One of the most challenging aspects of creative work is keeping your creativity alive. If only it was as easy as taking a nap or giving your creative muscles some rest, but as countless creatives have shared with us, keeping one’s creativity alive is something that requires effort and intention. Below, we’ve shared some of those perspectives, stories and advice.
Minnie Lucas
There are different ways I keep creativity alive. I’m always looking at art and learning about different artists. I don’t look at one specific genre or era either. It’s important to look at different types of art to keep an open mind so you’re not staying in a rut. I’m always interested in learning new techniques when creating as well. This past year I’ve been taking a printmaking class at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center. I have learned so many new things and it has encouraged me to experiment more with my art. Read More>>
Rudy Arora and Sarthak Dhawan
We first bonded in middle school, initially over basketball and common classes, but our connection soon grew deeper. As our friendship evolved, we discovered shared dreams and ambitions that led us to become business partners. Read More>>
Larry Brownstein
It’s an interesting question: “How do you keep your creativity alive?” Really, I think, it is creativity that keeps me alive.
Even when I did engineering work it was the creativity that I found interesting. I wasn’t especially fascinated with the devices, hardware, or software, themselves. I was more interested in using my creativity to solve problems. Read More>>
Patrick Cat
I keep my creativity alive by traveling to other cities and countries, visiting museums, always learning new things, reading, and watching movies. All of this constantly helps to nourish my imagination. Breaking the monotony helps new ideas to emerge that keep me interested in creating. Read More>>
Jimmy Ramirez
I was confused about my Creativity. I would see it come and go. I thought that I always needed to be creative in new ways. Splitting my self to do different business related tasks also took from my Creativity. The change I made was to partner up with 3 individuals who share the same passion that I do. But have different strengths and styles. I now can focus on being my self. Read More>>
Fuyen Hsiao
I design app user experience in a world where everything is digital. Yet, my favorite way to flex my creative muscle is by sketching with a analog pocket-sized sketchbook and a ball pen. During my time as a landscape architecture major, I was taught that sketching is the best way to connect with the environment and understand people’s behavior. Since then, I have been sketching streetscape, bridges, buildings, coffee shops, nature…for almost 12 years. Read More>>
Jazmyn Roberson
I keep my creativity alive and ablaze by doing things that may seem impossible to others. Being the one to see something in mind creatively and translate into a form of art as something you can feel and relate to. I love to stay in “Creative Spaces” because it brings out fresh ideas. Your creativity will always be limitless when you’re active in what you love. I love to do the unthinkable so others can see that your mind can create whatever it is that it sees. It’s like seeing the invisible and making it visible. Read More>>
Julia Harding
After my love for designing flowers became more then a hobby, I found myself feeling boxed in. In order to keep my own creative juices flowing, I set up projects along the way that interest me, challenge me, and cater more towards my own style and aesthetic. Sometimes this may be an arrangement for my own kitchen table, or could be a full on styled shoot involving other creatives/vendors. Either way, I enjoy letting my creativity run wild because when I do, I feel like I produce my best work. Read More>>
Jordan Ryan
I like to gain inspiration from everything around me whether it be social media, art, and especially my beautiful clients I try to keep myself current with makeup trends as well as fashion. The beauty industry is growing and changing and I try to do the same. That’s not to say I don’t have blocks or times when less inspired, I think that’s just part of life. In these times I will shift my focus onto other things in my life and not force the creativity. Read More>>
Laura Barsalou
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I had a busy performance schedule. During the shutdown, it was difficult to keep my passion for creating alive as venues and shows were closed. And while more events and entertainment options have opened in 2023, financial burdens on potential clients have significantly slowed bookings for me in my area. It was enough to make me doubt my future as a performer and creative, and I had to really examine where my heart was and whether or not I should retire from performing professionally and focus on teaching. Read More>>
Kristi Diederich
