I love shopping. Can't lie about that. I don't always buy stuff when I go shopping. Sometimes I'm simply looking for inspiration. And I found it on a recent trip to New York City.
One of my favorite places to go for inspiration is ABC Home. The colors, the patterns, the displays, the motifs…I could linger for hours.
As you can see from the price tag, things at ABC Home aren't cheap. I'm thinking some plain white cups and some stamps from my stash could emulate these cups for a lot less money!
There really are so many cool things in the world.
But don't think that only ABC Home inspires. I found plenty of other artistic inspiration elsewhere:
I love the little face on that pin or pendant in the shop window above. So whimsical and sweet.
Before I go, can we talk about inspiration for a minute?
What is artistic inspiration? You know, this is such a big topic that there's actually a Wikipedia page to try and answer that question. I can only answer the question for myself. For me, artistic inspiration is anything that makes me excited to go and make art. It could be:
- a new supply
- a new technique
- an old technique
- a cool project someone else made
- a terrible project someone else made
- an idea
- a conversation
- a dream
- a deadline
- a challenge
- a question
- curiosity
Inspiration is not about copying a project one-to-one, although if that's what works for you, rock on with your bad self. For me, inspiration is riding a ripple — When you throw a stone into a pond, it creates little ripples.
Following this metaphor:
- Seeing a beautiful object = Finding a Stone
- Making a note of it mentally or photographically = Throwing the Stone
- Creating a project that is tangentially related to that object = Riding the Ripple
Does this relate to your creative process? Or does your brain work in an entirely different way?
Thanks for stopping by!
Fun…I used to shop more but I do less because I spend money when I go (on items that I don’t need). I must say that taking pics of things that inspire me would be a good alternative. I have done that on rare occasions. Do you ask for permission before you take the photos? I love that round stack of books!
Fun…I used to shop more but I do less because I spend money when I go (on items that I don’t need). I must say that taking pics of things that inspire me would be a good alternative. I have done that on rare occasions. Do you ask for permission before you take the photos? I love that round stack of books!
Fun…I used to shop more but I do less because I spend money when I go (on items that I don’t need). I must say that taking pics of things that inspire me would be a good alternative. I have done that on rare occasions. Do you ask for permission before you take the photos? I love that round stack of books!
Fun…I used to shop more but I do less because I spend money when I go (on items that I don’t need). I must say that taking pics of things that inspire me would be a good alternative. I have done that on rare occasions. Do you ask for permission before you take the photos? I love that round stack of books!
Fun…I used to shop more but I do less because I spend money when I go (on items that I don’t need). I must say that taking pics of things that inspire me would be a good alternative. I have done that on rare occasions. Do you ask for permission before you take the photos? I love that round stack of books!
Fun…I used to shop more but I do less because I spend money when I go (on items that I don’t need). I must say that taking pics of things that inspire me would be a good alternative. I have done that on rare occasions. Do you ask for permission before you take the photos? I love that round stack of books!
That precarious stack of books caught my attention as well. Aaah, retail therapy!
That precarious stack of books caught my attention as well. Aaah, retail therapy!
That precarious stack of books caught my attention as well. Aaah, retail therapy!
That precarious stack of books caught my attention as well. Aaah, retail therapy!
That precarious stack of books caught my attention as well. Aaah, retail therapy!
That precarious stack of books caught my attention as well. Aaah, retail therapy!
That book tower!
That book tower!
That book tower!
That book tower!
That book tower!
That book tower!
I would love to go shopping with you. This post is what I needed. I love inspiration, but it is different for everyone and that is what makes it ethereal to me and somewhat intangible. But EXCITING. There were so many of these images that i had to zoom in on because they were so full of inspiration. Even the way they showcased the cards in the wooden boxes on the wall…genius.
I start looking and sometimes someone’s process gets me inspired that is why i love Nathalie Kalbach’s creative jump starts.
