Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tuesday's Tips #7


Today I want to talk about inspiration. Where do I find it? Where do you find it? What do you do when the well runs dry and you have NO IDEAS???

There is a lot that can be said about inspiration. In fact, I'm going to be spending the next couple of weeks of tips devoted to the topic. Well, more specifically challenges to you as an artist that might help you when need to find inspiration.

So where we find inspiration? Here's just a few ideas I had when I was thinking over the topic (in no particular order):

1. Books
2. Music
3. Art
4. Artists
5. Conversations
6. Nature
7. More Nature :P
8. Old Pieces we've created.
9. Children
10. Museums
11. Malls
13. Materials
14. Blogs
15. Dreams

I'm sure the list could go on and on! In fact - I'd like to hear you stories! Where do you find inspiration? Tell me something that's not on the list! I know I find ideas in the weirdest places sometimes. Like one time I was in class and I couldn't focus because the pattern on these girls shoes was calling out to be made into a bracelet...

The item I featured at the top of the post is a great example of finding inspiration. Amy, of Mama's Little Monkey's, started making sock monkeys for her shop a little while ago. Somewhere along the line (no idea where, but she just rocks, so that's that) she thought it would be fun to pattern some of them after her friends! The one at the top is the musician Chris Huff, who has some GREAT music :) Isn't that a cool idea?

And yes, I know, there aren't really any great "tips" you can pull out of this post, but I do hope it gets you thinking, and it gets the ground work laid for what I have planned in the next few weeks :)

9 comments:

Memories for Life said...

That's too funny about the monkeys being made after people...what a cool idea.
And you and the shoes...also too funny :)

I've gotten lots of ideas from my customers. When they ask for custom albums...my mind gets to wandering as to how I can market a new kind of custom album. I'm making one with pockets right now...how cool is that :)

storybeader said...

you have blogs on your list, but also the internet at large (photographs, artists, nature, etc.)

BeadedTail said...

I get inspiration from many sources but it's often hard for me to figure out how to do what I want to do since my mind doesn't think creatively. I have an idea for beadwoven earrings but don't even know how to begin - do you give lessons? :D

That sock monkey is so cute!

Amy said...

Aww thanks! :) I find the items that are inspired by something are FAR more fun to make than just some THING. THe monkeys have personality and are formed as they go. I mean I see the sock print, but WHO they will become remains to be seen! :) I also name my flower pens based on friends who inspire me! (www.fleurdeink.com)
I also am inspired by the fabrics! Certain fabrics inspire certain projects..plusi just love fabric..

nomadcraftsetc said...

Conversations are where we get most of our inspiration. Whether if it is from customers, eachother, our kids, our dogs or from the check out lady at the store our inspiration is from a ton of conversations.

This is a great tip! I love it! Thanks!

Leather Made Nice said...

I guess I am one of those folks whom receives inspiration through dreams. I am artistic but unimaginative - go figure!
Anne ^i^

uniquecommodities said...

I get inspiration from a lot of different things... an outfit,a color I see, an animal, LOL lots of stuff

Splendid Little Stars said...

I like to look at patterns, such as the play of light through leaves, or the pattern light makes on a wall or ceiling, or reflections of light through water. Perhaps the pattern is something like metal grill work. On my recent vacation I saw lots of these. I love looking at flowers and their amazing patterns.

Adaptable Kay said...

I'm one who can find inspiration anywhere like you.
Especially different looking beads, random pieces of junk jewelry, etc. It's weird, I will look at it and all of a sudden see a totally different thing in my mind-It's like it creates itself in my mind before I realize what's happening!

Oh, and that sock monkey is so cute :D I love the whole inspiration from friends angle...