They say practice makes perfect, but in the world of art, practice makes something much more thrilling—it creates inspiration. When you’re striving to master a craft, repetition and routine often get a bad rap. But for artists, it’s the bread and butter, a ritual of sorts that brings us face-to-face with those elusive “aha” moments that otherwise wouldn’t happen. Practice is the crucible that turns raw ideas into polished inspiration, and inspiration fuels the drive to keep going, even when the work gets tough or unpredictable.
The Artist’s Routine: Finding Freedom in Repetition
Routine can be our best friend, even when it feels dull. There’s something deeply freeing in knowing that each day we have a few designated moments to draw, paint, or brainstorm—no pressure to “make it perfect,” just the simple act of doing. It’s in these small, seemingly mundane moments that the magic often happens. Practice allows us to test boundaries without fear, and ironically, the more we repeat our routines, the freer we become. Each line drawn or brushstroke applied takes us a step closer to that idea or feeling we didn’t even know we wanted to express.
I remember once, during a long practice session, I wasn’t aiming to create anything particularly profound. But suddenly, a series of quick sketches transformed into something that spoke back to me—a whisper from the inspiration that had been building up, waiting for just the right moment to reveal itself.
Inspiration Strikes… Where?
Inspiration, however, has a mind of its own. It doesn’t always come during those scheduled hours; sometimes, it’s at the least expected times, in the most unlikely places. Maybe it’s while you’re people-watching in a café, staring at clouds, or standing in line at the grocery store. But here’s the kicker—practice helps us get ready for those unpredictable moments. Think of practice as priming the canvas so when inspiration strikes, you’re ready to catch it. It’s like a dance, where practice sets the rhythm and inspiration provides the flourish. Without the routine, we might miss those golden moments entirely.
Finding Inspiration Within: Honoring Your Unique Perspective
Every artist has a unique way of seeing the world, and I’ve come to believe that tapping into this personal perception is one of the greatest sources of inspiration. We’re all shaped by different experiences, environments, and influences. For me, there’s a bit of “pleasant insanity” that adds a certain quirk to my work. It’s what gives it life and depth, making it feel less like a replication of reality and more like an interpretation. Embracing our quirks isn’t just fun; it’s necessary. It’s what keeps our art personal and meaningful.
There’s a saying that “art is based on perception,” and by accepting my own, I’m able to infuse each piece with something distinctly “me.” This is where inspiration becomes a loop. As we practice, we discover our own eccentricities, which then feed back into our art as inspiration, creating a cycle that’s both self-renewing and endlessly invigorating.
Keeping the Creative Spirit Alive
Inspiration isn’t a rare or mythical force; it’s a practice, a perception, a way of seeing the world. By setting aside time each day to create, by allowing ourselves to embrace repetition, we can keep that spark alive, ready for when inspiration decides to come along. And when it does, we’re prepared to capture it, to bring it to life through our work.
So here’s to practice: the unsung hero of inspiration. Keep showing up, let your perceptions shape your work, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself creating with a freedom and inspiration you never knew you had.
by Dan and Bonkers
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