Creativity

Creativity is a funny thing.  When you’re in a creative career, I think it gets even more complicated.  Demand meets creativity, whether you are inspired or not. I have this quote on my Pinterest board, because I think it’s true.

{image via Pinterest, original source unknown}

Yes, like Thomas Jefferson said, it’s true that the “harder I work, the more luck I have.”  I find that when it comes to my bespoke children’s paintings, it’s a matter of getting my rear down to my little office, pulling out the paints, and getting to work.  No excuses or “not doing it ‘cuz I don’t feel like it”.  I’ve just got to get it done.  When I’m working on a design project, my “work” happens in the form of never being able shut my mind down.  I go through a million bad ideas, then the good ones show up eventually (with me, that usually means in the middle of the night or in the shower).

This was another quote I love, originally seen on Maria Killam’s blog, Color Me Happy.

{image via Pinterest, original source unknown}

Inspiration, on the other hand, seems to have its own timing.

While I wish I could paint my fine art paintings, such as this one, whenever I want, I cannot force it.

{Cedar Creek, painted by yours truly}

You  may find it strange, but there’s a certain mood or “radio wave” I have to be on to paint fine art well.  Music must be present, and it takes me on a journey while I paint. When I try to force it or just “work through it”, I completely mess things up.

So, what about you?  How do creativity and inspiration work in your life?