Thanks as always Julie for bringing it!
diane
I would love to go shopping with you. This post is what I needed. I love inspiration, but it is different for everyone and that is what makes it ethereal to me and somewhat intangible. But EXCITING. There were so many of these images that i had to zoom in on because they were so full of inspiration. Even the way they showcased the cards in the wooden boxes on the wall…genius.
I start looking and sometimes someone’s process gets me inspired that is why i love Nathalie Kalbach’s creative jump starts.
Thanks as always Julie for bringing it!
diane
I would love to go shopping with you. This post is what I needed. I love inspiration, but it is different for everyone and that is what makes it ethereal to me and somewhat intangible. But EXCITING. There were so many of these images that i had to zoom in on because they were so full of inspiration. Even the way they showcased the cards in the wooden boxes on the wall…genius.
I start looking and sometimes someone’s process gets me inspired that is why i love Nathalie Kalbach’s creative jump starts.
Thanks as always Julie for bringing it!
diane
I would love to go shopping with you. This post is what I needed. I love inspiration, but it is different for everyone and that is what makes it ethereal to me and somewhat intangible. But EXCITING. There were so many of these images that i had to zoom in on because they were so full of inspiration. Even the way they showcased the cards in the wooden boxes on the wall…genius.
I start looking and sometimes someone’s process gets me inspired that is why i love Nathalie Kalbach’s creative jump starts.
Thanks as always Julie for bringing it!
diane
I would love to go shopping with you. This post is what I needed. I love inspiration, but it is different for everyone and that is what makes it ethereal to me and somewhat intangible. But EXCITING. There were so many of these images that i had to zoom in on because they were so full of inspiration. Even the way they showcased the cards in the wooden boxes on the wall…genius.
I start looking and sometimes someone’s process gets me inspired that is why i love Nathalie Kalbach’s creative jump starts.
Thanks as always Julie for bringing it!
diane
I would love to go shopping with you. This post is what I needed. I love inspiration, but it is different for everyone and that is what makes it ethereal to me and somewhat intangible. But EXCITING. There were so many of these images that i had to zoom in on because they were so full of inspiration. Even the way they showcased the cards in the wooden boxes on the wall…genius.
I start looking and sometimes someone’s process gets me inspired that is why i love Nathalie Kalbach’s creative jump starts.
Thanks as always Julie for bringing it!
diane
awesome eye candy! I see lots of Julie motifs — eyes, arrows, tribal.
I agree, my inspiration process works (mostly) like yours – the ripple effect.
awesome eye candy! I see lots of Julie motifs — eyes, arrows, tribal.
I agree, my inspiration process works (mostly) like yours – the ripple effect.
awesome eye candy! I see lots of Julie motifs — eyes, arrows, tribal.
I agree, my inspiration process works (mostly) like yours – the ripple effect.
awesome eye candy! I see lots of Julie motifs — eyes, arrows, tribal.
I agree, my inspiration process works (mostly) like yours – the ripple effect.
awesome eye candy! I see lots of Julie motifs — eyes, arrows, tribal.
I agree, my inspiration process works (mostly) like yours – the ripple effect.
awesome eye candy! I see lots of Julie motifs — eyes, arrows, tribal.
I agree, my inspiration process works (mostly) like yours – the ripple effect.
Do you know the blog Print and Pattern. If not, you should! You will love it, Julie.
Do you know the blog Print and Pattern. If not, you should! You will love it, Julie.
Do you know the blog Print and Pattern. If not, you should! You will love it, Julie.
Do you know the blog Print and Pattern. If not, you should! You will love it, Julie.
Do you know the blog Print and Pattern. If not, you should! You will love it, Julie.
Do you know the blog Print and Pattern. If not, you should! You will love it, Julie.
That is a cool metaphor, Julie, and it works for me, too! I get excited when I see something I can take further! Thanks for sharing this look at some of your “stones!”
That is a cool metaphor, Julie, and it works for me, too! I get excited when I see something I can take further! Thanks for sharing this look at some of your “stones!”
