15 Practical and Exciting Ways to Find Your Path Back to Creativity
Welcome back to Part 2 of our series on Finding Your Path to Creativity with your own creative practice!
Whether you’re returning to a long-loved creative practice or seeking fresh inspiration, the idea of a “creative practice” can be both freeing and overwhelming.
But don’t worry! We’re here to guide you. In this post, we’ll share 15 practical and exciting ways to reignite your creative spark, just as many artists have done through Art Trails Tasmania.
From setting meaningful goals to exploring new techniques, there’s something for everyone. Every creative journey is unique, and sometimes, the simplest steps can lead to the most enriching results.
Ready to get started? Read on for tips that will help you reconnect with your creativity, overcome blocks, and develop a fulfilling, sustainable creative practice. Let’s make space for the art that makes your heart sing!
The Varied Paths to a Meaningful Creative Practice
This two part series on finding your path to your creativity is inspired by the members of Art Trails Tasmania telling their unique creative journey in their Artist Profile story.
Again and again it is the experience of returning to a beloved creative practice after years away from it. Of the enriching of daily life simply by honouring the inner creative being.
Since the initial conception of Art Trails Tasmania, the goal has been to give a platform for our local artists to express themselves, to showcase their talents and artist voices.
The Artist Profile stories, as well as their Event News posts, do all of this and more.
But what I hadn’t figured on was just how impactful it is to learn their stories, to be given insight into their inspiration, sources of joy and just how important it is to make art, in whichever chosen medium.
How to Live the Good Life
It’s taught me that living a life with creativity in it makes for a good life, gives meaning to daily life and nourishes the inner spirit.
So this series is in tribute to the Art Trails Tasmania members who generously share their stories, their paths to creativity.
About the Creative Practice Ideas
Each of these ideas comes with a question for you to ask yourself, all with the intention of making it easier to get started.
So often we are presented with great ideas and it is very easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities.
By asking and answering questions it can be much easier to find the clarity that will best serve us.
There are 15 creative suggestions here with the hope that at least a few will resonate with you.
There’s also the hope that you’ll be able to take the ideas that light you up and adapt them into something that works for you, that clears the path to creativity for you.
Shiny Creative Squirrels
For some, each of these ideas will be like shiny squirrels begging to be played with.
These cheeky squirrel antics can be overwhelming in their own right, so acknowledge the squirrels and pick one or two to start with can be a satisfying way to begin.
Plus, knowing that there is plenty of time and opportunity to come back for the rest can be quite liberating.
Book Review Inspiration: 10 Creative Books for Makers, Artists and Nature Lovers
In this latest book review it is a delight to bring you 10 inspiring creative books for Makers, Artists and Nature Lovers to explore your creativity!
How Rest Fuels Creativity: Boredom, Sleep & Daydreaming Part 1
Discover how rest fuels creativity through boredom, sleep, and daydreaming. Explore why downtime is vital for Tasmanian artists, makers, and dreamers.
10 Ways to Explore Your Creativity with a Sketchbook Practice Part 2
In Part 2 of our series on exploring your artistry with a sketchbook practice we share 10 inspiring ideas to get stuck into on your path to daily creativity.
Discover Creative Freedom Through a Sketchbook Practice Part 1
Discover the joys of sketchbook practice in Part 1 of our series – explore materials, methods, and creative freedom for artists and crafters.
10 Ways to Heal and Flourish with Creativity and Community Part 2
In Part 2, Art Trails Tasmania founder, Belinda Stinson, explores 10 ways to heal with creativity and community as she navigates through a life changing period.
Finding a Path to Healing with Creativity and Community Part 1
In this deeply personal piece, Art Trails Tasmania founder, Belinda Stinson, shares how creativity & community is nurturing her through her journey with grief.
15 Ways to Find Your Way Back to Your Creativity
Here are 15 creative practice ideas to explore:
1. Use creative prompts to spark new ideas and explore different approaches in your creative practice.
Creative prompts are a fantastic way to overcome creative blocks and spark fresh ideas. They encourage you to experiment without pressure.
Try daily, weekly, or themed prompts to challenge yourself. Prompts can be as simple as a word, colour, or texture.
