Finding Inspiration

   Inspiration is an artist's best friend, but at times it can also be an artist's worst enemy. When I am inspired I feel like I am on top of the world, but even being inspired has its down sides, like lack of sleep, and an obsession with a certain project that can take over my life. The only thing worse than being inspired is being uninspired. When I am uninspired, in a slump, I don't even feel like myself, I'm depressed and irritable. I second guess my artistic talents. It is one of the worst feelings a creative type can go through. These ups and downs on the roller coaster of creativity is one of the main reasons I think artists have a history of mental illness. Just saying ;). 

"Inspiration-The Musician" Part of my "Be Inspired" series © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2012

  So how do you get out of it? How do you break out of the slump? The best way is to keep on keeping on. It is so easy when in a slump to just give up and say you are throwing in the towel. Don't do that. All artists go through this, it is normal!! 


  Putting your attention else where may help, if the distraction you are using is something simple and mundane. There are studies that show that creative ideas come to you best when you are doing some kind of routine action, one that you don't need to think about to do. Like folding laundry or doing dishes. When you do these kind of everyday chores or actions, you don't need to focus on anything, that gives your mind room to wander, to day dream, and may spark some inspiration!! See, it's good to be a dreamer!!!

  Another way I like to get inspired is to doodle. Just sit down and sketch, don't plan, just do it. It's creative enough to get your juices flowing, but also something you don't have to think about to do. Who knows, your doodle may even turn into a finished piece!! 

"Abstract Animal Print" Marker, one of my doodles gone wild!! © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2013

  Listening to music is also a great way. Put on a favorite song that touches you. Close your eyes and let the song lead you, you may see memories in your head, or the song could take you places you have never been. This spark of the imagination is a great way to get inspired.

"Before The Music Died" Acrylic
© Shana L Rowe Jackson 2012

  Look at other artists work that you admire, think about the techniques they may have used. Maybe it is something new you haven't tried? (That does not mean copy other peoples artwork, NEVER do that!) Read about art and technique. Read about the masters. All artists have had times when they were uninspired, reach out to other artists and talk about art.

  Keep a file with reference photos. On a nice day, go out and take some shots. Look at vacation photos. Are there any that would be fun to paint? Do a rainy day file with ideas for projects and reference photos. When you are having a slump go back to that file and look through things, re-visit old ideas. Start sketching that painting that you thought of last year, but put off. When you are inspired, write down your ideas!! A lot of times when I am inspired I have so many ideas that I don't know what to do next. A list comes in handy when you are in a slump.

 Open your eyes!! Look around you. Anything can be beautiful. I have been inspired by a street sign before. Look at things from different angles. The best thing about being an artist is the fact that artists view things in a different light than most people. You just never know where a great composition may come from!! Take a day trip in your area, look at things, really see things that you never thought anything of before. Take it all in!! The possibilities are endless.

"Caution: Artist At Play" Acrylic © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2011

 One thing to always remember is to not beat yourself up. As I said, we have all been there. You are not any less of an artist because of it. Things WILL get better. Don't give up!

"Love and be Loved" 9"x12" Acrylic, Marker and pastel
one of my 20 minute works.
© Shana L Rowe Jackson 2012