Read about what inspires me to create

Many artists have creative processes that allow them to get inspired, generate ideas, plan, practice, visualize, and create. This could be anything from spending time in nature to scrolling through Pinterest and finding different aesthetics to inspire someone. Our creative processes are what allow us to make beautiful, detail-filled artworks that are full of different meanings and emotions.

For me, inspiration comes in many forms. I’ll come across something I see while exploring new places or something on Pinterest that looks interesting, and that’ll spark the flame that initiates my creative process. Sometimes, ideas will just pop into my head, and I’ll immediately wing it and start drawing. Other times, it takes me days to figure out exactly what I want a piece to look like and what message or aesthetic I want to incorporate. I can say, the creative process for each piece is never the same.

A lot of artists sketch their works before they begin their final piece, but that’s never really been how my art process works. Even when I was in AP Art Studio in high school, my teacher assigned everyone to sketch their works before moving onto their final drawings, but I would rarely do this (sorry Mrs. Wyrick!) Sketching didn’t flow with my creativity and interrupted how I worked, so my art teacher never questioned me when I came in on a random day with a piece that I finished in one night without any planning (this happened on many occasions, haha).

When I create a piece, I typically have a pretty clear vision of what I want the piece to look like. That being said, I also enjoy adding different twists as I get ideas of things to change or add along the way. This enhances my creativity and always adds extra character to the works I create.

Many people have asked me before, “What is your biggest inspiration when it comes to making artwork?”… It’s always been a tough question for me to answer; but, my emotions play a big role. My emotions are what drive my creativity and they affect the outcome of my works. For example, during the time I was creating my AP art portfolio, there was a lot of deep thoughts and trauma that I was expressing through my artwork, so the pieces were highly detailed and intense. Other pieces that I’ve created are much more light-hearted and whimsical, such as my “Freckled” portrait or any of my landscapes. No matter what I’m creating, expressing myself through whatever I make always brings me peace. So, if someone asked me the question again, I’d say that peace is what inspires me to create.

Creating art is also a way for me to show my love to others, and my love for others is also a major component of what inspires me to create. I often give my art as gifts to family members and friends, because I’m able to express my love in my artworks in the same way I express any other emotions. I’ll always make something that displays something or someone my loved one cherishes, to create a personal feel and connection to the artwork. As an example, I’ve attached a recent portrait I did for my sister and her husband. The drawing is of her favorite picture from her wedding day, so I knew this would be a heartwarming gift to give her:

All in all, my creative process for each artwork is different, but they are all fueled by my passions and emotions + to do what I love and brings me peace. Multiple people have come to me saying they wish they could draw but they don’t even know where to start… what I say to that is: start where your heart is. Create what brings you peace and express yourself always. There is no right or wrong when creating art, and that is what makes it the most beautiful thing in the world. <3