A couple times a year, I make a cookie wishlist. It’s a list of 5-6 themes that I haven’t gotten to do that I would love to do! I offer a 20% discount for whom ever orders one of the sets off the list. The only thing that I require, is that they give me full creative freedom on the set. Being able to let my creative juices flow on a set that I want to do always gives me (and the customer) the best results! Read More>>
Mariah Greenhoff
I’m always making art! I try to get my hands into clay regularly and there’s usually a drawing in progress on my iPad. I just try to keep going, even if I have no idea when I’ll be able to finish the project. Sometimes I have really large gaps of time between when I start and return to a project. I work alone and don’t have many deadlines, so I can finish projects on my own time. I don’t like rushing the process and I usually don’t work on a project if I’m not in the right headspace. Read More>>
Sheritta Love Harris
I find that surrounding myself with others of a creative mind set, it helps to inspire creativity. Even being in nature can spark the feeling of creativity. I often sit on my front porch when the weather is nice and just listen to the sounds of nature, my environment and surroundings. The whistling of the trees, the sound of cars passing by, children playing…its all beautiful and inspiring. Read More>>
Stefanie Lendzian
I find my most creative moments come to me when I am working out , taking my daily walk in nature , and driving in my car listening to a podcast about entrepreneurship. I have a thirst for knowledge and my curiosity has really led me to where I am today . From my past experiences, loosing my mother at a young age I have had the mentality that life is to short and tomorrow is never promised. Take the shot , the worst that can happen is that you learn something and become more wiser than before . Read More>>
Spencer Bristol
I think my job as a whole is an absolute dream in that it affords me so many outlets to be creative. Lashing for example, beyond the technical aspect and skills required, you need to have vision. You have to be able to look at your client, at their brow height, the shape of their eyes, their style, and create a set of lashes that suits them perfectly. I also love to play with fun colors and decals to bring that originality to the next level. Read More>>
Christina Sullivan
I increase my creativity by devoting time to myself just for taking pictures. I set goals and enlist the help of others to bounce ideas off. I like to take about 2 hours a week and just jot down ideas for photoshoots that I want to like to do. Sometimes, I made my husband and kids practice poses or ideas to make sure the idea in my head makes sense aloud. When it comes to building my creative skills, I am willing to take risks to advance my abilities. even though I am always intimidated to share my work with the real world, I do get their input on how I can do a shoot better next time. Read More>>
JazzyfromMemphis
Keeping my creativity alive can be a challenge sometimes. I often find myself in a “writers block” but I believe the main way I get my juices back flowing is to reset. I take a few days to meditate and refocus on what my purpose in music is. I ask myself, “why do I even go as hard as I do?”. I find that answer, use it as motivation and eventually the creative thoughts kick back in. Read More>>
Kimberly Clark
I keep my creativity alive by having an open curious mind. Learning and absorbing is key and this isn’t limited to learning in it’s “traditional sense.” But things like traveling, trying a new sandwich spot, taking up a craft, going to a museum, getting into nature…. just setting your self up for new experiences — and not just for creativity’s sake, but really immersing yourself and being in the moment… maybe something creative will come out of it and maybe not. Read More>>
Cole Mitchek
I was a determined & goal oriented kid. I knew exactly what I wanted, but I didn’t realize that most dreams in life don’t come easily. In some ways I feel lucky that I found my creative style at an early age because it’s afforded me an artistic road to stay on as other areas of my life move in different directions. I think it’s hard to remain creative when the logistics of life get in the way. But because I was so heavily influenced by certain aspects of cinematic history from different filmmakers when I was younger, I used those pure inspirations to guide me creatively as I continue to change. Read More>>
Yurie Ono
I occasionally center my creative process around introspective observations from my daily life, transforming them into expressive works. When grappling with negativity or intrusive thoughts, I channel these emotions into my creations, effectively purging them through artistic expression. Conversely, when confronted with moments of joy and contentment, I intricately weave these experiences into my work, amplifying their impact. Read More>>
Tionna Barksdale
Creativity is in my heart, it’s in my blood line, mind, soul and spirit. I am a naturally drawn to the arts.