That is a cool metaphor, Julie, and it works for me, too! I get excited when I see something I can take further! Thanks for sharing this look at some of your “stones!”
That is a cool metaphor, Julie, and it works for me, too! I get excited when I see something I can take further! Thanks for sharing this look at some of your “stones!”
That is a cool metaphor, Julie, and it works for me, too! I get excited when I see something I can take further! Thanks for sharing this look at some of your “stones!”
That is a cool metaphor, Julie, and it works for me, too! I get excited when I see something I can take further! Thanks for sharing this look at some of your “stones!”
I am constantly taking pictures of inspiring things on the street which almost always prompt my husband to say “why are you taking a picture of that?” He just doesn’t understand! I also find things in stores inspirational, but am hesitant to take photos – I would also like to know if you get permission to take photos in stores.
I am constantly taking pictures of inspiring things on the street which almost always prompt my husband to say “why are you taking a picture of that?” He just doesn’t understand! I also find things in stores inspirational, but am hesitant to take photos – I would also like to know if you get permission to take photos in stores.
I am constantly taking pictures of inspiring things on the street which almost always prompt my husband to say “why are you taking a picture of that?” He just doesn’t understand! I also find things in stores inspirational, but am hesitant to take photos – I would also like to know if you get permission to take photos in stores.
I am constantly taking pictures of inspiring things on the street which almost always prompt my husband to say “why are you taking a picture of that?” He just doesn’t understand! I also find things in stores inspirational, but am hesitant to take photos – I would also like to know if you get permission to take photos in stores.
I am constantly taking pictures of inspiring things on the street which almost always prompt my husband to say “why are you taking a picture of that?” He just doesn’t understand! I also find things in stores inspirational, but am hesitant to take photos – I would also like to know if you get permission to take photos in stores.
I am constantly taking pictures of inspiring things on the street which almost always prompt my husband to say “why are you taking a picture of that?” He just doesn’t understand! I also find things in stores inspirational, but am hesitant to take photos – I would also like to know if you get permission to take photos in stores.
I have looked in Anthropologie with a whole new set of eyes.
As far as the creative process, I like to look at something and draw it. That’s how I start. To begin without a drawing, for example, to gesso a page and then to dribble or splatter paint on that page is risky for me. But I like to take risks with my art, now more than ever! And I give all the credit for that push from several wonderful mixed media instructors from whom I have learned.
I have looked in Anthropologie with a whole new set of eyes.
As far as the creative process, I like to look at something and draw it. That’s how I start. To begin without a drawing, for example, to gesso a page and then to dribble or splatter paint on that page is risky for me. But I like to take risks with my art, now more than ever! And I give all the credit for that push from several wonderful mixed media instructors from whom I have learned.
I have looked in Anthropologie with a whole new set of eyes.
As far as the creative process, I like to look at something and draw it. That’s how I start. To begin without a drawing, for example, to gesso a page and then to dribble or splatter paint on that page is risky for me. But I like to take risks with my art, now more than ever! And I give all the credit for that push from several wonderful mixed media instructors from whom I have learned.
I have looked in Anthropologie with a whole new set of eyes.
As far as the creative process, I like to look at something and draw it. That’s how I start. To begin without a drawing, for example, to gesso a page and then to dribble or splatter paint on that page is risky for me. But I like to take risks with my art, now more than ever! And I give all the credit for that push from several wonderful mixed media instructors from whom I have learned.
I have looked in Anthropologie with a whole new set of eyes.
As far as the creative process, I like to look at something and draw it. That’s how I start. To begin without a drawing, for example, to gesso a page and then to dribble or splatter paint on that page is risky for me. But I like to take risks with my art, now more than ever! And I give all the credit for that push from several wonderful mixed media instructors from whom I have learned.
I have looked in Anthropologie with a whole new set of eyes.
