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.

Hannah Carmody

I keep my creativity alive by constantly challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s creating new dance cardio routines, building themed playlists, or hosting unique classes like birthday or bachelorette parties, I always look for inspiration in the energy of my community. Connecting with people—their stories and their goals—helps me build something bigger. Even small moments—like seeing someone light up during class or requesting their favorite song—fuel my drive to keep things fresh and fun. Remember to lean into what excites you creatively—you never know who you might inspire. Read more>>

Natali Starikova

How do I keep my creativity alive? It’s almost like keeping track of your house keys — it’s always with you as long as you know how to unlock the door. Creativity isn’t some kind of magic; it’s simply your ability to be yourself, without hiding or holding back. The more you open up, the more space there is for it, and the easier it stays with you. I believe the creative process is a sort of dance with your personality. Sometimes, you just need to let yourself be impulsive, to act spontaneously, and let emotions flow into your work. Read more>>

Erin Shank

The best way for me to keep my creativity alive is by making time for personal projects. In any creative industry you have to follow trends and stay relevant, but I think you can do that and still keep your personal voice. Even if something is trendy and popular, I strive to make it unique and very “on-brand” for my art. It can be challenging to fit this in when there will always be something you can do on the business side of things, but it’s so important to do more than just the next job. It took me some time to work personal projects into my schedule and can sometimes be difficult when there is so much to get done, but it has made a different not only in creative growth, but I think it bleeds over into doing better for my clients as well so it’s a win win! Read more>>

Justyn Scott

The best way I find to keep my creativity alive is through inspiration. I look at what other artists do in all forms of media and take little bits of ideas from so many varieties of art and put it in my art. I see what people are making and run with ideas that stem from others. I love the way that creatives bounce ideas off each other and can come up with such cool things. Read more>>

Mayowa Nwadike

I see art everywhere and in everything, all the time. Given the right perspective, I can find inspiration anywhere, maybe especially amidst mundanity, or what may seem benign. Finding inspiration is more about deciding what to focus on, than seeking focus somewhere. But if and when there are times when seemingly nothing is capturing my attention, I can dip into past ideas I have stored away. I consider my memory to be a storage chest, with artifacts I collect for safekeeping when I feel uninspired, I consult my vault and can retrieve a treasure.
But of course, great work does not manifest in isolation, and my own experiences can only translate so much, that I am constantly learning from peers and other artists. Everyone has their perspective and process, which can refocus my attention on aspects of my artistic practice I might have overlooked. But inspiration is about more than just ideas, it is also about drive. I gain my drive in large part through my collaborations with other artists.  Read more>>

Ilan Gutin

Keeping my creativity alive is all about staying curious and open to trying new things. With my background in art, I’ve always been drawn to exploring different ideas and pushing myself to think outside the box. Whether it’s diving into a new project or finding a fresh way to solve a problem, I like to challenge myself—it keeps things exciting and keeps me growing.

I also stay involved in a mix of creative endeavors, both as an artist and a curator. I love bouncing between the two because they feed into each other so naturally. Working with other artists and helping bring their visions to life often sparks ideas for my own work, and vice versa. It’s like this ongoing cycle of inspiration that keeps me engaged. Read more>>

Natalie & Naomi Vasquez

Hi! We’re Natalie, 26, and Naomi, 24, co-owners of VasXSalon in Upland, CA. We launched our salon over two years ago, driven by our passion for hairstyling and helping our clients achieve their hair goals.

To keep our creativity thriving, we stay updated on current trends by exploring social media platforms and observing what’s popular in our industry. We also find inspiration at music festivals, where we love seeing how people express their individuality through their outfits and styles. Additionally, we pay close attention to our clients’ requests during consultations and appointments. Read more>>

Yichen Pan

From a young age, I’ve been a big fan of fantasy films and fiction. They’ve shaped how I view the world and approach my work, inspiring me with their ability to create “other” realities—worlds where people feel empowered, connect with emotions, and imagine new possibilities. This love for world-building led me to the field of interactive media and games, where I can design immersive experiences that evoke the same wonder and agency I’ve always admired in those stories. Read more>>

Todd Janeczek

Well basically I keep my creative spark burning by shifting focus on projects from time to time. Inspiration isn’t always there at the moment for what I want to do and sometimes just putting pen to paper or picking up the guitar or paintbrush just isn’t working. At that point I allow myself to move to another project for the moment where I feel the spark the most. Eventually I will come back to what I was working on originally, could be in a few minutes, a few days or weeks but I will come back to it.
I’m good at being singularly focused on a project but I find forcing it gets piss poor results there is no faking it. Read more>>

