Finding Inspiration in the Everyday: A Guide for Artists
As an artist, I know how daunting a blank canvas can be. I’ve spent plenty of time staring at one, waiting for inspiration to strike, only to realize it’s not coming unless I go looking for it. Spoiler: inspiration is not Amazon Prime—it won’t magically show up on your doorstep. Over time, I’ve learned that some of my best ideas come from the most mundane parts of life (I mean it!). From the way my eggs roll in the pan (yes, I stare at my eggs) to the chaos of a crowded street, these seemingly ordinary moments often spark the colours and compositions of my pieces.
If you’re feeling stuck, here are some ways I’ve used everyday life to fuel my creativity, and how you can too.
1. Pay Attention to the Small Things
It’s easy to breeze past the little details, but those small things can be absolute goldmines for inspiration. For me, it might be the texture of peeling paint on an old wall or the pattern of light streaming through blinds. Once, I even got inspired by the way my laundry piled up—don’t ask.
What to Try: Start observing the details around you. Carry a sketchbook or take photos of anything that catches your eye, no matter how random it seems. You never know when that crack in the sidewalk might inspire a masterpiece.
2. Find Colour Palettes in Everyday Scenes
I’m obsessed with colour. Like, seriously obsessed. I’m constantly on the lookout for interesting combinations, whether it’s the clash of colours in a fruit stand or the moody tones of a rainy day. I once built an entire piece around the colours of a half-eaten bag of Skittles.
What to Try: Pick a moment from your day and break it down into a colour palette. For example, the golden yellows and deep greens from a park walk could set the tone for your next project. Pro tip: snacks are an underrated source of inspiration.
3. Turn Mundane Objects into Abstract Ideas
Abstract art is basically a free pass to reimagine the ordinary, and I’m here for it. A pile of dishes? Overlapping circles. Spilled coffee? Experimental textures. That tangled mess of cables under your desk? Art, baby!
What to Try: Take something you see every day and sketch it. Then, push it further: exaggerate the shapes, break it apart, or focus on the vibe it gives off rather than the object itself.
4. Let Emotions Guide You
Everyday moments come with their own set of emotions, and I’ve found that tapping into those feelings can shape the energy of my work. A chaotic morning might inspire bold, chaotic strokes, while a lazy Sunday might lead to something soft and serene (or at least a little less chaotic).
What to Try: Pair what you see with how it makes you feel. Is the clutter on your desk overwhelming or strangely comforting? Use those emotions to influence your art. (Bonus: it’s cheaper than therapy.)
5. Embrace Imperfection
Not everything in life is polished, and honestly, thank goodness for that. Some of my favorite pieces have come from embracing imperfections—the cracks in a sidewalk, the mess of my junk drawer, or that one time I accidentally spilled paint everywhere and just rolled with it.
What to Try: Choose something messy or imperfect in your surroundings and use it as inspiration. Focus on capturing its essence rather than trying to make it "perfect." Spoiler: "perfect" is boring.
6. Blend Realism with Abstraction
Even though I work in abstraction, I often sneak in little nods to real life. A splash of blue might hint at ocean waves, or a cluster of shapes might echo the bustle of a market. These subtle references add a fun, personal layer to the work.
What to Try: Start with a realistic element, like a scene or object, and slowly abstract it. Focus on the parts that speak to you—the colours, the movement, or the overall vibe. It’s like telling a secret story through your art.
7. Stay Curious
Curiosity is the fuel that keeps my creative fire burning. I’ve found inspiration in places I never expected, simply by asking questions: Why does this pattern catch my eye? How would I recreate this feeling in paint? What if I mashed these two ideas together? (Spoiler: sometimes it works, sometimes it’s a hot mess.)
What to Try: Be open to exploring and experimenting. The more curious you are, the more you’ll notice the potential for creativity everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Some of the best art comes from finding beauty in the everyday. Whether it’s a fleeting moment of light, an unusual combination of colours, or the emotions tied to a mundane task, inspiration is all around us if we take the time to look.
So next time you’re stuck, don’t wait for a grand idea. Look around. The magic is already there, waiting to be turned into your next masterpiece. Now, go forth and turn your laundry pile into art (figuratively, please).
