Living through a pandemic has afforded many people the opportunity to get in touch with their creative side. Whether or not you took on home projects, learned new skills, improved existing ones, or lit a match to reignite an artistic fire that may have spent the last few years dormant, finding that energy to be inspired and original has been a refreshing way and for some the only way to cope with the current climate. But as much as we crave the creative hustle, it can sometimes be difficult to keep the ideas flowing and produce the work that makes us feel on top of our game. This is true not just for artists like myself, but creative minds and makers in all different fields. 

As the pandemic continues into its second year, it may be becoming more of an effort to march forward with the same drive we started with. So how do we keep motivated while maintaining relevancy and staying true to our vision? Here are some tips to help you to keep on finding your inspiration, even when it feels like you are the Bill Murray in a never-ending groundhog day.

Virtual Museum Tours

Throughout the pandemic, many museums have gone online, virtually offering tours of their exhibits. This is a great way to see some of the art, life, and history that you may have always dreamed of seeing. Who knows, you may just find something you never expected that will spark your imagination and get you back into a good creative space.

Try a New Medium or Mixed Media

If your art has been generally monotone or repetitive, in the sense that you use the same paints, canvas’, or techniques time and time again, challenge yourself with something new. By using a new medium, or creating mixed media works with products you may not have had much experience working with, you could create a piece both beautiful, and reflective of the different directions life has been taking over the last year. 

See The World, Virtually

Have you always wanted to travel the world, but maybe lacked the time, or the money to do so? Just as museums are holding virtual tours, some cities are holding virtual tours of tourist hot spots and exceptional landmarks that people someones only dream of seeing. While it may not be the same as taking a picture “holding-up” that Leaning Tower of Pisa, it is still a great way to see the world from the comfort of your own home. 

Join a Group of Creatives 

Maybe you are just out of ideas and need the support of other creative minds to get those juices flowing again. Look for other creatives online, and have monthly brainstorming sessions on zoom or any other virtual meeting spaces. This could be a great way to get you back to doing what you love while making new friends along the way.

Embrace Failure 

If all else fails, why not look back at past, abandoned works that may have got lost in the bottom of a pile. With time gone by, and a fresh perspective gained, maybe you can reclaim your work and turn something that wasn’t, into something that became.