Kara Burton

I’ve found great access to creativity in through an openness to synchronicity.
There are so many meaningful moments of coincidence in my daily life that can speak to further artistic ideas if I pay closer attention.
For me, creativity is more about an alignment with these serendipitous moments, which I then work forward to my art.
When I travel especially in New York, I have purposefully chosen to go with the flow when details change. By maintaining a belief in myself and the power of synchronicity in my life, I have made the seemingly impossible become possible, while improving my access to creativity in the process.
Staying open to the universe’s dance between myself and others has been most rewarding for my creative pursuits in photography, especially black-and-white street photography.
I’m so grateful that moments I’ve captured and shared resonate with so many people from all different walks of life. Read more>>

Jazelle Foster

You know what’s funny? I actually approach creativity like I was taught in acting school – as a well that you have to keep filling. It’s not just about waiting for inspiration to strike. As an actor-turned-digital marketer, I’ve learned that creativity is a muscle you can train, not just some magical spark that comes and goes.

Here’s what I mean: Sometimes I’m working with a client and I’m just not feeling that immediate connection to their brand. Instead of forcing it, I’ll ask myself a fun question to get things rolling. Like, what would this brand’s theme song be? What does it smell like? It sounds wild, but using sensory details can unlock a whole new way of seeing things. I had this skincare client once, and I was stuck until I started thinking about their brand as a spa playlist – suddenly everything clicked. Read more>>

Caroline Laporte

Feeling inspired and creative is what makes me feel alive. Unfortunately, after years of struggling to find balance, harmony, and joy in creating, I came to a harsh realization that I might never create or dance again if I remained in the life, environment, setting, and priorities I was in. This is when I decided to face and honestly answer this simple question: “What is stopping the flow of creativity in me?”
Three clear answers came to my mind then: my current home environment, the digital world in which we are living with over-complicated processes, tools, and technologies, along with the self-acceptance of how much I can achieve on a daily basis. Read more>>

Melinda Joseph

Creativity for me is about transformation; turning life’s challenges into meaningful expressions of beauty and connection. From a young age, I discovered the power of creativity when I realized I could sing at just six years old. I’ve often felt alone but my inner world has always been filled with magic and endless possibilities. Uncovering that inner magic opened the door to a lifelong journey of self-taught exploration, from writing songs and poetry to crafting visual stories on YouTube. Each outlet has become a way to translate emotions and experiences into something tangible and deeply personal. It has become a form of therapy for me. Read more>>

Adam Okimatsu

Keeping your creativity alive can be really challenging. I think one of the most important ways to do that is by giving yourself the space and availability to be creative, and allowing your mind to be in a state to accept creativity. Entertainment is so easily accessible whether it be through Instagram, Tik Tok, Netflix, etc… and, for me at least, when I’m watching something like that my mind is tuned into whatever it is I’m watching. Personally I find myself most creative or have new ideas when I’m bored or doing tasks that don’t require much thinking (dishes, laundry, etc…). To keep your creativity alive I think its important to be comfortable being bored and not constantly entertained.
I also think staying curious and wanting to push the needle forward is important in keeping your creativity alive. As a wedding photographer, during the busy season it can be easy to fall back to the same setups or ways of doing things.  Read more>>

Melanie Bell

I stay creative by pulling inspiration from all over. Sometimes it’s as simple as a can in the drink aisle or a sunset. I had a design I’d put on hold last year because I just couldn’t figure out what it needed, but the other day I saw a sunset that was so stunning and everything clicked. The colors pulled from it are perfect for the new design. Working with my team is also a big part of it. We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other, and that helps keep everything fresh. Read more>>

Shaked Shachar

I like to keep my creativity by engaging in different forms of music-making and performing – whether it is to write music for films and music libraries, or performing music at concerts and community events like ‘Saturday Soul’ – a monthly gathering of people in LA who meet together to be inspired and inspire each other through singing together, meditation and conversations. I especially love improvising at jam sessions to get inspired and find ideas that couldn’t be thought of while writing music on your own. Read more>>

