27 Ways to Stay Creative

If you work in a creative profession or have creative hobbies, you know how important it is stay inspired – and to remain creative. We all have those “blah” days where we unable to think of new ideas or simply don’t feel like working on an older one . For writer’s – the dreaded “block” can hit at any time. For other creatives – walls can arise  seemingly out of nowhere, blocking you from getting to work on your creative project. Here are 27 ways to ensure that you’re always staying creative:

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1. Journal

Journals can be used for so many things: getting events/thoughts off of your chest, free-writing, writing down quotes or words you find inspiring and much more. Keeping a journal is a great way to stay creative because you are always “creating” while writing in that journal. Doodle. Keep a “mood tracker” or just journal about your day in general. I find it very helpful, as a creative, to just free-write in my journal about anything that comes to mind, (fictional or otherwise).

You can even tape or glue inspirational pictures/quotes inside your journal, (something I often do).

2. Always try new Hobbies

Hobbies are a great way to stay creative & it turns out – most hobbies can truly bring about inspiration. There are nearly endless hobbies to try out. For creative purposes, here are some to consider:

• Creating Crafts
• Sewing
• Cake Decorating
• Calligraphy
• Photography

3. Keep a Small “Journal” with you at all times

Pictured above is the type I always take with me. You never know when inspiration will strike or an awesome creative idea will pop into your head. Pick up a small notebook, a great pen and take it everywhere with you. Whenever you have a great idea or just want to take note of something – it’s there for you to do it!

4. Make Lists

I’m a list-aholic. I can’t help but making lists. It also helps me stay creative and know what I need – what I want, what I hope for and what I associate together. Here are some ideas for lists you can make to keep that creative creek flowing:

• “To Read” List
• “To Watch”
• What You’re Grateful For
• People you find Inspiring
• Places you want to Visit
• Bucket List

5. Have meaningful Conversations

Yeah, we can all talk about the weather. What about deeper topics of conversation? Try to have meaningful conversations about theologies, philosophies and topics that you and others find highly interesting. It’s also a good idea to mingle with other creatives.

6. Don’t hold in your “Weird”

All of us are weird in one way or another. There is nobody who is absolutely “normal.” It’s too subjective – those people don’t exist. Obviously act how you should in certain circumstances (work, school, ect.) But, when you have the chance – let the “weird” out. Explore those interests and activities that others may deem as “odd.” Uniqueness is key to being creative, so don’t hold it in just because you think you should.

7. Look at Art

I’m not saying you have to go to an art gallery or museum, (even though both of those are great, creative activities). With the internet literally in our hands, search imagery you, personally want to see. For instance, I LOVE looking at fantasy art. I’ll go to google, search “fantasy art” and browse through the images. (I’ve found SO MANY that have sparked my creativity).

Use the images you love the most to create a Powerpoint that you can refer back to. Bonus points if you write words alongside the pictures that you associate with it. 

8. Sketch/Color/Draw/Paint

I’ll be the first to admit, that when it comes to drawing, I’m no DaVinci and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with doodling away in your notebooks or grabbing some paint and hitting the canvas with no clue what you’re aiming to create. It’s about working with the colors. You’d be surprised at how much creativity is sparked during any of those activities. Above is a painting I made one day, just messing around, (I’m no Picasso but I’ll admit, it was fun – even though it’ll be tucked away in the closet).

Coloring using adult coloring books is another great way to stay creative. I have lots of them so I always can find a picture that I want to color at that specific moment. It’s also a great, calming activity as well.

9. Read a page of the Dictionary

Sounds odd, right? It’s actually a great way to not only discover new words, but to recall ones you may not have used in quite a long time. The dictionary app on iPhone has a “word of the day” that I view almost as soon as I wake up. You’d be surprised how a single word can ignite a creative spark or provide much needed inspiration.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: There is such power in words.

10. Read more

There is no shortage of books and stories out there. Read as much as possible. An idea could come out of a single sentence. Reading is an awesome activities for not only creatives, but for everyone. It can be informative, inspiring and downright entertaining. Below are some books on my list/ones I’m reading now: (I read 3 books at a time, shuffling through them and always adding another – which I will write about more later):

11. Keep an Open Mind

Don’t be afraid to talk to people who have different beliefs than you do. Look at art you normally wouldn’t. Read books that don’t fall into your genre of choice. Keeping an open mind will allow you to see more than you would’ve otherwise while remaining open to it. When it comes to creativity – an open mind will do you wonders.

