Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the world and one of the most important questions we ask them is around keeping one’s creativity alive. Below, we’ve highlighted some of those responses.

Michelle Künzler

For me, creativity is a fluid and dynamic process. As a production designer, I go through phases where ideas flow effortlessly and others where I struggle to come up with new concepts. To avoid these creative roadblocks, I practice several strategies that help spark my creativity.
One of those strategies is going on walks, observing my environment, and taking in the details around me. Visual stimuli are particularly helpful in giving me ideas for production design. These moments of observation often translate into new ideas for colors, textures, materials, and elements. For instance, while working on my film “Sequoia”, an award-winning sci-fi thriller short, I spent time walking around Burbank, looking at suburban homes. This inspired the setting of the film in a seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood, a choice that visually conveyed the tension between false comfort and an underlying sense of danger.  Read more>>

Alexis Peralta

With a lot of TLC! I treat my creative side the same way I would maintain and foster a relationship. We have our ups and downs. Sometimes, I neglect it because I’m busy. Other times, when my paintings or drawings don’t turn out the way I envisioned, I get frustrated with it. Most of the time, however, I’m in a happy, loving relationship with my creative side, as though it were a lifelong partner – and honestly, that’s exactly what it is! Read more>>

Gavin Raetz

I have found that the best way to keep my creativity alive is by finding inspiration from a lot of different places. I love looking at the work of other photographers as it always gives me new ideas and pushes me to try different things. Honestly, just getting out of the house with my camera is huge for me. Even if I don’t have a plan, I always seem to find something cool to shoot. A lot of my favorite photos have come from just being in the right place at the right time, and I think those unplanned moments are what keep me excited about what I do! Read more>>

Ben Umansky Shira Keshet

Creativity flows from the heart, with the mind serving as the bridge to bring it into reality. It’s about embracing what’s within us and making the most of what we have. Many people struggle with creative blocks, but I’ve learned from my personal experience that the key isn’t to fight it—it’s to lean into it. For instance, if you’re experiencing writer’s block, write about the block itself: what it feels like, how it’s affecting you, or what it might be trying to tell you. By listening to your heart and following your passions without fixating on results, creativity begins to flow naturally. The most inspired ideas often surface when you least expect them—when you’re simply enjoying the process and fully present in the moment. Read more>>

Rakhi Jha

I’m a self taught artist and that too I started to teach myself after being a professional architect for 20 years. I am what many may call a somewhat ‘brave’ artist. I am not afraid of experimenting, trying new art mediums or pushing the boundaries of either my skills or what my art materials can do for me. I think this has been the biggest factor in keeping my creativity alive. I like trying new things, new mediums, new techniques and because of that, I keep getting new ideas and challenges. Also I do many types of artwork and not just wall art. I do art on furniture, unique decor pieces, even preserved flower jewelry. I feel this variety in my wok keeps the creative juices flowing Read more>>

Jason Leo

I keep my creativity alive through storytelling and speculative world-building. By imagining alternate futures, I’m not only opening doors to fresh perspectives but also reflecting on the present and the past to deepen my understanding of the world. I embrace diversity, knowing that hearing and sharing stories beyond my own enriches my creative vision. Connecting with different voices inspires me to explore shared narratives while continuing to value my originality. Read more>>

Melissa Mclaughlin

Keeping creativity alive for me has come from allowing my mind to wander, essentially staring at a wall and surrendering my mind to all abstract thoughts that may come through. This strategy allows me to actually cling onto an idea and execute it. I’ve had moments where I’ve tried to draw inspiration from the internet and various other artists, but I quickly become overwhelmed by all of the information to take in and can never fully land on a decision. Read more>>

Katy Tombaugh

I’m compelled to answer this question because I’m someone who previously saw myself at “not very creative”. Decades later, I’m pleased to share this perspective has shifted dramatically, and I now see my creativity as not only one of my defining strengths but as a trait that all humans are gifted with should they choose to nurture it. Read more>>

Jo Mattison

Creating art through painting has been in my blood since birth. I’ve been around a while now, and the two most asked questions I still get are: 1. Where do you get your inspiration from? 2. How long does it take to finish a painting? The first question is all about keeping my creativity going and flowing from my hand (and brain) to the canvas. The second question is hard to answer because the time it takes me to finish a painting varies a lot depending in size and complexity. Back to the first question, ss an abstract expressionist painter, I follow my intuition. I am guided by a feeling and/or an impression, but mostly it’s a whisper from somewhere deep within. Read more>>