Dylan Parra

I feel like creativity is something you can’t really control but instead you can influence. It’s within you, something you feel, typically influenced by something you’ve felt, something you’ve done, something you’ve seen, someone you’ve met, something you heard, or even an experience you had. And so when I feel like I’m at a stopping point with my creativity wether that be writers block, being uninspired or maybe I just don’t feel that spark like I did before I try to simply just put myself out there somehow. For example: go to a show, collaborate with a fellow artist, jam with that friend you’ve been wanting to jam with, listen to that record you’ve been putting off or even if it’s not “art” related you could take a walk (I find exercise helps a ton), go on a trip, go out and experience life and just maybe you’ll come back with that spark again. Read more>>

Scott Newman

For me, creativity is a choice. With every design, performance or project I try to approach it from a place of openness and originality, The more I can channel my experiences to find my unique point of view for that work, the better the outcome. From my client projects with Sonos, Netflix or MoMA, to my creative agency’s own sound and storytelling festival, On Air Fest, each day offers opportunities to innovate. I try to always ask, is this the right approach for right now, by me, and the only approach that I uniquely can take? If yes, it’s likely a good pursuit. Read more>>

Katherine Smits

The great news about creativity is that as humans, we’re all born creative. However, it’s important to nurture the imagination and originality we were born with. For me, it’s a matter of looking at the world in my own unique way and allowing myself to see things upside down or sideways, even if that’s not how anyone else sees them. Letting go of worrying about what other people think is probably the best way to start getting in touch with our own originality. Read more>>

Emmie Levy

I keep my creativity alive by staying deeply connected to the mission and heart of The Emmie Effect.

My name is Emmie Levy, founder of The Emmie Effect, I am a confidence and manifestation coach for children and young adults. The Emmie Effect was born from my own journey of self-belief and manifesting my dreams—dancing alongside Usher in the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show—and it continues to evolve as I work to inspire others to do the same. Every day, I’m fueled by the opportunity to bring light, positivity, and confidence into the lives of those I work with. Whether I’m running my Emmie Effect events at schools, hosting at camps, or even creating personalized experiences in someone’s home, I find endless inspiration in seeing participants connect with themselves and their potential.  Read more>>

Leonie Leiprecht

I truly believe that there can’t be any creativity without inspiration. Which is why I have gotten really good at finding inspiring things/people/places in my life. Of course we can be inspired by books, paintings and movies that make us want to be creative as well but what inspires me the most is the “real world”. Human interactions, a tiny flower growing next to a concrete street, random acts of kindness, heartbreak and the stories of other people. Once you get into the habit of finding inspiration everywhere you go your creative energies will flow effortlessly.
I also think it’s important to always experiment with new ways of being creative. I like to use my creativity mostly in my acting but there are so many different ways to express this creativity. Let’s say I receive a new script and get to bring a character to life. Sometimes I like to make playlists that this person would listen to, or I make collages of what their room/life/style would look like, or I go out in public, go on a train and just sit there and observe people. What mannerism of other people can I use for my character and what does it feel like when I do them? Read more>>

Zo’i (miss Bii) Graestonne

I like to challenge myself and try every type of art medium to see how I can replicate my imagination in the physical world. I like to learn, and love to try new things! I’ve been told my whole life I have a vivid imagination and I’m always inspired by my environments or people around me. Often I have very different takes on creative tasks, as I live more than part time in my own head where I’ve created worlds and characters that interact with one another in ways that reflect my favorite movies or TV or books that captured my attentions and enthusiasm for the whimsical. Read more>>

Cedric Gegel

These are difficult times, and I think creativity can have a tendency to be the first spark to go out when the storms come in. It’s definitely something that has to be nurtured.

Obviously, being in film, watching movies is a big creative inspiration. Most recently, I’ve found myself pretty moved by Jon Chu’s WICKED, Ingmar Bergman’s WILD STRAWBERRIES, and Ernesto Contreras’ WHERE THE TRACKS END. All of them made me cry. I think they all reflected some part of myself back at me, and when films can do that, it’s a natural spark for creativity – all my scripts come from some question I’m asking myself or some part of me that I’m trying to understand better. All the characters I play spring out of some aspect of me – but that’s where the imagination takes over. When art can help me see myself a bit more clearly, I have an instinctual response of creativity. If I stop engaging with cinema, how am I supposed to create it? The same is true of theatre. I try to go see it, whether it’s Broadway or Off-Broadway or regional or a cabaret or some little blackbox. There’s great art all over that inspires me. Read more>>