I keep my creativity fresh, alive and new because I am always thinking of ways to enhance and elevate my life daily. Read More>>
Joylyn
From my perspective, we keep each other alive. I have also encountered this in my journeys and connections with other people. It is one of the biggest reasons I am who I am, and I do what I do. The balance between creativity, necessity, and all the other various aspects of our individual lives can be so fragile. The majority of us seem to be well-aware that a balance is beneficial; yet, we still struggle to find, achieve and/or maintain balance. There are so many internal and external factors that affect our daily lives and I believe having a creative outlet is extremely important. Read More>>
Liz Lindstrom
When young artists come to me and they are worried about their talent, I always ask about how they see the world. I invite them to describe to me the most beautiful place they’ve ever been, or what do they notice when they go out the door first thing in the morning. Awareness can be brought to both the remarkable and the mundane. I have yet to meet an aspiring artist who is not good at seeing. In the stressors of life, with the sheer volume of things to see, it is an easy boost to our creativity to simply put down our screens and observe our surroundings. Read More>>
Yeshua Perez
Music. Music might be the most important artform in my life. There is so much emotion and passion in music and it feels me with feelings of euphoria. In those moments, I fall into my own little fantasy world and I am inspired to recreate the images, moments, and feelings that I experience. If ever I experience a creative drought, it’s music that always revives me. Read More>>
John Sharp
The best way I keep my creativity alive is by working even when I don’t feel it. Anything good worth pursuing takes work and initiative. The most exciting parts of the type of art I do is going on the hunt for a location that hopefully has the old storefronts or neon signs still in tact, taking the photos, and then going back to my studio to draw it out on canvas. Getting it started and the hours leading up to finishing a piece are a great time. It’s the days or even weeks between, being in the thick of it, that takes real endurance. Read More>>
Shalyn McCullough
I will probably be in the minority when I say I don’t believe you have to have a niche and cut down to only doing one type of session. For me I take on any photography project I would like to. I don’t turn down a family session because I want to primarily shoot boudoir and portraits. Switching it up helps the creativity flow. It keeps me learning and growing as a photographer. I’m not just going through the motions of one type of session over and over again. Read More>>
Vero G.
I’m an artist/entrepreneur. Been making music for a good amount of years. Recently releasing my 5th EP Album Energy out this year. Also dropped a new single called Gone Too Soon. Working on other projects. I also did a doc-film called Gone Too Soon which entails the message of losing a unborn child and how to heal during time.Music has always been a passion of mines especially at a very young age. Read More>>
Codi Anderson
By not staying stagnant. I am always up for a new challenge and to learn how to make something new. One of the most challenging products I had to create were some water bottle holders that attach to the back cinch of a saddle. There was a lot of trial and error and it was very intimidating at first, but in the end I was able to finish them and the customer was happy. It brought me a sense of accomplishment that I was able to succeed. Read More>>
Gayathri Pusuluri
I believe art makes the world a better place. I’m an actress, dancer, and yoga teacher who once dreamed of becoming. Moving to LA and adapting to the city was extremely difficult. Art in the form of acting classes, dance classes and grounding myself with yoga has helped me breathe through the chaos. I feel it is very important to follow a ritual in order to keep yourself still. Read More>>
Mitchell Antesky
Keeping creativity alive is a constant process. When I push myself, I often fall flat. I find it must be organic and as it begins, you must be prepared to let it flow and see where it takes you. Sometimes the path is a dead end, other times it’ll take you off a artistic cliff. I find one project spurs an idea, or ideas, for others. I enjoy the concept of “variations on a theme” where I will try several options and let them build on each other. Sometimes the results are improvements, other times, a step backward. Read More>>
Sherstin Schwartz
For a long time when I was younger, it was hard for me to accept that I was creative. Which sounds very strange given that I’m a full time artist now, but I never thought that I could be creative. It’s almost as if I had to give myself permission to do so. Now I try to honor my inner child but being creative every day. I look at everyday objects, nature, books and movies which a sense of wonder, which then fuels my curious mind. When my mind is curious it is usually bursting with ideas, so I write down as many of them as fast as I can. Read More>>
