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I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when you want to make something but you just can’t decide what to make. Why does it always seem like you have a million ideas and they all vanish as soon as you sit down to actually create? If you find this happening to you, then you are in the right place. In this post, I’m going to share my favorite places to go for creative inspiration – and most don’t even require you to leave your house.

YouTube

We’re starting off with one of my favorites – YouTube. This is often one of the first places I try when I’m looking for some inspiration. I’ll look up whatever creative activity I want to do – crocheting, drawing in Procreate, etc. – and watch a video or two.

While sometimes you’ll find a specific tutorial video that you want to try out, those aren’t the only types of videos that are helpful for finding that spark of inspiration. A lot of the time, videos where people are simply talking about the craft or showing off supplies is enough for me.

This is also one of my favorite techniques to get me interested again in something that my ADHD has decided is not new and exciting anymore. Listening to others talk about things will often spark my interest again, especially if you can tell they’re really passionate about it.

Instagram

Instagram works in pretty much the same way for me, but with less commitment than a YouTube video. You can find some specific accounts that inspire you or just look up hashtags related to whatever activity it is that you’re wanting to do. Scrolling through posts will often bring you some good ideas of what to make.

One plus side to IG over YT is that it tends to be a bit more interactive and social. YT obviously has comments but in my experience, the conversation is more one-way there than on IG.

Use this one with caution because it’s very easy to get caught in a doomscroll rather than just looking for a few minutes to get some inspiration and before you know it, the time you had intended to be used for your creativity is now gone.

TikTok

TikTok is more or less the same as IG for our purposes but it tends to have a slightly different demographic and so some hobbies may be more popular on TT.

As with IG, be careful using this one so that your creative time doesn’t end up getting wasted scrolling TT instead.

Facebook Groups

This is my last social media rec, I promise – but it’s a good one.

Perhaps my most consistent source of creative inspiration is Facebook groups. I am in several crochet groups and Procreate groups as well as groups for creative business owners and more. I get so much inspiration from what people share in these groups.

Creative hobby groups on Facebook are filled with people sharing pictures of things they’ve made. Even if a post is about something that you have no desire to make yourself, it may still spark a little bit of inspiration for you.

Another plus side to these groups is that, at least in my experience, people tend to be really helpful and encouraging. Beginner crocheters will post in the crochet groups I’m in and ask questions or share pictures of projects that didn’t turn out the way they expected them to and people are always so willing to give feedback and advice.

I’m sure not every group is like this, but lots of them are.

Websites like Skillshare, Creativebug, and Craftsy

Skillshare, Creativebug, Craftsy, and other websites like these can be a fantastic place to get inspiration. These are all websites that have online classes for different creative hobbies.

These websites are especially useful when you’re looking on guidance for a specific type of project to do or specific skill to practice. You can search whatever craft you want to do (ex. search “crochet”) and you’ll get tons of classes for various different projects.

You may be surprised by some of the things you find. I’m not quite as familiar with Creativebug or Craftsy, but at least on Skillshare, I know there are classes about things like running a creative business or about specific software like Adobe Illustrator.

If you have one, check with your local library before you sign up for any of these sites. I know a lot of libraries offer access to one (usually Creativebug or Craftsy from what I’ve seen) if you have a library card. If you want to try out Skillshare, you can get a month free if you use my referral link.

Nature

And now, finally, the one suggestion on this list that does require you to leave the comfort of your home: nature.

Tons and tons of artists throughout history have found creative inspiration in nature. Whether they were painters, poets, or musicians, nature has been a creative muse for many.

This could be as simple as going and sitting in your backyard while you draw, write, etc. Or it could be something requiring more effort like going to a local botanical garden, going on a walk, or going to a park. Animals, plants, weather, lakes, etc. can all inspire your next creative project.

Your Past Projects

Last, but certainly not least, your past projects can be a wonderful source of creative inspiration.

If you’re feeling stuck and you aren’t sure what to make next, try looking at some of the things you’ve made in the past – whether that was yesterday or ten years ago. You’d be surprised how something you’ve already made can inspire new ideas.

Even if they don’t inspire something completely new, it can be fun to remake something you’ve made before. If, for example, you used to be a painter but you’ve gone years without picking up a paintbrush, try recreating an old painting that you’re fond of. Or if you’ve been practicing at something for a bit now, try going back and remaking one of your first creations. You may be surprised to see just how much you’ve improved! Seeing your creative progress is a great way to build confidence through creativity. I haven’t actually done this myself yet but I’ve seen people in Facebook groups who have and it’s so interesting to see how much their newest iteration compares and contrasts to the original they made.

Key Takeaways

• If your ideas run dry, borrow momentum from other creators.
• YouTube is great for quick inspiration. Tutorials help, but even chatty videos about supplies can spark ideas.
• Instagram gives fast, low-commitment inspiration through accounts and hashtags, but set a time limit so you don’t waste your creative time.
• TikTok works like Instagram but with different trends and audiences, so some hobbies may be more popular there.
• Facebook groups can be a steady inspiration feed. People share projects, ask questions, and often give kind, useful feedback.
• Class sites like Skillshare, Creativebug, and Craftsy are perfect when you want structure. Search a specific skill or type of project and pick a class.
• Check your local library before paying since many offer free access to Creativebug or Craftsy with a library card.
• Nature is popular in art for a reason. A backyard lounge, a quick walk, or a trip to a botanical garden can reset your brain and spark new ideas.
• Your past projects are a hidden idea bank. Re-make an old piece to see how far you’ve come.

I hope you’ve found this post helpful and have some ideas now on where to get your next spark of creative inspiration when you’re feeling stuck. If you end up giving one (or two or seven) a try, let me know how they work out for you. I’d love to hear it!

And if you need a little extra support, be sure to sign up for the email newsletter and you’ll get free printable creativity-themed affirmation cards that can offer an extra dose of encouragement.

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