Wendy Cox

At times, portrait photography can feel very stifling. Everyone wants a “good” picture of themselves or their family, where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera. There is nothing wrong with that type of photo, but I found that I wanted more and wanted to be able to give more than that. I wanted the photographs I deliver to families to be more than just a pretty picture. I want them to be a priceless memory that takes them back to what it felt like to be in that moment, and that stage of life. I found educators that could teach me how to photograph in a more emotive way, and I practiced a lot. I learned that what inspires me is shooting outdoors and in natural environments. When I put people in these types of locations, they are able to be more themselves. I have found that shooting to capture a personality instead of a pose helps me expand, not limit, my creativity. Read more>>

Kenya Moss-dyme

I think when you’re a creative, you’re always a creative. It’s in you. It’s literally a part of you. Some days, it may not shine as brightly as other days, but those are the times that I switch it up. I have many passions and talents! For instance, if I’m feeling something like writer’s block and can’t seem to get ahead on a particular story, then I’ll switch to a different story and work on that for a while. Or I may take a break from writing altogether and do something else. Since I’ve gotten into the business of sublimation, including making stickers and things, I have an entire craft studio in my basement. So I can go down there and create all kinds of things! I’ll come up with accessories for my book characters or just make something fun and pretty that I’ve seen on a YouTube video. That might awaken some fresh ideas for whichever book(s) I’m working on. Rinse and repeat. When you’re truly a creative spirit, there’s never any down time when you’re creating something, even if it’s all in your head. Read more>>

Malik Lowery

I keep my creativity alive by constantly evaluating my life or life itself and all the experiences we have during it. Life throws something different at you every day and it really serves as my inspiration when it comes to my music. For example, I have a song called “Argue (feat. Meme Too Bougie & Safiya Jin)”. The song is an “Argument” or conversation between a male and a female who are dating and having relationship issues. Each party takes a turn expressing themselves to the other in order to try and gain an understanding and fix the issue. Safiya Jin’s part is in representation of the main thought that is going through anyone in this situations mind as they are about to engage in the argument or conversation…”I don’t wanna argue, I don’t wanna fight”.  Read more>>

Ray Hanna

Creativity is fueled by observation and boundless reimagination. To be truly creative, one must closely observe others—watching their interactions, habits, failures, and triumphs, as well as the scenarios they navigate. From there, the creative process involves reimagining the possibilities by asking “What if?” This exploration continues as long as curiosity intersects with these social observations, allowing creativity to flourish and evolve. Also Creativity requires being open to all opinions, possibilities and other views. Read more>>

Aaron Kirchmaier

I try my best to live. Any kind of creative expression needs to *express* something. For me, living authentically fuels that expression.

It’s easy to fall into these mental patterns where output needs to be perpetual, but I’m not convinced it works that way. At least as a means to make works that are powerful and captivating and authentic. I see it as a daily conversation with oneself. Sometimes you make some really great things day in and day out. Sometimes you just sit and study and think about what’s in progress. Sometimes you don’t even open the studio door, and I think that part is okay. You gotta reload the tank with chaotic hardcore shows, and tasty snacks. Maybe a little love or some new friendventures. Go see a body horror movie even though it’s yuck. Take a walk with a new indie playlist. Just catch the vibe, yknow. Then you get to bring it back around and brain vomit all the cool new experience you have to share. Tell the canvas how life’s been, even if it’s bad. Then we rinse and repeat until forever because we’re artists and that’s what we do. Read more>>

David Grossmann

Keeping a sense of purpose in each day helps to keep my creativity alive. As an artist, and I think this can be true of any job, my work can easily become too much of my focus. I am grateful that this work is something I deeply love, grateful every time that I step into my studio. But my main purpose in each day is to love God and to love people. So when I step into my studio, I try to keep that in mind, and try to remember that what the world around me needs is that love, whether it comes through a painting that I make or through being involved in my family and in our community. Read more>>

