How To Capture Inspiration

You can collect inspiration, and then when you need it, you don’t have to worry because it’s already waiting for you.

Hey artists. Instead of scrolling and scrolling, looking at other artist's work and feeling inadequate (yes, this is common enough that I can generalize), start collecting your Inspiration Station. "What a dumb, almost clever name", you say? - well it is descriptive and memorable. These are good qualities. "What is it and how do I do it?" You say. Easy. Set it up in 3 minutes and then remember to add to it over time.

Step one - Make places to save things.

On an iPhone, you can make a shared album and share it with yourself. Then you can access it anywhere. Every time you see a photo or artwork that you like, and that has elements in it you want to incorporate into your own work and style, save it in an album called, Inspiration. When you see color schemes you like, save it into an album called Color Schemes. (Sorry I don’t know other platform methods).

Step two - Grab & Save

The easiest way is to take a screen shot, and then tap the share/export icon. “Save to Shared Album” is in the list that pops up, and you can select any album you like. Then delete the screen shot and the saved version will remain in the shared album. You won't have duplicates in your regular photos.

You can make all kinds of albums - for subject matter, techniques, pretty much anything that comes to mind. But here's the thing... you don't have to figure it all out up front. You don't have to go find a bunch of inspiring things to get started.

No. Just make one or two albums, and save one item in each. You have started! Tomorrow, you might find another one, and maybe in a couple of days, another one. You can make new albums any time you feel the need.

In a year, you'll have quite a collection. So be selective. Quality over quantity is going to be your best strategy.

This is for inspiration. Don't use these for reference. Use them to go find references that are usable. Don't paint from work (including photo work) that you don't have permission for.

You can also make albums full of your own photos. Take a lot of them. Save them in "reference" and "best reference" albums.

Step 3 - Make art

You will be able to inspire yourself at any time you want.

When you're scrolling along. Every time you save a picture or two, STOP and head to the studio. Don't think - DO! Get started by sketching one of your saved items as a warm up. Then you have broken the scroll of inadequacy and begun to create.

After that, everything will take care of itself.

Remember, the world needs happy artists, (so make sure you do things that make you happier).

Thanks for reading!