous growth. I actively seek out new ideas, trends, and perspectives, while also making time to explore beyond the screen; whether through art, music, nature, or everyday experiences. I believe that creativity thrives in an open mind, so I approach each project with fresh eyes and a willingness to think differently. Read More>>
Erny Tio
As a pianist, I believe that creativity is the lifeblood of music. To keep my creativity alive, I make it a point to continuously challenge myself with new pieces, styles, and techniques. I find inspiration in various genre. I take time to listen to other musicians. I find that interacting with fellow musicians stimulates my creativity. Read More>>
Hiromasa Kobayashi
As a music composer, I keep my mind refreshed and my creativity alive by maintaining an active imagination, interacting with various people, and learning from the best. Usually, I maintain an active imagination through films and novels. I like to collect inside my head those scenes, moments or characters that have left deep impressions and thus have touched me deeply. Read More>>
Dorothy Randall Gray
Dorothy Randall Gray I water my creativity with silence, spirit and sky. Like the plants that fill my apartment, I can blossom when fed these elements. Like the birds that pierce the sky with their wings, I can fly with words that sing to me upon wakening. Read More>>
Mat Hayes
Creativity is my religion. At our core, we are Creator. If we’re not creating, we’re doing a disservice to ourselves, our family, our friends, and the entire world. Creativity is an energy that we all possess. It’s a vibration that we can either express or suppress. The latter can be toxic to our physical and mental states. Read More>>
Nicole Zamlout
I keep my creativity alive by keeping it honed. I write something small every morning right after my cup of coffee; by doing that, my passion for writing and love for the craft gets to stretch its legs, even as my day carries me away towards the other things that need my attention. Read More>>
Nicol Cunningham
I keep my creativity alive by getting inspiration from others online, getting outside in nature, and from ideas in my mind. I find that there are so many amazing creatives online that the ideas to foster creativity are endless. To get energized to get creative I like to get outside in the warm sunshine for a few minutes. Read More>>
Saloni Bedi
I keep my creativity alive by making sure I’m constantly feeding it with the right kind of fuel. For me, that means exposing myself to things that inspire rather than drain; whether it’s reading blogs, studying products, or getting inspired by the work and lives of other designers and creatives. Read More>>
Martinius Solum
To be honest, it’s hard to keep creativity alive at all times, especially when I’m between projects. I feel like having something to to, a goal or an objective, really triggers my creativity. But sometimes (or maybe even most times) creativity can’t really be controlled. It’s alive wether I try to keep it alive or not. Read More>>
Jesse Norell
I used to write songs constantly from about age 15 to age 25. After feeling like I was still at square one in terms of a music career, I took about 15 years off from writing and releasing albums, so I know what it’s like to NOT keep that creative spark alive. I was teaching guitar but I thought my writing days might be over. Read More>>
Robin Slonina
Many creative people experience ‘blocks’. I think there are many reasons for this, but most likely their muse of inspiration has scampered off because they have not been giving it time and space to communicate. I think the best way is to come at it sideways. Don’t chase inspiration, take it on a date. Read More>>
Kevin Flores
It’s essential for me to remain creative even when I’m not in the studio. If an idea, melody or concept comes to mind, I put in my notes on my phone. If I hear a cool sample, I find out the name of the song and put it in my notes or take a screenshot. Sometimes the creativity isn’t even music related. Read More>>
Chris M. Wilborn
Creativity, for me, has never been something I wait for — it’s something I build into my life every day. The path hasn’t been smooth, and that’s exactly what fuels me. At one point in making this documentary, I lost all of my footage in a hard-drive crash, and it felt like the entire vision had been wiped away. Read More>>
Rafael Maman
I try to stimulate it as often as possible through new connections and a constant lookout for new forms of art. Or at least forms/ genres that are new to me. I think it is a very active process of attending events, going to exhibitions, trying new sorts of films, books, music… Read More>>
Saketh Ranga
I keep my creativity alive by staying curious about the world around me. Most of my ideas come from the things I do, the people I meet, and the situations I experience. My first feature film, Kismet of Life, which is in post-production right now, grew from small moments and emotions I collected over time, which eventually formed a full story. Read More>>
Mathis Art
When it comes to inspiration and keeping my desire to make cool stuff intact, I feel like for me it’s a bit of a double edged sword. Read More>>
7th Vizion Digital Creations
In the days of artificial ‘everything’ that is quite the profound question to ask. Keeping creativity alive is simple. It comes from your own identity and strengthened through your consistent authenticity. For us at 7VDC, our creativity shines through our art and products we create for our clients. We believe that our customers should show their true selves to the world. Read More>>
Chris Shields
I keep my creativity alive by keeping the flow pure and unhindered. I often liken creativity to the human body—when the flow of blood is blocked, the body suffers. In the same way, creativity suffers when things that don’t belong are allowed to clog the heart and mind. Read More>>
Malka Bobrove
Growing up I was surrounded by creativity, whether in classrooms, community spaces, or simply at home. Music eventually became my focus, but I never felt that it should be the only thing shaping who I am. Read More>>
Tommy O’Sullivan
I think it comes down to having many interests. I don’t focus solely on one pursuit, which has helped me find novel overlaps in unrelated places. Read More>>
Hollie Puterbaugh
Burnout is a real thing that affects so many creators, including myself. I think it is really important for artists to give themselves another outlet of creativity that isn’t their main form. For me, I absolutely love to try all kinds of arts and crafts as well as music! Read More>>
Sunanda Vasudevan
I’m lucky that creativity isn’t just my job. It’s part of how I live. It shows up in small things like the way I make my bed, the meals I cook, the gifts I give, and the way I celebrate people I love. I like putting in that little extra effort so things don’t turn into routines that go unnoticed. Read More>>
Lili Gonzalez
I keep my creativity alive by always experimenting and letting my business inspire me. With my catering and charcuterie boards, I never create the same thing twice. I play with colors, flavors, and textures, and I love finding ways to make every board or grazing table feel unique to the occasion. Read More>>
Elise Mears
I keep my creativity alive by staying curious and exposing myself to new ideas outside of modeling. I find inspiration in art, fashion, travel, and even everyday people—it helps me bring fresh energy into each project. I also like to challenge myself with different types of shoots and concepts, because stepping outside my comfort zone keeps the work exciting. Read More>>
Shea Drury
Creating audio content that entertains and engages both our listeners and ourselves is a constant struggle. Our podcast, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes; History Unhinged, is a labor of love. We do it because we are passionate what we do. But, there is a lot more to creating a fun and engaging podcast than just hitting record and talking. Read More>>
