My Top 10 Places for Inspiration

In order to keep your creativity flowing, you must always be on the lookout for inspiration. I like to make it a point to go out of the house at least once a week with camera in tow to search for inspiring images. Here are my top 10 places I go to get inspired (in no particular order)… 

#1. 
Antique Shows

I LOVE antique shows. There’s always something new to see, and there’s never a lack of things I’m inspired by. Just seeing the peeling paint and all the different textures makes me swoon!

#2. 
Art Museums

Looking at art is a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Keep an eye out for inspiring subject matter, color combinations, or techniques used.

#3. 
The City

The buildings, the people, the shops, the graffiti, the lights… oh my!

#4. 
Children’s Library

Sometimes I like to visit the children’s library and flip through books. So many of them feature very unique and inspiring art!

#5. 
Nature

Doesn’t matter whether you’re in the city, desert, country, or shoreline; there is always a little piece of nature to explore. The shapes alone found in nature are very inspiring!

#6. 
Historic District

Strolling down the historic district always leads to an inspiring day. The details on all of the old buildings are simply amazing!

#7. 
Book Store or Personal Magazine Collection

My favorite thing to do is flip through art books and magazines. I always have a stack on my bedside table. Sometimes I rip out images to use for a transfer, sometimes I look for inspiring color combinations, and sometimes I’ll head to the book store to find new books and magazines to learn a new technique. 

#8. 
Artsy Movies

Some movies just hit me with inspiration over and over. My favorites are Nightmare Before Christmas (well anything by Tim Burton really!), Avatar, Pan’s Labyrinth, Sin City, What Dreams May Come, Hugo (pictured below)… and many more. 

#9. 
Old Journals

Although I am just beginning my journey with art journaling, I have piles of notebooks with sketches and notes that continue to inspire me. Sometimes looking back on what you have done months or even years before, can spark some new ideas!

#10. 
Aquarium

The kids and I love visiting the aquarium. Sometimes when money is tight, we just go to the mall where they have a large tank inside the Rainforest Cafe. The colors and shapes of all the plants and fish are so amazing. 

Where is your favorite place to go to find inspiration? Please share!