Brymax Brothers

The BryMax Brothers’ creativity stems from their passion for trying new things and embracing new adventures. This adventurous spirit drives the essence of their streams, where they explore unique events, sample exciting food items, and travel to fascinating destinations. By stepping out of their comfort zones and diving into the unknown, the BryMax Brothers bring fresh, engaging content to their audience, making every stream an opportunity to discover something new and exciting together. Their ability to turn every experience into an entertaining journey is what sets them apart and keeps their community coming back for more. Read more>>

Garian Duval

I keep my creativity alive by continuing to find new outlets to be creative, which is much more simpler than it sounds. Last year I created two new series on my main Instagram page. One series is called “GMAN Eatzzz” where I review local Raleigh restaurants, and another series called “GMAN Goes too” which is for when i go to bars or clubs in the city. Both series have helped both my creativity and my page flourish with a new set of followers. Read more>>

Sarah Mischker

My art comes from my need to share my stories, my memories and experiences while also wanting to understand those same things for myself. It’s how I process my life. With that in mind, my creativity requires feeling. Seeking out things that make me feel something, things that make me laugh, cry, get angry, is key to a continuing relationship with my creativity. Poetry, fantasy books, movies, nature walks, music, a majestic landscape, love, a really good meal; these are a few things that creatively charge me and inspire me to make. I cannot create when I am numb to the world. Read more>>

Rodney Bowman

Set myself creative challenges to push my boundaries and think outside the box. I’m always thinking of things to set myself apart. There has been times when Im sleeping and dream of something creative and woke up and write it down so I wouldn’t forget.

I like to interact with people and ask questions, and I’ve noticed that I’ve been able to piece together good ideals by asking the right questions and listening. Read more>>

Yutong (yetta) Xu

I draw my resilience from the small moments in everyday life—preparing a simple meal, feeling the breeze in a garden, or rediscovering childhood memories. These seemingly ordinary experiences ground me and inspire my creativity, especially during challenging times.

Creating artworks has taught me that the process itself—experimenting with materials, crafting stories, and sketching fleeting ideas—can restore strength. My sketchbook, in particular, is a constant source of resilience. Flipping through its pages, I rediscover moments that remind me of my ability to adapt and persevere. Whether at home or traveling, it’s always with me, ready to capture the small wonders I encounter and reconnect me with the world.
For me, resilience is a cycle: life’s simple moments inspire my art, and creating art restores my strength, helping me move forward with purpose and joy. Read more>>

Mengru Zhou

I don’t think creativity is something you “maintain,” really. It feels more like breathing—a constant exchange with the world around you. If anything, I think it’s about keeping that flow alive rather than holding onto it.

For me, creativity often comes from a sense of “estrangement.” When we grow too familiar with our surroundings or too comfortable with our ways of expression, we stop seeing things for what they are. So, I try to re-examine the familiar, whether it’s the way light filters through a leaf outside my window or the rhythm of an ordinary day. It’s in these overlooked moments that I often find the urge to create. Read more>>

Alexander Wells

By creating what I love. If I’m not 100% in love with a project, I put it down and get to work on something else. This attitude allows me the freedom to concentrate on what fuels my passion and avoid what doesn’t.

It also helps to not give myself deadlines. I create at my leisure, and that has allowed my imagination to thrive. If I was creating daily for the sake of content, I’d be burned out really quick. Read more>>

Stephanie Hawkins

I keep my creativity alive by staying open to the little moments that bring me joy and spark my imagination. Taking Cooper, my rescue dog, on hikes at the lake lets me soak in the calming beauty of nature, from the way sunlight filters through the trees to the subtle shifts in the colors of the water. I also love the excitement of discovering new yarns or experimenting with color combinations that remind me of those outdoor adventures. These everyday moments keep my work feeling personal and inspired, and they’re a big part of why I love what I do. Read more>>

Alana Palmer

As an artist, I keep my creativity alive by constantly seeking inspiration from the world around me. I explore new environments, engage with other creatives, and challenge myself to try different mediums or techniques. Staying curious and open to learning keeps my ideas fresh, while taking time to reflect helps me refine my vision. Read more>>

Marko Medic

I keep my creativity alive by staying curious and open to new experiences. I make it a point to explore things outside my usual scope—whether it’s reading, trying new hobbies, or collaborating with different creatives. I also believe in taking breaks when needed; stepping away often gives me a fresh perspective. For me, creativity thrives when you stay inspired and challenge yourself constantly. Read more>>

Jarrod Cox

I’ve always been a creative person growing up. I’d often draw and create things when I was younger. Over the years I became interested in artwork and video making. I started doing funny voice impressions and just filming random videos. I try to keep the creativity going online on social media. Read more>>

