Inspiration (i.e. Burnout Prevention Treats)

Artists and Creatives go through this inevitable cycle of exciting “ I am going to make one thousand great ideas all today and its dgoing to be magical. Yay Yay Ya” and then gut wrenching, cant finish anything burnout. Or at least I think everyone goes through this cycle, and not just me. Please say you get it.

This year my personal cycle has seemed shorter and quicker which is both good and bad. It means, on one hand I am not drowning in the self-pity of “I have no ideas and I can’t make good art” but on the other hand I am jumping around so quickly that I do not think my good ideas are being deeply developed and cared for creatively. So this fall, as the sun sets earlier and I have less time to work on ideas before my brain decides that it is snuggle time, I have been trying to be intentional about filling the days and work time with inspiration that fills me up.

Here are 5 things that are inspiring me in this season:

1. Fall Playlists

   I am an apple music girlie, sorry Spotify and I like an eclectic mix of folk and ballads and oldies in the fall. Here is my in progress playlist: feel free to listen and get in the creative zone.

2. Bold Blue Patterns

   I have always loved all shades of blue, and giant quirky patterns. This inspiration point is not new but I have been diving in head first into incorporating these in my painting and ceramics and it feels so playful and right. Here are some of my favorite patterns I have seen lately.

   Also I am back on Pinterest after about a decade hiatus. It has improved and changed quite a bit since I was in freshman art history signing up and then perusing history instead of taking notes. Follow me on Pinterest to see all the latest things that are inspiring me.

3. Antique Brass Reindeers

   This is niche, but I started collecting antique brass reindeers last year. I have about 10 now and the linear quality, texture and simple luxe is so inspiring. I also love how they are all expressive in their own way. I am not sure how this is going to find its way into my art yet but I am sure it will in time.

   If burned out, I highly recommend going to your local thrift or antique store and beginning a collection and hunt for a fun, niche item.

4. All the Plaids

   I would not consider myself a plaid or flannel lover but for some reason I am very into mixing them together right now, or mixing plaids with other patterns. I of course have a Pinterest board on that too. Right now one of my favorite outfits on repeat is an oversized orange and white button down with an orange and green plaid vest. It is cozy and “art teacher chic”. Would you be interested in seeing my what the art teacher wore outfits?

5. Pretty Fig Desserts

   This last one is a bit strange considering I don’t think I like eating figs. But I have loved looking at pictures of figs and fig desserts this season. I am also obsessed with some of the fig themed home goods at Target. The plum and chartreuse combination with the burgundy middle is a color story dream and another inspiration point that I hope to incorporate into my paintings soon. In the mean time I have been working on some fig ceramic ornaments that are super cute!