Explore online prompt lists or create your own. Keep a notebook of interesting words, phrases, or ideas to inspire your work.
Use prompts to step outside your comfort zone. Try new materials, techniques, or subject matter to expand your creative practice.
Embrace the unexpected. Let creative prompts guide you in new directions, unlocking fresh inspiration and joy in your work.
What would you like to explore with a creative prompt?
2. Create a calendar of creative events to stay inspired by exhibitions, workshops, and art fairs.
A creative events calendar keeps you engaged and inspired throughout the year. Fill it with exhibitions, workshops, and local craft fairs.
Research upcoming events in your area or plan trips to inspiring creative destinations. Museums and galleries often have free exhibitions.
Workshops and classes offer hands-on learning. Add them to your calendar to develop new skills and boost your creative practice.
Include online events like virtual exhibitions or artist talks. They bring inspiration without the need to travel.
Mark key creative dates, like art challenges or seasonal craft fairs. Having a schedule helps maintain motivation and creative momentum.
What would you like to include in your own custom creative calendar?
3. Join art and craft groups to connect with like-minded creatives and share your creative practice.
Being part of a creative group brings encouragement, inspiration, and a sense of community. It’s a great way to stay motivated.
Look for local art clubs, craft circles, or online communities. Many groups offer workshops, challenges, and social events.
Sharing ideas with others can boost your confidence and encourage you to try new techniques. Creativity thrives in supportive environments.
A creative group provides accountability. Regular meetups help you stay committed to your creative practice.
Whether in person or online, surrounding yourself with other creatives makes your artistic journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.
What sort of art or craft group would you like to find out about and visit?
4. Set a creative goal, like entering a local show or exhibition, to give your work focus and motivation.
Setting a creative goal gives your work purpose and direction. Having a deadline encourages consistency and keeps your creative practice active.
Local shows and exhibitions provide opportunities to showcase your work. They help build confidence and connect you with other artists.
Choose a goal that excites and challenges you. It could be a single piece, a themed collection, or a new technique.
Working towards a goal adds structure to your creativity. It makes your practice more intentional and rewarding.
Celebrate your progress. Every step towards your goal strengthens your creative confidence and commitment.
What sort of creative goal would you like to explore in the coming weeks?
5. Read creative stories—blogs, books, and biographies—to stay inspired and learn from other artists’ journeys.
Reading about other artists’ journeys can spark new ideas and remind you that creativity is an evolving process.
Biographies offer insight into artists’ struggles and triumphs. They show that setbacks are normal and growth takes time.
Blogs and books provide fresh perspectives on techniques, inspiration, and creative routines. They keep your mind engaged with artistic possibilities while connecting you to like minded communities.
Explore different genres. Stories about painters, sculptors, designers, and crafters can all enrich your creative practice.
Let stories motivate you. Seeing how others embrace creativity encourages you to keep pushing forward on your own artistic path. They also show that there are as many different creative practices as there are people.
Which stories would you like to read more of in the coming weeks?
6. Attend workshops, classes, or art retreats to expand your skills and deepen your creative practice.
Workshops and classes introduce new techniques and materials, helping you grow as an artist. They bring fresh energy to your creative practice.
Art retreats provide immersive experiences. They let you focus deeply on your craft while surrounded by like-minded creatives over a number of days.
Learning in a group setting fosters inspiration. You gain valuable insights from tutors and fellow participants while sharing your own experiences and insights.
Workshops encourage experimentation with something new or a beloved medium.
Trying new approaches can unlock hidden talents and rekindle your artistic passion. Such a release can be liberating, breathing new life into something that is deeply important to you.
Attending creative events strengthens your connection to the arts community, your friendships and even with yourself.
It reminds you that creativity thrives when shared. It’s always a joy to feel connection with your own tribe of fellow creatives.
What would you like to learn more about in a workshop, class or retreat in the next three months?
7. Sign up for an arts or crafts online class, TAFE or evening college course to develop new techniques and artistic confidence.
An online class, TAFE or evening college course provides structured learning. It helps you develop technical skills and a deeper understanding of your creative practice.
Courses cover a wide range of disciplines, from painting and ceramics to textiles and jewellery making. Happily there’s something for everyone.
