The Six People I Turn to When I Need Creative Inspiration

I have more projects floating around in my head than I could possibly complete in a timely manner.  However, I am always looking for a little creative inspiration to help me fine-tune these projects or think about creating in a whole new way.  So I frequently turn to other crafters, cooks, and artists to be inspired by their projects.  

Sliding down the Pinterest rabbit hole is a great way to discover all sorts of things.  But there are a few people who I am so inspired by I want to be sure I don’t miss any of their content.  I follow these creators by checking their websites or Instagram feeds daily for creative inspiration.

If you are not currently a crafter and are wondering why creative inspiration is so important, check out my post on the importance of creative outlets for emotional and mental well being.  Also, if you are new to the crafting world and aren’t sure where to get started, read this post with ten creative outlets to inspire you.

All of the photos in this post are stock images, not ones from the actual creative inspiration sources. Check out the links to their websites, blogs & Instagram accounts to see their work!

Here are my current six favorite creatives covering a wide range of artistic mediums:

The Refashionista

If you have ever wondered what someone could possibly do with those dated crazy clothes you see at the thrift store, you should check out the Refashonista.  Not only does she score amazing thrift store finds, she also transforms clothing from dated and oversized to cute and wearable fashion.  Plus she provides a super helpful step-by-step breakdown on how she creates each transformation so you can learn how to apply the techniques to your own thrift store upcycle projects.

Snack with Sara

Sara is a nutritionist, and her Instagram feed is filled with creative meals that are often vegan and gluten-free.  I love seeing what she is cooking up and using her unique combinations and ingredients as creative inspiration in my own kitchen.  If you love what Sara cooks, make sure to join her SnackSquad to get a recipe e-mailed to you each week!

Sarah Tyau

Sarah is a two-for-one on the creative front!  She does amazing refashions using as much of the original garment as possible to avoid adding in new closures, hems, etc.  I love seeing how she re-imagines the clothing she upcycles.  Sarah also provides creative inspiration in the kitchen as well.  I love her Instagram stories where she shares her grocery shopping finds and describes what she will cook with them (often Korean dishes).  And as a bonus, she often shares videos of her preparing these meals in her stories as well.

Scotshill House

I love the clean white palette Torie uses in both her home decorating projects featured on her website and those that fill her Instagram account.  While she provides easy to follow instructions, her finished projects look beyond professional.  I love the way she adds architectural details to her rooms and then layers in thoughtfully chosen furniture and accessories to create a room that looks like it was taken out of the pages of a magazine.

Notebook Profile

This Instagram account is filled with inspirational art.  With projects ranging from simple line drawings to beautiful full color art spreads, there is something to inspire you to pick up a pen, pencil or markers.  If you keep a bullet journal (or want to get started) there is even more inspiration with page layouts and so many different examples of bullet journal graphics.

Ana White

Do your projects tend more toward the power tools and woodwork direction?  Then you probably already know Ana White.  But if you are interested in learning how to build your own sofa, planter or even greenhouse, and haven’t heard of her yet, run, don’t walk, to check out Ana White!  Not only can you get creative inspiration from Ana’s projects, but be sure to check out the Brags page on her website where her community submits their completed projects for even more DIY inspiration.

Need more inspiration

If you knit or crochet, be sure to check out Ravelry.  You will need to create an account, but it is free and the website is filled with resources.  I love coming here to find a pattern for my next project.  You can search by a specific yarn (or just use weight and fiber composition), project type, any design features you want to try out, and so much more.  Plus this is a great way to discover and support small independent knit and crochet pattern designers with the ability to purchase patterns right through Ravelry.

While it hasn’t been updated in several years, I still love to browse through the archives of One Pretty Thing when I am looking for creative inspiration.  Posts include links to twelve DIY/Craft projects.  Each post of a dozen projects can either cover a broad spectrum of crafting medium and design or be grouped by theme (i.e. holiday ornaments or printables).  I like to think of this as a curated Pinterest – in each post you get to see the images of the finished projects and click through links are provided for every photo.

Who do you turn to for creative inspiration?

I would love to discover who your favorite sources are for creative inspiration!  What blogs, websites and Instagram accounts do you find yourself constantly turning to for project ideas?  Please share your favorites in the comments below!

 Hoping these artists, cooks, and crafters ignite a spark of creative inspiration for you too!