Justin Horstmann

I’m lucky that creativity has always been naturally present in my psyche & life; it’s just a part of who I am. Keeping it alive, therefore, feels more like an exercise of maintenance, in which the most important thing seems to be staying committed to having fun. If I enjoy the creation process, it feels like a relaxing and therapeutic escape. I’m mindful to avoid mental traps like comparison, overworking concepts to death in the pursuit of perfection, and spending unnecessary energy on things that don’t further the craft (doom-scrolling or watching instructional videos is not the same as actually doing the work). I’m kind to myself, believing that creativity is accessed when all the other essentials of life, like physical health and obligations, are addressed and balanced. Read more>>

Jack Adamant

Creativity can be tricky, and it doesn’t always flow consistently. Sometimes it comes naturally, like an urge to write a new song, while at other times, it needs a little encouragement. I find inspiration in many ways, whether it’s discovering new bands, watching music videos (which still have that 90s charm for me), listening to fresh podcasts, or diving into a great read. For me, creativity isn’t tied to a single source but rather to a state of mind. There are times when I won’t write anything for a month, and then there are days when I’ll complete multiple songs in one sitting. When working on a new song, I try to at least build a structure or create a solid starting point so I can revisit it the next day. It’s all about keeping the process fluid and being open to wherever inspiration strikes. Read more>>

Maia Sylba

I am keeping my creativity alive with every breath I take, every glance I cast, every detail I notice around me. It is something that was born with me, sometimes even stronger than I am, yet it is always present, pulsing quietly in the background, a steady force guiding me. I feel it, I live with it…it has been part of me from the very beginning. Without it, I would not be me. Read more>>

Dennis Bradley

As a band, Mimic are always looking for new opportunities to showcase our music and we are constantly learning new material. Colorado’s front range has a vibrant music scene, and a lot of great events and venues to perform at. Since we started this band 3 years ago, we have been able to branch out and play more and more venues in different cities and towns. We started out primarily in Colorado Springs and Woodland Park, but have also played in Castle Rock, Canon City, Cripple Creek, and Monument. In 2025, we hope to break into even more markets – the Denver area and Pueblo – but we are also seeking those “hidden” opportunities as well; the locations that we haven’t thought of yet. New venues and new faces in the crowd fuel our enthusiasm, but it’s always nice to see familiar faces in the crowd from our faithful followers – many of whom advocate for us and help us book gigs in new locations. Just as important, as a band we are always suggesting new material to each other and learning more songs. Read more>>

May Alamar

In my eyes, keeping my creativity alive is the same as simply being alive. I’ve always had a distinct sense of style, even from a young age, and designing allows me to nurture and express it. The encouragement of my friends and family has been a constant source of motivation, pushing me to grow creatively. I challenge myself regularly, finding inspiration everywhere I go. When I face creative blocks, I overcome them by exploring new patterns or experimenting with different mediums. It’s this continuous cycle of exploration and expression that keeps my creativity thriving. Read more>>

Aidan Blank

When I was still studying for my undergrad, I had a conversation with one of the design and tech faculty members of my theatre program. The main focus of our short discussion was how to keep “loving what you do”; a topic I had been struggling with during my time in college and even since. Since theatre is inherently about creation, and I was myself a creator of theatre, I repeatedly felt stumped by my creativity’s inability to stretch further and further from my comfort zone. It only took a pandemic and countless video call script readings to realize what I was doing wrong. To continue to create, even in times of complete creative desolation, you need to have an intense and insatiable hunger for what it is that you do. Enough of a desire and want that you begin to:
“See Theatre Everywhere” Read more>>

Kathleen Kane-murrell

I have been thinking a lot about keeping creativity alive as I prepare for a solo show in Spring 2025 at Sparks Gallery in San Diego. As an art educator as well as a visual artist, my brain is engaged in questions and research. I am curious how other artists arrive at their work and lives as creatives. Trying to explain this to children has made me boil down to the essence of what it means to lead a creative life.
There is a strong pull towards what works but I believe that pull can result in stagnant, repetitive work. Experimentation –sometimes in the smallest work, often never seen by anyone else, prods me towards “what if”. Trusting process, not results is important. It took me years to really know what this means. Read more>>

Rashel Li

To keep my creativity alive, I immerse myself in interconnected worlds of ideas, disciplines, and perspectives. I find inspiration in the tension between seemingly disparate fields—like curating, game design, and writing—and in allowing them to inform one another.

