If you’ve ever struggled with ideas or felt uninspired to create, congratulations you’re an artist.

But there might be a way around that hurdle – Journaling

Now, I’m not talking about writing “Dear diary” or what you had for breakfast. I’m referring to writing down ideas.

Keep a notebook/journal with you – at all times

A physical one.

Don’t take notes on your phone. Why?

Distraction

Distraction

Distraction

It might be more convenient to type down ideas on your phone, but then you’ll notice you have a few unread messages or Instagram notifications that demand your attention, and by that time you’ve completely forgotten what your idea was.

The benefits of having a notebook and writing something down can give you 4 times the idea generation. You’re also 3 times more likely to avoid distraction.

As artists, what we want more of are ideas, and what we want less of are distractions.

Design your environment in such a way that encourages your ideas and creativity.

Consume less. Create more.

Take some time during your day and instead of consuming, create.

“Don’t get high on your own supply.“

As an artist you only need to consume so much to be inspired, anything beyond that is above your quota. You need time where you can grab your notebook or empty sketch pad to write down ideas or doodles. Then you’re innovating instead of only allowing yourself to be inspired.

There’s something special about putting your thoughts on paper. Because you’ll be alone with your idea and the page where it’s written, and you’ll be able to stare at each other. Now you may glance up into the sky and think about your idea, then look down to see if there’s anything else you can add to it.

Through this creative process, you’re able you reach into the unknown world of creativity.

Your mind on paper

The main reason I keep a notebook with me is to write down anything and everything that comes to mind. Whether it’s one of my own thoughts, or something someone says, or something I read or see in a video. Literally anything.

View it as your mind on paper.

It gives me the opportunity to work through thoughts or ideas. Not only article ideas, but photography as well. Sometimes I’m sketching out compositions and trying to figure out how I can improve them to tell a better story and evoke more emotion.

Remember, it’s your booklet. No one else needs to see it. It’s not supposed to be perfect with beautiful handwriting and filled with colour. It’s a place where you can store and work through thoughts and ideas.