Studying with experienced tutors offers valuable guidance and different perspectives.
You receive constructive feedback to refine your work which can lead you along paths that are new and fresh, or heartwarmingly familiar and nourishing.
A formal course can boost confidence. It validates your artistic abilities and encourages you to take your creativity and your self value more seriously.
While achieving certificates can open more doors, creating opportunities that you hadn’t foreseen even 12 months earlier.
Learning in a dedicated environment allows for focus. It provides time and space to nurture your creative passion and honour the time you need to give it.
There’s also the added benefit of family and friends being given the opportunity to respect your creative passion.
What sort of class would you like to sign up for?
8. Set a design challenge on Spoonflower to experiment with patterns and surface design.
Spoonflower offers a fun way to explore pattern-making and surface design through regular themed challenges. It’s a great way to push your creativity within a supportive and engaged community.
Creating a design for fabric, wallpaper, or home décor can introduce new skills and techniques to your creative practice and push you artistically.
Entering a challenge gives you a clear focus. It encourages you to work within a theme and develop unique ideas.
Seeing how others interpret the same prompt is also inspiring and quite often surprising. It broadens your perspective and fuels creative growth.
Spoonflower challenges are a low-pressure way to experiment. They allow you to play, learn, and refine your artistic style and voice.
What sort of design challenges have resonated with you and what do you want to give a go?
9. Plan a creative holiday to immerse yourself in art, culture, and new surroundings.
A creative holiday is the perfect chance to surround yourself with fresh inspiration. It allows you to recharge your creativity.
Visit museums, galleries, markets and fairs, cafes with local art on the walls, local art and craft groups and their shops, and historic sites to explore different artistic styles and cultural influences. Make time for sketching or photography.
Choose destinations that speak to your artistic passions and make your creative spirit sing. Whether it’s nature, urban, architecture, or traditional crafts, there’s always something to capture.
Incorporate hands-on experiences, like attending workshops or craft demonstrations, into your itinerary. They offer new skills and fresh ideas.
A creative holiday nurtures both your artistry and your spirit. It gives you space to make, reflect, and grow.
What sort of activities would you like to incorporate into your itinerary that would make it a creative holiday for you?
Why a Creative Business is Essential for Artists & Makers Part 1
Discover why building a creative business with multiple income streams is vital for artists & makers in this 2 part series. Learn how to grow & sustain your creativity.
How Open Studio Art Trails Help Artists Connect and Grow Part 1
Find out how Open Studio Art Trails can help grow your profile as an artist, open doors to new opportunities and to thrive creatively.
How a Blog Builds Your Creative Artist Profile and Income – Part 1
In part 1 in our series on how to make a blog grow your artist profile and income, we dive into what it is and how to get it working for you.
Why Every Artist and Creative Business Needs a Clear, Simple Content Plan – Part 1
In Part 1 in our series on Content Planning we explore why having a clear and simple content plan is so important for your growing creative business.
How to Make Art Exhibitions Creative, Engaging and Profitable Part 1
Successful art exhibitions can be game changers for artists, galleries and art societies, so dive into Part 1 of our guide on How to make your art show a success!
Innovation and Imagination Guide the Artistic Journey of Debra Williams
Be inspired by the artistic journey of Debra Williams as she challenges her own creative growth and finds joy through out.
Janet Fuller Paints Joy, Courage & King Island
It’s time to meet King Island artist Janet Fuller and be inspired by her love for creativity, colour and being bold!
Australian Landscapes Shine in the New Annette Fuller Online Gallery
Come discover Annette Fuller’s new online art gallery with its devotion to contemporary Australian landscapes, beauty and light.
Jennifer Grubba Weaves Strength Into Every Wire Sculpture She Makes
Through healing and creativity, Jennifer Grubba transforms wire sculpture into soulful art, using each twist to calm the mind and express her recovery journey.
10. Take a sketching trip to observe and capture the world around you in your own unique style.
A sketching trip is a wonderful way to observe the world closely and translate it onto paper.
Whether you’re sketching in nature, urban settings, or on holiday, in your local area, capturing moments in your unique way can be liberating.
Consider nature journaling to document the environment or urban sketching to capture town life and architecture.
