Where do you get inspiration from?
I share 10 rich sources that work for me
Inspiration is a mysterious and magical force that can seem elusive at times. It's intangible, but it can be borrowed or taken from a fleeting moment. It’s all around but sometimes, we cant find it.
This newsletter isn’t about magic, its about active steps we can take to stay excited about illustration and constantly discover new things to create.
I‘m going to share the actions I've been taking recently to find that inspiration.
Also… Big news alert!
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I have just signed a brand new book contract with EK Books. Cue the confetti and celebration! It's an incredibly exciting opportunity and I can't wait to share all the details with you. Keep reading below to find out more. YAY!!!
This month, the illoguild question is about inspiration.
Members of the illoguild all answer the same question as each other every month.
We're a group of illustrators from around the world, and we meet every two weeks to chat online about our illustration and kidlit adventures. We've found that answering the same question together each month really sparks our creativity and accelerates our growth! We're excited to share some of our insights and golden nuggets with you in this newsletter. We're all about growing our community and supporting each other's growth. If you want to see what other topics we've covered, just click on the link. Happy reading!.
So let’s get to it.
Here are 10 sources that I get my inspiration from.
Attend art classes in person or online. These classes can expose you to new techniques and perspectives that can spark your creativity. I recently went to an art class at my local school and loved the experience of using charcoal to draw a portrait. It has resulted in my digital art being more free and leaving in more of my mark making. I also signed up to Skillshare.
Visiting art galleries. I recently saw the Archibald and the NSW Art Gallery, as well as went to a visit to the White Rabbit Gallery. The diverse range of artwork on display can ignite fresh ideas and offer unique storytelling approaches.
Childhood memories can also be a rich source of inspiration. Try recalling a familiar smell from your past or a memory from celebrating your favourite holiday to tap into nostalgic emotions that can fuel your illustrations. I recently drew a Rosh Hashanah scene… I loved pouring honey on the apples as a kid and still do. I’ll post it to instagram later this month.
Drawings made by kids. Their imaginative ideas can provide a wealth of inspiration, so why not pick their brains and incorporate their concepts into your own work? My son recently drew a kid fishing and asked me to draw it in my style - he told me it need to have a lake, rocks, and rainbow fish… I’m still working on it, and will provide an update on instagram.
Exploring library books is another fantastic way to find inspiration without breaking the bank. By judging books by their covers and flipping through their pages, you can discover a myriad of different styles and storytelling techniques. I love going to the library and picking a huge stash at random. I’m always thrilled to find what’s inside.
Sketching outdoors is something I have been doing more of lately. It allows you to observe unexpected things and build upon those ideas in your illustrations.
Explore the work of your illustration peers or idles. This can be done in person or through online platforms and communities. Are they focusing on a specific genre or capturing scenes from a particular holiday or event? You can inspiration from their work and adapt it to your unique style and vision. I love seeing what members of the illoguild are up to. Adam Ming inspired me to join Skillshare, Katie Stack inspired me to reach out to industry professionals and show my work and Jen Gubicza has inspired me to attend more live events. They all have wonderful and inspiring substack newsletters that you should check out.
Noticing the beauty in every day life. Pay attention to the world around you and find inspiration in the little moments. Take note of the beauty that often goes unnoticed, whether it's a familiar tree, a unique building, or a captivating street scene. These everyday observations can spark ideas and stories for your illustrations. Take pics of anything that catches your eye and sparks your imagination - it doesn’t have to be an illustration. Create a dedicated folder or album on your device. Revisit these images when you have some free time and let them inspire your next drawing.
Discover the journey of successful people in the kidlit community. This can be done through podcasts, YouTube channels, or attending live events. These platforms provide a unique opportunity to gain insights, learn from experienced professionals, and discover new perspectives on the art of drawing and illustration. I have been listening to ‘Words and Nerds’ and ‘The Sunshine House’ podcast.
Watch documentaries and films. While doing this, tune into how storytelling and visual aesthetics collide. Pay attention to cinematography, camera angles, set designs, and character development, as these elements can offer valuable insights and spark new ideas for your illustrations.
This is what I have been focusing on lately, but inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere. The key is to remain open to inspiration and to actively seek out new experiences and perspectives. By exploring various sources and engaging with different forms of art, you'll continuously find inspiration to keep your illustrations vibrant and exciting.
News
🎉I signed a new book deal 🎉
I’m so excited to work with EK Books on a wonderful story written by Deborah Frenkel. The book will be out in 2025. Can’t wait to share more details with you when I’m allowed. For right now the details are all super secret 🤫
I had the incredible opportunity to read ‘Mia’s Glamma to 60 preschool kids during CBCA book week. And I even dressed up. The kids were so excited and adorable. It was hands down the highlight of my week.
At the book week celebrations, two primary school kids surprised everyone by dressing up as Glamma. Their outfits were absolutely stunning, and I couldn't help but feel honoured and delighted to see that a character that I illustrated is resonating with young readers. It warms my heart to know that my work is making a connection and sparking joy in their lives.
I also attend a Book Week Soirée. It was a fantastic conversation with Zanni Louise and Beck Young. Super inspiring and also we were introduced to ‘Room to Read’ a brilliant charity- truely changing lives and inspiring people.
If you want to get your hands on Mia's Glamma, you can find it online or at Harry Hartog in Sydney, Quick Brown Fox in Brisbane, and many more bookstores. They're currently restocking, so keep an eye out for the second shipment because the first one sold out super fast!
If you would like to see what I am working on or where I’ll be doing my next reading, follow me on instagram.
Please leave a comment and let me know where you find inspiration or if my inspiration sources are yours too. Or just say hi 👋 I love meeting readers of this newsletter.
Thanks for reading and being part of this community 😊
First, congratulations on the book!! Agree with all of your sources for inspiration and I would add music. Both the feeling and sometimes the lyrics are moving.
That’s great to hear! And thanks so much.