[killingbunnies]

I know some of you out there... somewhere... are artists. And judging by the previous art threads I've seen, a lot of you are really, really good. So tell me, how do YOU find inspiration? I'm in a bit of a rut (have been for awhile) trying to find good ideas and I'm becoming afraid I'm losing my creativity.

Any ideas are welcome!

[Deathbagel]

I'm not really an artist, but I used to be into video game level design (ok so I was shit at that too but not the point) and what I found really helpful was just seeing new places. It doesn't have to be exciting exotic locales. Just... go to some places in your area you've never been. City-streets in more run-down neighborhoods, industrial areas, outer-city parks, quiet suburbs, just places outside of your daily routine, yet close to you. I find it eye-opening and inspiring just how much life goes on outside of our daily routines.

[qingdom]

Draw for the sake of fun, hobby and passion.

Do not draw for the sake of a job or a chore... you can get extremely burned out without an outlet.

Assuming you always carry a doodle pad, take 5 min break at random intervals and just sketch / doodle something. your photogenic memory will tie into how that sketch / doodle later in the evening when you get back to it. no additional significance if you wait any longer. you'll just forget due to the nature of selective short term memory.

that's all i have.

[baba yaga]

I get stuck often. New work is supposed to flow pretty naturally from older work. Maybe revisit work from a previous time when you were really inspired/excited, and try out some variations. See if that carries you over the stuck place to somewhere new. Variations---maybe think about extreme contrast, in terms of themes, media, design or subject. Go for hideous, then scale back. Let your worst fears about your work come true, then laugh at it all. Mostly, just make more work, because good work comes from work (lots of it). Good luck!

[TrailMix]

what kind of art... like writing or just visual art stuff...?

[killingbunnies]

what kind of art... like writing or just visual art stuff...?

I was thinking visual art, but I haven't written a single thing in months... how different are they, really, when you're thinking in terms of finding inspiration.

[TrailMix]

I was thinking visual art, but I haven't written a single thing in months... how different are they, really, when you're thinking in terms of finding inspiration.

I actually find it a lot more difficult to find inspiration for visual arts... but I think thats just because my skills are quite limited haha XD

[killingbunnies]

I actually find it a lot more difficult to find inspiration for visual arts... but I think thats just because my skills are quite limited haha XD

Both the arts are equally difficult for me. My skill set is limited to a pencil, and some digital art. Not much to work with either. xD

[crazyeddie]

I get stuck often. New work is supposed to flow pretty naturally from older work. Maybe revisit work from a previous time when you were really inspired/excited, and try out some variations. See if that carries you over the stuck place to somewhere new. Variations---maybe think about extreme contrast, in terms of themes, media, design or subject. Go for hideous, then scale back. Let your worst fears about your work come true, then laugh at it all. Mostly, just make more work, because good work comes from work (lots of it). Good luck!

Not an artist, but I know I can't do a philosophy piece in isolation. When I write philosophy, I'm always writing in reaction to another philosopher. So do something like this ^ Give your Ne something to react to.

[killingbunnies]

Not an artist, but I know I can't do a philosophy piece in isolation. When I write philosophy, I'm always writing in reaction to another philosopher. So do something like this ^ Give your Ne something to react to.

That makes sense. Writing or drawing something in a vacuum is really difficult. Another problem I have, even when I have a stroke of inspiration, is a sense of apprehension. I'm always worried that I have to draw it well, or I end up erasing the entire thing and giving up. I have terrible self-esteem as an artist. xD