As far as the creative process, I like to look at something and draw it. That’s how I start. To begin without a drawing, for example, to gesso a page and then to dribble or splatter paint on that page is risky for me. But I like to take risks with my art, now more than ever! And I give all the credit for that push from several wonderful mixed media instructors from whom I have learned.
I love the inspiration metaphor!! It feels related to something I really enjoy, which is a creativity chain. It’s almost like brainstorming or mind-mapping, except it’s active. So, let’s say I make a birthday card and pull out a stamp or paper or embellishments to use on it. I’m enamored of the embellishments and want to use them on something else, so I find a picture to scrapbook and make a layout. The story I told on the layout makes me think of an unfinished minibook that now I feel compelled to complete. When the minibook is done, I’ve got some leftover paper scraps that are too small to use, but too pretty to toss, so I glue them onto an art journal page. Given enough unencumbered time (which I don’t always have), this can go on for hours!
I love the inspiration metaphor!! It feels related to something I really enjoy, which is a creativity chain. It’s almost like brainstorming or mind-mapping, except it’s active. So, let’s say I make a birthday card and pull out a stamp or paper or embellishments to use on it. I’m enamored of the embellishments and want to use them on something else, so I find a picture to scrapbook and make a layout. The story I told on the layout makes me think of an unfinished minibook that now I feel compelled to complete. When the minibook is done, I’ve got some leftover paper scraps that are too small to use, but too pretty to toss, so I glue them onto an art journal page. Given enough unencumbered time (which I don’t always have), this can go on for hours!
I love the inspiration metaphor!! It feels related to something I really enjoy, which is a creativity chain. It’s almost like brainstorming or mind-mapping, except it’s active. So, let’s say I make a birthday card and pull out a stamp or paper or embellishments to use on it. I’m enamored of the embellishments and want to use them on something else, so I find a picture to scrapbook and make a layout. The story I told on the layout makes me think of an unfinished minibook that now I feel compelled to complete. When the minibook is done, I’ve got some leftover paper scraps that are too small to use, but too pretty to toss, so I glue them onto an art journal page. Given enough unencumbered time (which I don’t always have), this can go on for hours!
I love the inspiration metaphor!! It feels related to something I really enjoy, which is a creativity chain. It’s almost like brainstorming or mind-mapping, except it’s active. So, let’s say I make a birthday card and pull out a stamp or paper or embellishments to use on it. I’m enamored of the embellishments and want to use them on something else, so I find a picture to scrapbook and make a layout. The story I told on the layout makes me think of an unfinished minibook that now I feel compelled to complete. When the minibook is done, I’ve got some leftover paper scraps that are too small to use, but too pretty to toss, so I glue them onto an art journal page. Given enough unencumbered time (which I don’t always have), this can go on for hours!
I love the inspiration metaphor!! It feels related to something I really enjoy, which is a creativity chain. It’s almost like brainstorming or mind-mapping, except it’s active. So, let’s say I make a birthday card and pull out a stamp or paper or embellishments to use on it. I’m enamored of the embellishments and want to use them on something else, so I find a picture to scrapbook and make a layout. The story I told on the layout makes me think of an unfinished minibook that now I feel compelled to complete. When the minibook is done, I’ve got some leftover paper scraps that are too small to use, but too pretty to toss, so I glue them onto an art journal page. Given enough unencumbered time (which I don’t always have), this can go on for hours!
I love the inspiration metaphor!! It feels related to something I really enjoy, which is a creativity chain. It’s almost like brainstorming or mind-mapping, except it’s active. So, let’s say I make a birthday card and pull out a stamp or paper or embellishments to use on it. I’m enamored of the embellishments and want to use them on something else, so I find a picture to scrapbook and make a layout. The story I told on the layout makes me think of an unfinished minibook that now I feel compelled to complete. When the minibook is done, I’ve got some leftover paper scraps that are too small to use, but too pretty to toss, so I glue them onto an art journal page. Given enough unencumbered time (which I don’t always have), this can go on for hours!