Each outing with the sketching kit offers a chance to improve your sketching skills. Don’t worry about perfection – just enjoy the process of observation.
Sketching builds confidence and helps you see the world through an artist’s eyes. Plus, it’s an excellent form of creative mindfulness.
Would you like to explore nature journaling or urbane sketching or both?
11. Develop a creative mindfulness practice to relax, focus, and enjoy the process of making.
Creative mindfulness allows you to be fully present in your art. It’s about the process, not the outcome that matters.
It can be as simple as taking deep breaths before you start creating or focusing on the tactile sensations of your materials.
A creative mindfulness practice helps reduce stress, calm the mind, and encourage creative flow. It’s an ideal way to nurture yourself.
Use it as a way to connect to your emotions, clearing mental clutter while making art that feels authentic.
You may find that this practice boosts creativity and brings a sense of joy to your everyday making.
What would you hope to gain from a creative mindfulness practice?
12. Explore a new mixed media practice to bring fresh excitement to your creative work.
Mixed media offers endless possibilities. Combining different materials – paints, fabrics, papers, and more – can breathe new life into your work.
It can also give you permission to take the risks that you may have held back from before.
Experiment with textures, layering, and different techniques.
Whether it’s collaging, printmaking, or incorporating found objects, the options are endless so you may want to give yourself some structure. Consider size, number of mediums, colour, or a theme to work with.
Explore both traditional and non-traditional media to add dimension to your projects. This allows you to express ideas in fresh ways.
Starting with mixed media can be an exciting way to break out of creative ruts. The results are often surprising! And it is alright for you not to initially like them.
Give yourself time away from something you don’t initially like and see how you respond to it a few weeks down the track. Can it be incorporated into something else, is there a passage that is a gift, what did the process lead to?
Mixed media expands your creative horizons. It encourages you to take risks and embrace the unexpected in your art. It has a very interesting way of opening new creative doors.
What sorts of mediums would you like to bring together to explore your creativity with?
13. Build your own intentional creative practice by setting aside dedicated time to create.
Creating a dedicated time for your art practice allows you to make progress and deepen your skills.
Whether it’s an hour every morning or a weekend session, even just 20 minutes a week, consistency is key to building creative momentum.
Focus on one specific skill or medium to grow your expertise. The more intentional your practice, the more you’ll improve.
Set achievable goals and embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. This will help you refine your techniques and stay motivated.
An intentional creative practice nurtures not only your craft but also your mental well-being. It’s time to invest in yourself, especially as you build confidence creatively as you consistently work on the skills that you want.
What creative skills would you like to grow with focused intentional practice?
14. Visit arts and crafts markets and fairs for inspiration and to support fellow creatives.
Arts and crafts markets and fairs are treasure troves of inspiration. They offer unique handmade items and showcase incredible creativity.
By attending markets and fairs, you connect with local artists and discover fresh ideas for your own creative practice.
You also get to understand what is involved in making something, even if it isn’t part of your creative skills set.
Support fellow creatives by purchasing their work, connecting with them online or simply admiring their efforts.
It’s a fantastic way to encourage your community and introduce your creative circle to them.
Many markets also feature live demonstrations or workshops, offering opportunities to learn new skills.
Though for the artists running their stands on their own, they can’t be away from there space to give the workshops. They may have online courses or workshops happening on non-market weekends so be sure to ask.
Visiting these events can spark ideas, provide networking opportunities, and ignite your passion for your own craft.
The annual Tasmanian Craft Fair is the southern hemisphere’s largest, it even has its own shuttle bus taking you to each of the many venue sites across the northern Tasmanian town of Deloraine.
Which arts and crafts markets would you like to visit in the coming year?
15. Work through an inspiring art and craft how-to book to learn new techniques and refine your skills.
How-to books are excellent resources for exploring new techniques and expanding your creative toolkit. They are a joy to look through and learn from a very experienced and talented maker.
Choose a book that excites you, whether it’s about painting, pottery, knitting, or any other craft you’re curious about.
By working through each step, you not only learn new skills but also gain confidence in your own abilities. And you can always go over the steps multiple times, experimenting and learning as you go.
Books often provide a deeper understanding of the process and inspire you to experiment with new materials and methods.
