The Art of Staying Inspired (Patreon)

You’ll often hear me say “stay inspired” but it’s usually at the end of a video, or in closing as a subtle reminder to keep motivated and never lose the curiosity that led you to your creative process in the first place. But how do we actually keep this fire alive? What are the things we can actively participate in that help us to stoke the flames, even when we’re away from our computers and roaming out in the world? 

I’ve been traveling for the past week and now that my journey is coming to a close, I’m starting to reflect on what it is I did on this trip to keep myself connected to my creative process - the very thing I hold so close to my identity. This process of reflection and renewal is different for everyone, and it’s important to remember that sometimes it’s not even required at all (i.e. giving yourself a break) but if you’re like me, and you’re always thinking about what’s next, there are certain strategies that can help more than others.

When it comes to long distance travel, one of my favorite things I like to do is completely switch mediums and instantly turn my attention to the visual side of my artistic interests. I switch off music mode, and switch on my inner photographer and videographer and start seeing the world around me with wide open eyes. I’m peering into the cracks and the crevices of these new spaces, searching for composition from every angle. I’m trying to not only capture the beauty in my mind’s eye, but allow myself to retain these memories to further inspire the work that I do in a musical sense.

If we can retain this sense of wonder, and interest in the world around us, it can help us cultivate our creative memory and help us use it when we’re back in front of the DAW or searching for new ideas. This is just one of the ways that I allow myself the freedom to explore and to become less attached to the medium, and more attached to the process of my own creativity.

Another way I like to retain this spark is to continually feed my mind with inspiring literature or books that contain language that helps me tap into higher realms. Books on meditation, spirituality, or even self improvement books that aren’t necessarily spiritual but inspiring in a motivational sense - this is one of the best ways to cultivate inner wisdom and the knowing that you’re on the right path. I love the process of self improvement (don’t we all?) but tying that back into my own process as an artist has been on the most helpful improvements I’ve made to my actual production process in the past 5 years. There was a period in my life where I was searching for meaning, and more time in front of the DAW - a true low point if you will, and what it eventually led me into was a stronger sense of self, self actualization, and powerful understanding of my own self value - which has become one of my greatest sources of inspiration and motivation that I could have ever realized than just making music alone.

Finally, writing down your thoughts can be a powerful way to channel your intentions and make your ideas and plans more concrete. Even if you don’t have much to say, setting goals for yourself for the next week, month or even years ahead is such a valuable affirmation. It feeds into your own sense of self worth and value and allows your heart the chance to seek higher, to push your own personal boundaries and set your heart’s intention as far as it can go. Let your mind dream it’s highest goal and intention for you and turn that into a manifestation in reality. If you can do this and begin to incorporate all things I’ve listed above, you’ll never truly be away from the DAW, but your own creative process will become an endless cycle of inspiration and magic and you’ll find more satisfaction in knowing you’re on the right path.

Cheers,

-S1gns