15 places inspiration can strike

And why you shouldn’t look for it

Hey pals,

Surely I’m not the first artist to compare finding inspiration to a watched pot? Inspiration is just one of those things that you can’t look for — it has to find you. But rest assured that it will find you. In the most unlikely and sometimes inconvenient places.

Here are some places that inspiration found me lately:

• While washing my hair

• Looking up dandelion fritter recipes

• Trying to fall asleep at 2 AM

• Thinking about Borzoi dogs

• Watching spring migrating ducks fly overhead

• Making banana pancakes

• Watching Youtube shorts about seals

• Looking through my memory box

Sometimes inspiration comes right up to your doorstep for tummy rubs. Meet Asher, a curious kitten from my next picture book. More about her soon!

Rarely does inspiration find me when I’m at my desk, sketchbook open and ready to draw. Like how a watched pot never boils, inspiration comes when you least expect it. Trying to squeeze it out will just leave you frustrated and drained.

Instead, look for inspiration in these places:

• At a birthday dinner eating spicy aioli

• A long walk on a windy day

• At a food festival

• While eating a chunk of pineapple

• In an audiobook

• A dusty, old storage box

• In your curry-fueled dreams

You can also do what artist Paloma the Peach does — try new art materials, craft something, or take a break. Give it a try and let me know where inspiration strikes you next. In the meantime, I’ll see you next week with three good things.

Want more like this post?

• Buy a fine art print of my collages

• Turn your pain into inspiration like Frida Kahlo

• Nourish your creativity to make better art

Until next time,

Jade