It’s a great way to develop your skills at your own pace. Plus, it’s a perfect way to stay creative.
Confession time, I have a deep love for arts and crafts books and take a lot of joy in putting together the Book Reviews that feature all manner of books celebrating creativity and makers.
What art techniques or craft practices would you like to explore in a how-to book?
The Launceston Art Society Inspirations Exhibition
You’re invited to the Launceston Art Society “Inspirations” exhibition, a community art exhibition showcasing the diverse talents of local members.
Textile Art Workshops with Stitching and Beyond
It’s time to be inspired by the latest calendar of workshops being brought to you by the friendly Stitching and Beyond group as they celebrate the textile arts!
The Launceston Heritage Sketch 2025
This exciting Heritage Sketch Art Competition is for kids from Kinder to Year 12 and is all about exploring and drawing Launceston.
Read the Latest Blog Stories and Flourish…
The Launceston Art Society Inspirations Exhibition
You're Invited to attend the Launceston Art Society's "Inspirations" Exhibition The Launceston Art Society proudly presents “Inspirations”, a community art exhibition showcasing the diverse talents of local members, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite...
How Rest Fuels Creativity: Boredom, Sleep & Daydreaming Part 1
Why Boredom, Sleep, and Daydreaming Fuel Creativity Creativity is not confined to bursts of high energy or moments of intense focus; creativity also thrives in quieter spaces, where creativity grows naturally as the resting mind nurtures creativity through calm,...
Why a Creative Business is Essential for Artists & Makers Part 1
Selling Your Work and Your Creative Business A creative business allows artists, makers, and crafters to turn passion into possibility, sharing work with the world while creating meaningful income. Building a creative business is not about waiting for buyers to...
12 Strategies to Grow Your Creative Business Successfully – Part 2
Making your Creative Business a Success A creative business can transform your passion into a sustainable livelihood, but knowing where to start and how to grow takes guidance and patience. Following on from Part 1, Why a Creative Business is Essential for Artists...
Innovation and Imagination Guide the Artistic Journey of Debra Williams
Being Brave with Your Artistic Journey I strive to create an outcome that I have envisaged, but sometimes the art takes me into a different sphere, and the outcome is better. I love experimenting with different media. This month, I have a large portrait entered in a...
Textile Art Workshops with Stitching and Beyond
Textile Art Workshops to Inspire Workshops are central to Stitching and Beyond’s creative programme, giving textile artists and makers the chance to explore new techniques and ideas. This latest calendar of workshops highlights the richness of textile arts, with...
Janet Fuller Paints Joy, Courage & King Island
Inspiration is Everywhere on King Island I love it when things just work. That one amazing brushstroke that elevates the ordinary to something that makes you go "wow, that's it". When colours come together in a way that's so bold they explode off the canvas, or so...
The Launceston Heritage Sketch 2025
An Art Competition for All Kinder to Year 12 Launceston is a city steeped in history, nestled amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, and filled with vibrant neighbourhoods and cherished landmarks. This competition invites budding young creatives of all skill levels...
The Stitching and Beyond Out of Hand Exhibition
Be Inspired by the "Out of Hand" Exhibition by Stitching and Beyond Members This year marks the 20th anniversary of Stitching and Beyond, so to celebrate we are putting on our best Out of Hand exhibition EVER!! Enjoy a wonderful collection of fibre, paper and textile...
Read What Our Members Say About Belonging
Join the growing, supportive artists community today and have your Artist story told here.
Belinda is doing a great job creating a professional looking artist hub online. Check out the profile I posted recently to see how well she does them. To all my artist friends let’s help make this THE go to place to discover local artists.
You won’t regret joining Art Trails Tasmania . It’s a welcoming community for creatives at any career stage.Becoming an Art Trails Tasmania member wasn’t a hard decision for me to make as it’s such a wealth of knowledge and support.Being member provides a quality way to showcase your creative endeavours and it’s quickly growing in reach.
We operate a home based picture framing business and recently joined Art Trails Tasmania as a means to giving us exposure to the wider artist community. We have almost immediately seen increase in activity thru our online sites, which I am certain will lead to more opportunities to grow our business.