For me, creativity thrives when I stay curious and open to non-human narratives, exploring how animals, plants, and even artificial intelligence might critique or reimagine the world. I often draw on philosophy, such as Donna Haraway’s Chthulucene, to challenge human-centric ways of thinking and envision new ways of making kin with the Earth and its inhabitants. Read more>>

Jerome “buzzy” Hughes

Keeping my creativity alive comes from staying connected to the things that shaped me. Growing up in Trenton, living in my family’s funeral home, was such a unique experience. My brother and I would tell each other stories at night before we fell asleep, and that’s where my imagination really got its spark.

These days, music is a big part of keeping that spark alive. I’m all about funk and jazz from the seventies—that groove just does something to me. I’ll throw on a playlist, let it fill the room, and suddenly I’m in the zone. Read more>>

Kairon Manzano

I take inspiration from of different things and people. For one I always try to incorporate my culture and heritage into the things I’m doing and coming from Trinidad and Tobago, we have an abundance of inspiration. I see everything around me it may be the colors, music, art, history anything that I can use to inspire me when creating. I also take inspiration from other creatives that I look up to across the industry Read more>>

Dominique Kohlmeyer

With my creativity it’s really a big part of who I am, I really enjoy doing anything creative like cooking, interior design, gardening etc… ever since i was really young though i loved fashion and the runway… There are times as with anyone in the creative industry that you really doubt yourself and the work you’re doing that’s when I really start struggling with my creative spark…what helps me then is to just take a break and do other things i really enjoy…spending time in nature helps immensely really just surrounding myself with anything that inspires me…I find sometimes just being alone and spending time with myself, my thoughts without the noise is what really helps me get to the core of who I am and what inspires me… Read more>>

Rachel Hausmann-schall

As an artist, I believe that it’s essential to keep yourself fulfilled with lots of stimuli – books, tv shows, movies, podcasts, events, music, etc. It’s important to always be looking at things and taking notice of what catches your eye. A fellow educator I worked with for many years always said, “Pay attention to what you pay attention to.” That has always stuck with me. I think it means that you should try to understand what types of things you are drawn to, because that’s most likely what inspires you. It could be the way a shadow dances on the floor, how the corner of a room comes together, or perhaps the shape of the moon or the texture of fall leaves crunching beneath your feet. It can be really difficult to slow down and take a second to pay attention to these things, but I feel like I’m always trying to hone in on my observation skills, and that includes a lot of looking, listening, and contemplating. Read more>>

Anna Richardson

I always like to keep it alive by looking at my son and keeping hope alive and look at my son and what what’s best and give him a better life. Read more>>

Suchi

I’ve always had a creative eye, even as a child, and I tend to see things from a unique perspective. However, like everyone, I experience creative slumps—sometimes brief, sometimes lasting days—when my inspiration wanes. During these periods, I disconnect and take a break, perhaps sketching something unrelated or, rarely, stepping away from drawing altogether. I return to my work when I’m re-energized and ready to pursue my passion again. As the saying goes, “When you’re tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” Read more>>

Xinhui Wang

As a filmmaker, keeping creativity alive often requires actively nurturing the spark that first drew me to storytelling. As many would do, I try to watch or rewatch a film everyday. Rewatching a film after time has passed is like meeting an old friend with fresh eyes—I notice details and layers I missed before. Rewatching lets me focus on craft. Why did they choose this shot? How did they structure the pacing? It’s like a free masterclass in storytelling. Sometimes I take inspiration directly; other times, it’s just the nudge I need to try something bold. Films have a way of resonating differently at different points in life. Maybe a scene that felt funny before now feels bittersweet. Understanding why my reaction changed deepens my appreciation for storytelling and reminds me of the emotional power I want to channel in my own work. Read more>>

Amanda Morris

Being a Fine Artist who doesn’t quite get a chance to draw and paint as frequently as I used to ( we all have our seasons,) I use the mobile photos I capture of my children and the locations we explore as a continuation of my creativity as an artist. I love to photograph the moments and use different compositions and Lightroom editing to create aesthetic photos as well as to fully illustrate the feeling in that moment with my children. I aim for my photos to tell the stories and portray the fun and feelings of joy and amazement depending on the places we explore and enjoy. And I can only hope that others will enjoy them as well. Read more>>

Xudong Zhu

Creativity, to me, thrives at the intersection of diverse experiences, multidisciplinary thinking, and constant engagement with the world around me. My journey in architecture and urban design has been shaped by a commitment to exploring new ideas and adapting to diverse scales, contexts, and cultures.

