Inspiration Guide 2022
December 18, 2021“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while.” —Steve Jobs
It’s another January; a New Year is upon us. How do you spend your January? Some of us take this time to reflect, plan and re-energize ourselves for the new year. Many people plan trips, start a new project around the house, or dig into a creative endeavor during January. For some of us, we feel uninspired or overwhelmed by the new year. I find my creative inspiration outside in nature, so winter days often leave me feeling lost and uninspired.
Over the years, I have begun to learn to be open during this time of winter quiet and try spending it to gain fresh inspiration. This inspiration can come in many ways, reading, watching, listening, trying new things, and even experimenting. I love to soak up ideas related to art, design, gardening, nature, photography, and cooking. During this hibernation, what I find helps fuel new projects throughout the year. I may see something that sparks an idea for a future project. As I explore books, magazines, and podcasts that I have neglected during the year, I take notes of ideas and write down what interests me. Inspiration usually leads me to create a to-do list or project ideas list. It doesn’t matter how much of the ideas turn into reality; it is most important to take this time to refuel. To get inspired and to continue learning.
Books:
Conscious Creativity: Look, Connect, Create
Life in the Studio, Frances Palmer
A Year full of flowers, Sarah Raven
LensCulture has created this list full of very interesting photography books from 2021.
Garden books can be a great inspiration too. Here is a nice list of some to explore.
Podcast:
Grow, cook, eat, arrange, with Sarah Raven
The Fujicast Photography Podcast
Other Ideas:
- Adorama did a series called Through the Lens, which highlights a different photographer each week.
- Magazines - if you have online applenews+ you can view any type of magazine. There are also online-only magazines that can be a great source for new ideas.
- Great article in Amateur Photography Magazine this month on ways to be creative this year.
- Facebook Photography Groups: There are groups for everything. Try some out that interest you and explore their feed to see if it fits for you.
- Pinterest is an incredible source for anything you want to explore.
- Magnolia Network through the Discover Channel has some amazing creative programming. Seeing other artists passionate about their craft often energizes me and leads to new ideas.
I hope you will take some time this winter to refuel, listen, and gain some inspiration that carries you into the new year. Try some of the ideas that come to your mind. I have learned that the best things come when you least expect them. So take the inspiration you find and run with it!