Inspiration Will Find You

Posted on 18. Aug, 2009 by Glow Images in Creativity, Guest Blogger, Microstock

Merriam-Webster defines inspiration as:

1 a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation
b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions
c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
2: the act of drawing in ; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs

As human beings, we are inundated on a daily basis with little nuggets of information relayed to our brain through our five senses (touch, taste, hearing, sight, and smell). These “nuggets” of data “inspire” us in our daily lives. Without inspiration, human life as we know it wouldn’t exist, or at the very least, would be pretty dull.

Frustrated artist mimics model. © Scott Griessel/glowimages.com

Inspiration can hit you at any time, at any moment of the day or night, even deep in the subconscious recesses of the mind through nightmares and dreams. Inspiration is a very personal, subjective, and unique human experience. What inspires one person may have little or no effect on another person.

As designers, photographers, and artists, we are constantly on the search for inspiration. We look for inspiration on the web, in art and design publications, and in galleries. We also look to music, poetry, and the outdoors to find inspiration.

With that said, I don’t think you can actually “find” inspiration. I think inspiration finds YOU. It sneaks up and attacks, most of the time when you least expect it. Inspiration gives you new-found passion, focus, and direction.

You can read all the publications in the bookstore, walk through the great outdoors for hours, and listen to music until your ears bleed. All of these things may help you on your quest for inspiration. However, it’s no guarantee that you will find it.

Don’t force inspiration and don’t fret over it. Put yourself in an environment which fuels creativity, or surround yourself with positive influences, and let inspiration find you.

Article submitted by designer and illustrator Corey Smith. Please share your comments below. Email Corey at katcorey (a) comcast.net