12. Listen to Music

We all have a genre of music that’s our go-to. Step outside of that. Put on a Spotify playlist you normally wouldn’t. You’ll be surprised at what you find. And, you can even discover music that you love in the process.

13. Create an “Inspiration Board”

Print off quotes or anything that you find inspirational – anything that speaks to that creative part of yourself. Put it on a bulletin board. Bonus Points if you create some of the items on your “inspiration board.” Below are some items that can help you create an “inspiration board”/complete other create activities:

14. Play Video Games

I’m a complete Skyrim nerd and the game truly never gets old for me. I always find something new or see something new. Play video games in your downtime. It will help keep your neurons blasting and give you a good time, (and hopefully unlock some creativity). Here are my favorite video games that I highly recommend:

• Skyrim
• Fallout
• Grand Theft Auto
• The Witcher

15. Write down your Dreams

Keeping a “dream journal” can be an epic way to come up with new ideas. It’s amazing what we dream about. Keep a specific notebook on your nightstand and write down your dreams. Inspiration could be lurking there, or, at the very least, a creative idea or thought.

16. Find a Muse

Your “Muse” doesn’t have to be a person and you don’t have to have just one either. A muse is anything you can draw creative inspiration from. For some people, it can be their significant other. For others, it can be an item that, for whatever reason, you just think is awesome.

17. Surround yourself with Beauty/Intrigue 

Remember that “beauty” is subjective and what I’m really saying, is keep things around you that you find intriguing or that just represents your interests. (I have a signed Freddy Krugar photograph in my office, lol). Just keep things around that you, personally find amazing. Here are some ideas:

• Artwork
• Sculptures
• Photographs

18. Be Social

Get out there. Hang out with friends. Meet new people. Watch the behaviors and mannerisms about those around you. Mingle with people in your field. Social interactions can be the source of some brilliant creative material. 

19. Spend time in Nature

The beauty of nature is a wonderful thing to immerse yourself in. Take a walk. Visit places that aren’t commercialized. Spend time in the great outdoors. Look to the sky. Nature is a muse all on its own.

20. Try new Foods

Taste is a sense that can bring about unexpected creativity. Always try new foods, even the ones you don’t think you’ll enjoy. A specific flavor may stick with you and become a favorite – or, even if you hate it, you can put into words how the taste made you feel.

21. Invigorate your Senses

Speaking of the sensation of taste – what about smell? Try new scents in your home. Keep things around you that smell amazing. Try out a new perfume. Keep fresh flowers on your desk. Bake some cookies to take in the scent.

22. Take Care of Yourself

You can’t be you best self, creatively, (or, in any way), if you’re not taking care of yourself. Practice self care. Have downtime. Take power naps. Take breaks during the day. Always take care of yourself: Physically, mentally and spiritually. Here are some simple Self Care Ideas.

23. Screw what Other’s Think

They aren’t living in your skin. Stop playing the “comparison game.” Life isn’t some giant competition. Let go of what others think.

24. Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

Don’t give up. No matter what the goal – find a way to slay it. When you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it, (that’s a time-waster). Scrap the screw-up and move on. Don’t linger on flaws, mistakes or regrets. It won’t get you anywhere. Rip it off like a Bandaid and get back to work.

25. Exercise

Getting your heart pumping will get your blood flowing. Blood flood means healthy flow to organs – for the purposes of creativity – to your BRAIN. Sweat. Move around. You’d be surprised what can pop into your mind while counting down minutes of cardio or other exercise.

26. Get Plenty of Rest

None of us are 100% at anything if we aren’t fully rested. Get lots of rest so you’re recharged and ready to create!

27. HAVE FUN

This is quite possibly the most important of all. The best thing about being creative, is that it’s fun! Let loose! Have as much fun as possible and your creativity will fire itself up. Create the content you want to see in the world. No matter what you’re working on – find ways to make it fun.

Creativity lives in all of us. It’s part of every individual. Unlocking it can be a process but that process doesn’t have to be daunting. It can and should be fun. Some of the best creative projects ever created have been ones driven by passion & a good time.

Always look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Pay attention to the small details of your surroundings. Inspiration is all around us. We just have to remember to look for it.

Find the creative process that works best for you. Indulge and and create. 🙂

Please share & let me know in the comments if you have any special ways you stay creative.

Much Love <3