The blank page can be an intimidating thing. Sitting in front of it, wanting to create something, but not quite sure where to start.
When we're stuck and looking for inspiration, it helps to take a look at the artists we admire. Let the masters inspire us. Try to see the world through a different lens.
In his great book Steal Like An Artist, Austin Kleon reminds us that nothing comes from nowhere and that everything is built on what was created before. And that the best way to start is just to get started.
So let's get started.
The Activity: Create a piece of art inspired by another
You can use any medium for this activity.
Step 1: Find your inspiration
Do you have an artist you like? Maybe one of the big names of art history, or a creator you follow on TikTok? Have a look through their artwork. What are the styles, colours, and shapes that make their work unique? What is it that draws you to their work?
Step 2: Create your artwork
Now it's your turn. Use some of the elements you identified to create a piece of your own. You can just use the colour palette or specific design elements. Or you can straight up copy their work in your own sketchbook.
Step 3: Keep looking for inspiration
You don't have to limit yourself to the big artists to find inspiration. During the next week, keep an eye out as you go about your day. What else can you draw from? Advertising, textile patterns, architecture, nature? The world is full of things to be inspired from if we are open to it.
My Example
I’ve always been a fan of Keith Haring. In high school, I had a planner with his art, and I’d draw and write in it every day, trying to copy his style. It’s bright, it’s pop, it’s joyful, it’s political.
So for my piece this week, I decided to dedicate a page in my sketchbook to Haring. I drew on his colour choices, and of course the iconic figures. However, instead of the solid colours he uses, I went for a softer watercolour background.
At first, I was very concerned about getting the figures just right, concentrating hard on their proportions and angles. Then I realised that focusing on anatomical correctness was a bit ironic, and exactly the opposite of what Haring’s art is about.
I started to look more at the movement and the way everything played and danced together. That completely changed the experience from “hard focus” to "the joy of the process”. I'll definitely try a similar approach again soon, maybe coming up with my own figures.
How about you? Who inspired your art today?