Marissa Weltin
I am always on social media looking at what other people are doing. It’s great to take inspiration from others and approach their idea in your own, unique way. There are so many trends these days on TikTok and Instagram, and it’s so cool to watch how other creators and photographers use those platforms to share their ideas. Sometimes I’ll hear a song or see a template that I love, so I use that to get me started if I’m in a lull and can’t come up with something 100% original. I think sometimes just doing that helps get the creative juices flowing and sometimes that does lead to a really great idea! Read More>>
Stephanie McMillan
Hey there! I’m a hairstylist who believes that creativity knows no bounds, and I keep my fire alive by continuously expanding my knowledge and skills. Twice a month, I dive headfirst into the world of hair color with Color Space, an incredible hair color company that keeps me updated on the latest trends and techniques. But what truly sets me apart is the amazing team I work with, who share the same love for hair and are always ready to brainstorm and inspire each other. Read More>>
Sonia Jackson
For me, it’s not hard to keep creativity alive because we are surrounded by creativity. We live in a creative universe, and I believe that Creative Universal Power flows through each one of us, expressing itself in different ways. Often, an idea or thought will pop into my head. If I let it take root, it will develop and expand, with new ideas attaching themselves to it. Maybe even create unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. I can choose to explore it, nurturing it into something more significant, or I can let it float on by and never think about it again. Read More>>
Michelle (ML) Huff
Creativity to me is exploration and experimentation. My work has been an experiment for almost 20 years and to this day has so many more avenues I have yet to take. Saying that alone makes me want to stop working on this interview and try something I have been thinking about for a while but just now figured out how to make it work. So, it’s easy to understand that the creativity extends way beyond the brush being on the canvas. Therefore, for me, creativity is never dead. Read More>>
Wally Lafaiete
My creativity thrives through a vibrant tapestry of experiences that have shaped my artistic journey. From the earliest days of my life in Brazil, I’ve been enchanted by the kaleidoscope of sights and sounds that surrounded me, infusing my soul with an enduring inspiration. This profound connection to my homeland laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of creative expression. As I pursued a degree in Graphic Design during my college years, my passion for visual storytelling intensified, and my fascination with capturing moments led me to the realm of photography. Read More>>
Shyam kumar Nair
Following the passion is the best way to keep the creativity alive . Fighting for the dream day and night , inspite of all the odds going against you. Haters will be a common thing for you but fighting against that hatred and building yourself is the best way to shut some mouths. Let the odds be against you ,just keep fighting till the fate surrenders before you and let us make a way for ourself Read More>>
Collin Smith
Sometimes it just strikes you in that moment, out of the blue. Drop what you’re doing and write it down. Practice that riff, memorize the melody, record a rough draft. Some days you have nothing, and you can be completely blank for days, even weeks. I got two other guys in my band so it’s nice to have ideas bounce off of each other. Read More>>
Donna Jones
Curiosity, inspiration, and embracing diversity are the tools that keep creativity alive in our business. One of the ways we keep creativity alive is by remaining curious and teachable. There is always a new perspective that you may not have entertained, so it’s important to view each project as if you are approaching it for the first time. Inspiration can be drawn from everything God created in nature. The unusual angle of a tree can inspire a desk, or an orchid-scented candle may have a wax representation of itself embedded in the candle. Read More>>
Taryn Scher
It’s imperative to keep learning, keep looking to others for inspiration, keep your eyes and ears open all the time.
Inspiration is all around us every single day- you just have to be open to seeing it.
We are constantly looking at our biggest competitors and aspirational competition to see what they’re doing, how they’re approaching PR and how we could apply that to our own clients. Read More>>
