How to use visual inspiration to improve your art
1. Become a curator. You’re probably already an expert on this step. Gather some images that speak to you, that you LOVE. Force yourself to include images besides the art of others.
2. Look for patterns. How’s your pattern recognition software? Make a list of things that are similar about the images you chose. Based on my inspiration photos, above, I might use descriptors like “stars,” “organic shapes,” “pale, misty colours,” “elegance,” etc. You can also note outliers, like “humour,” “occasional neon,” and so on.
3. Start small. Try creating your next art piece with one or two of your descriptive words written out in front of you. It can be easy to get caught in the flow of creating, and forget your original intent. As an exercise, try to stay true to your vision.
4. Assess and confess. How did you like your results? Are you getting closer to a style that you’re proud of? Rinse and repeat.
This is a tool I’m currently using to make course corrections toward a style that feels like me. It’s something I’ve heard from lots of artists, but putting it into my own words has been really helpful.
Special thanks to the internet for the above images: Top row, L-R: Seth+Dionna on Once Wed; Paris Hotel Boutique; The Royal Ballet in “Fool’s Paradise” Middle row, L-R: “NAPS” pin, source unknown; Lilac+Violet photo by me; Beaded dress, source unknown Last row, L-R: Tea photo by me; “Nightfall...” painting by Frederic Edwin Church; Fashion photography by Ekaterina Belinskaya
