Being constantly inspired to create can sometimes be tough. But who says we should have to wait to be inspired? There are many people and living beings around the world that inspire others everyday.
These sources of inspiration can range from life experiences, nature, history, imagination, science and media. All it takes is a little spark of imagination for creativity to grow. To help you find some inspiration, we’ve provided a small list of sources and resources to try.
Nature
Here in Vancouver, Canada, we are surrounded by greenery and the ocean. And on the off chance the weather is tolerable, then there are beautiful places to explore such as:
The local dog park
Granville Island
Lynn Valley
Downtown Vancouver (ex. people walking down the street, traffic, architecture)
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Stanley Park
Grouse Mountain (ex. trees, animals, flowers)
Spanish Banks (ex. waves, sunset)
Bloedel Conservatory
Some of the locations on this list can provide a peaceful and quiet environment away from any noise pollution to help offer you a place to think. So have fun, take pictures for later or, if it's really nice out, you can set up a space and draw or paint to your heart's desire.
Music
Whether it's the lyrics or the melody, music can be great sources of inspiration for a new art piece. Music helps set a tone and can help you focus as you paint, sculpt or draw.
A friend once suggested Yiruma because it often provided her with a positive and calming energy as she painted. While others have said they like pop, rock or indie music as it gets them energetic and their energy pumping.
Magazines
These are great sources of material to help you get creative or get connected to events, shows, galleries or other artists. They can also be useful for creating mixed media art pieces that reflect your personal goals, dreams and local or national environments.
Juxtapoz
ARTnews
The local newspaper
The New Yorker
Movies & TV
You can easily get inspired by great television shows and movies because of the production team running them.
We’ve included a small list of some productions with really good animation, cinematography, editing, colour correction, costume design, music, choreography or set design that can inspire your future creations.
Shape of Water
Parasite
Midnight in Paris
Soul
Roma (great cinematography)
Bajirao Mastani (set and costume are so beautiful as well as the music)
Stranger Things
The Handmaid's Tale (The book is good too)
The Crown
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-erse (music and animation)
Podcasts
These can be great substitutes to music or to listen while on the go. The two podcasts listed here provide numerous great sources such as other artists' thoughts or how to market yourself as an artist.
Artist Decoded
Artists Helping Artists
We had to narrow some of our lists due to some really great sources of art inspiration. What do you think we missed?
What are some places, movies or music that inspires you?
Comment below or share your thoughts at @artvancouver #vanvaf!
By Marlene Ferhatoglu