Moy R. Marco

Creativity is something that needs to be nurtured and kept alive, like a flame. I believe that constantly feeding on cultural content such as music, cinema, literature, or comics is essential to keep your mind active—not just as entertainment, but by studying it from a perspective that helps you understand the “why” behind all those artistic decisions. Read more>>

Harold Reid

Well to be honest it’s hard sometimes to stay creative and find new music to add to my shows and to come up with ideas on new music to write. Mostly I just listen to the newest hit songs that are out and sometimes dig deep into old music that I enjoy that I may not have listened to in a while and will decide to try and add some of those songs to my gig playlist. As far as creating original music I’ve found that it’s better to not try to create something and just get inspiration from all types of music and even other musicians that are friends. When I get inspiration from these things I’ll be like, hey thats a cool beat but what if it did this instead and sounded like a different genre. Before I know it I have a new song written and it’s nothing like what I had in mind when I started. It keeps things interesting and not boring when writing music. Read more>>

Xuanchen Fan

As a digital artist, I keep my creativity alive by constantly seeking inspiration from various sources such as nature, art galleries, online platforms, and everyday life. I also experiment with new techniques, software, and styles to push my boundaries and keep my work fresh. Collaborating with other artists, attending workshops, and engaging with the digital art community help me stay motivated and inspired. Additionally, taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are crucial for nurturing my creativity and preventing burnout. Read more>>

Nicholas White

Creativity is helped partially by secure funding and advantages provided. When there is no budget, creativity becomes louder and more experimental, doing different things to move fast and break things, in the words of Silicon Valley philosophy. Fiercely creative industries not supported by a budget are dangerous and can feel as though there is nothing left to lose. To go back and forth between these systems is how I keep my creativity alive. One helps to give the other life. I have always been comfortable in some subculture elements of entertainment. This is where I gravitate creatively. Photographing graffiti art in South Central is generously allowed as a space for creativity to flourish. Read more>>

Sean J. Kennedy

Creativity is central to my life and music. I keep it alive by stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing challenges—whether performing with world-class orchestras, leading jazz ensembles, composing new works, or teaching. For me, creativity thrives through diverse musical styles and experiences.

I stay inspired through constant learning and collaboration. From my early piano lessons, where I began improvising, to my roles as principal percussionist with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale and drummer for the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, each experience adds depth to my artistry. Performing with artists like Lindsey Stirling, Roger Daltrey, Liberty DeVitto and Bob Mintzer has allowed me to explore and adapt to different musical landscapes. Read more>>

Sam Redmond

Creativity is a <i>momentum</i>. It is a state of being, a way of seeing, and most importantly, a means of intentional action. To be on the same momentum as the creative mindset is to dance with the universe ~ to see it’s openings as opportunities, full of curiosity, challenges and change. If you are lucky, you get to ride this wave rather than chase it; and in order to do that, creativity must be tended to. Read more>>

Daryl Farmer

I’ve learned that what is often described as lack of time, is actually a lack of energy and focus. So, taking care of my health is paramount. Bicycling is my main form of exercise, so finding time to bike, even though it takes time out of my day, actually improves my productivity. As does daily meditation and yoga. Sometimes my head gets so filled with work stress that it affects my focus. Fifteen to twenty minutes of meditation helps me clear my head. Like a lot of people, I spend too much time scrolling my phone. Meditation is a good antidote for that, too, as it retrains me to sit with my own thoughts and silence. Read more>>

Moriah Joy

It was October 13th and I was having dinner with a group of artists before heading to see a performance of <i>The Piano Lesson</i> on Broadway. I soon jumped into conversation with Malik Yoba, who’s known for his work on NYPD about the artistic world and his wisdom for those just entering it. Throughout our discussion, I jokingly called myself a “starving artist”, but he quickly spoke an important truth I will never forget. He reminded me that I am not a starving artist; I am someone who can choose to see the field as a deep well rather than a dripping faucet of opportunity – the water’s there, just maybe not in the form you thought it would be; expand your skill-set and try your hand at everything. That conversation was what restructured my mindset on creativity. Read more>>

Tommy Martin

Variety. I enjoy doing new things and learning new skills. I’m a very analytical person, so figuring things out is a big motivator for me. It’s also helpful to think of acting and filmmaking as a team sport. My goal is always to make the best possible project for the audience. Read more>>