My academic and professional background spans architecture, urban design, and planning, enabling me to view challenges from multiple perspectives. This multidisciplinary foundation was built during my studies at Tongji University in Shanghai, Politecnico di Milano, and Harvard GSD. At each institution, I engaged with unique approaches to design: the technical rigor of Shanghai, the artistic sensibility of Milan, and the critical thinking culture of Boston. These experiences taught me that creativity lies in bridging different fields—combining technical precision with bold artistic vision, and balancing ecological sustainability with urban functionality. Read more>>

Gilford Larbi Agyire

Creativity, to me, is the ability to develop new ideas, build upon existing ones, or improve what already exists. To keep creativity alive, you need a combination of drive and hunger—whether it’s the desire to solve problems, express your vision, or share your unique perspective. It doesn’t always have to be both of these qualities; it can be one or the other, or even a balance of both. Read more>>

Terry Thomas

For me, creativity is a huge part of my life. Ever since I was a kid, music has always been the closest thing to my heart. I am a self-proclaimed music geek who loves & knows nearly everything when it comes to music and it has been a huge part of my life because that was all I heard growing up. My mom and my dad are music lovers, but my dad was also a singer. There is not one genre that has been untouched as I enjoy everything, but I absolutely love R&B and pop music. I honestly can’t imagine my life without music as it is one of the few things in life that keeps me sane. Read more>>

Shengxuan Hu

My identity and cultural background provide me with abundant creative inspiration. As a gay individual, I reflect on the existence and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, approaching these issues from the perspective of someone within a sexual minority.

As a designer from Wuhan, China, I naturally view design through a cross-cultural lens. In my project Echoes, I delve into the influence of Taiwanese campus folk music on contemporary Asian culture, tracing its historical impact and cultural resonance in today’s society. Read more>>

Brooke Simmons

There are two great ways to keep the creativity fresh:

Connecting with Couples

Every couple’s story is unique, and I aim to weave their personalities and love into every detail of their wedding. When I meet with clients, I listen closely to their dreams and preferences, digging deep to understand what makes their love story special. This personalized approach keeps every project fresh and meaningful. Read more>>

Mandelious Mcneil

I keep my creativity alive by constantly feeding it and drawing inspiration from everything around me. Rather that be my peers, interactions, my emotions, or other mediums of art besides my own. New experiences and implementing the use of new tools also play a vital role in keeping my creative spirit afloat. Read more>>

Kaleb Harden

I keep my creativity alive by trying new things. Wether I am designing new clothes, making new videos, or exploring a completely new creative venture, I always strive to try something different than I’ve done before. I also get bored once I do things more than once the same way. I’ve used this to always allow myself to tweak each project a little differently so I can remain engaged in my work. Read more>>

Amandalyn Burson

As a photographer, I find that creativity and inspiration comes in many ways but whenever I am in a creative rut or feel burnt out, REST almost always helps! It’s so important to take breaks, close the laptop, put down the camera and really give your mind a chance to relax and make space for new ideas. You can’t always be absorbing information and expect to create like a machine. You have to take time to be still and let boredom creep in. Sometimes, in rest, I will practice other creative skills and allow myself to be really really bad at them! Paint, color, dance, sing, bake – anything that is outside of my usual wheelhouse and takes the pressure and stress off of trying to create for profit or business. Rest is how to keep that creativity alive! Read more>>

Pesotaxin

I keep my creativity alive by constantly challenging myself to try new things and pushing beyond my limits each year. I make it a point to outdo myself, setting higher standards and exploring fresh ideas. Being surrounded by a talented, creative team also fuels my drive, as their innovative approaches inspire me to continuously grow and improve as a creator. This combination of self-motivation and collaborative energy keeps my creativity thriving. Read more>>

Denise Clarke

I keep my creativity alive by being alive. We are all creators and creative, but can forget this when we lean into negative feedback. As living beings, it is in our nature to be creative. It’s the essence of our existence. Fear and insecurity can be loud or distracting, but when I choose fearlessness and choose joy, I find myself connected to creativity in its purest form. Read more>>

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