Sometimes, it can feel like you’ve hit a creative wall: inspiration can be an elusive and unpredictable thing. Luckily, you needn’t wallow in a creative rut, as there are many unconventional sources of art inspiration out there, just waiting to be discovered. Here, we explore what those sources are and how they can be used to revitalize your artistic vision and give you an injection of new ideas.
1. Unconventional Art: When Traditional Sources Fall Short
- Defining Unconventional Art: Unconventional art does not adhere to the same basic principles most conventional art does, such as the use of traditional materials or media. This style of art appears to defy the expectations of the traditional art world. Unconventional art often does not follow a linear course and is guided by intuition. It is marked by an effortless, almost improvised representation of the artist’s intent.
- Exploring Unconventional Art Forms: From developing a portrayal of a topic or concept in an unorthodox manner to creating an artwork with unconventional media, there are a variety of ways to release creativity. Working with organic materials such as hay, twigs and leaves, creating found art from discarded objects, or creating new art out of outdated supplies are just some of the creative methods for producing unique art.
- Why Unconventional Art May Be Necessary: While most traditional forms of art, like painting, involve a high degree of technical skill, creating unconventional art can help an artist approach a project from an original perspective. Unconventional art allows a person to tap into their creativity and explore art with a unique and individual flair. Additionally, unconventional art can help an artist show their voice and vision without the constraints of academic and institutional requirements.
- Placing Unconventional Art in Context: Although creativity and an appreciation for unconventional art can be subjective, it is important to understand how the resulting artwork fits in the outside world. People can leverage the power of unconventional art to bring attention to an issue, share an experience or create a dialogue.
2. Dipping into Unexpected Sources of Art Inspiration
When it comes to finding new sources of art inspiration, there is no better place to look than unexpected places. You’re guaranteed to discover new ideas and perspectives that will both inspire and challenge you as an artist. Here are some unusual sources of art ideas worth exploring.
Children’s Books: From the bright illustrations to the creative stories, children’s books can be an excellent source of inspiration. And the simplicity behind them can sometimes give way to unique and inventive ideas.
Puzzles: Puzzles can help open up your imagination, while also challenging your problem solving skills. This type of art requires a level of curiosity and exploration that can lead to exciting new ideas.
Flip Through Magazines: Spend some time flipping through a few magazines. You may be surprised to find hidden gems in the ads, editorials, and stories that could be of use for your next arts project. Pay special attention to the visuals so you can find a suitable aesthetic.
- Gardens
- Restaurants
- Museums
An added bonus of drawing inspiration from unexpected sources is that it can help to take your mind away from the everyday for a little while. From gardens to restaurants to museums, there are endless new sources to explore— all of which can breathe life into your work. So don’t be afraid to tap into these alternative ideas and sources the next time you need creative inspiration.
3. Finding Creative Spark in The Odd and Unusual
Sometimes all it takes to find the renewed inspiration we need is a change of scene. We often find our creative spark when we shift our perspective and break out of our usual routines. In typically untreaded paths, there is an abundance of creativity to be found and uncovered.
- Visit a new place. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind by venturing into uncharted territory. Have a walk around the neighbourhood, explore an unknown part of town or take a field trip to a distant land. Who knows, you might even discover a hidden gem or uncover a fresh perspective on a mundane problem.
- Get off the beaten track. Don’t limit yourself to conventional activities or established ideas. Try something new like going rock climbing, learning a new language or giving sketch comedy a go. Mix up your creative processes by replacing traditional methods with more innovative methods. Brainstorming? Try visual modelling, mind mapping or design thinking.
- Create something unexpected. Take a leap of faith and create something that may not be totally conventional. Be wacky. Be silly. Twelve-sided die? A tree ruler? A risk-taking balloon animal? Instead of seeing things from an ordinary perspective, push yourself to think unconventionally and embrace the peculiar.
Finding the spark we need doesn’t have to be a dull and monotonous process. When we tap into the peculiar and strange, it helps revitalize the way we approach solutions. Embrace the unfamiliar, find that creative spark today.
4. Expanding Your Art Horizons Through Unconventional Means
Expanding your art horizons beyond what you have already been exposed to can be challenging but invigorating. Moving away from the familiar opens up a world of possibilities to reignite your creativity and discover something truly unique. Here are a few creative ways to explore unconventional art forms:
- Collaborate with Other Creatives: Having another person to push you beyond your boundaries and realities is a great way to unlock new creative possibilities. Find a partner who has different artistic strengths than yours to collaborate with. Alternatively, you can join a collective of creatives to brainstorm and experiment together.
- Learn from Nature: Nature can be an unexpected source of creative inspiration. From landscapes to the way creatures move, taking time to observe and appreciate the world around you can lead to unexpected insights. Dissect details like composition, texture, and structure to apply them to your work.
- Browse the Arts Scene: There’s a world of art out there, many of them avant-garde and unconventional. Take the time to explore. Attend an Annual Arts Festival, visit a Museum, or explore an online library of art. There’s a wealth of alternative art beyond what is commonly practiced and you will find something to inspire you.
Beneath the surface of what is traditionally accepted and commonplace, you will find a new world of possibilities. Break out of your comfort zone and find something new that resonates with you. Unconventional art is around every corner, waiting for you to discover it.
When it comes to finding creative inspiration, it can be helpful to explore outside the box – to take a look at the unconventional sources around us. Finding non-traditional sources of art inspiration can help us step out of our comfort zone and bring a unique twist to our work. Who knows where you might find your next creative breakthrough?