How to Create When You’re Not Feeling Inspired
How to Create When You’re Not Feeling Inspired
Let’s be honest—some days, the creativity just isn’t there. You sit down with your sketchbook, your tools, your ideas… and nothing comes. The spark is missing. The motivation is buried under dishes, deadlines, distractions, or just pure exhaustion.
I’ve been there too. I’m Izzy—an artist, wife, and stay-at-home mom raising a toddler and expecting my second baby. Life is sweet, silly, and full… but it’s also overwhelming. Still, even on my lowest days, I’ve learned how to keep showing up for my creativity—even if I’m not feeling inspired.
Here’s what’s helped me, and maybe it’ll help you too.
⸻
1. Don’t Wait for Inspiration—Create Space for It
Inspiration isn’t something that just shows up with a trumpet fanfare. Sometimes, it’s hiding behind a moment of stillness.
Instead of waiting for the “right time” or perfect idea, try this:
Set a 10-minute timer.
Grab your pen, brush, tablet—whatever.
Tell yourself: I don’t have to make something amazing. I just need to show up.
Usually, the act of starting is what brings the spark.
2. Find Your “Why” Again
Ask yourself:
Why do I want to create today?
What am I trying to feel or say?
Who do I want to connect with?
For me, I create kawaii art because I want people to smile. I want someone to glance at a silly food character and feel a little lighter. That reminder helps me create—even when I’m tired, stressed, or totally uninspired.
3. Borrow Inspiration from Your Surroundings
When your brain feels empty, look outward:
Your toddler’s messy snack? That could be a new character.
The way your coffee spills? A whole scene idea.
The weather, your mood, even a text you just got—all potential prompts.
You don’t need a lightning bolt. Sometimes you just need to look around and say: What if?
4. Use Prompts, Tools & Help (You’re Not Alone)
One of my biggest creativity hacks is using tools like:
Pinterest – for visual inspiration
ChatGPT – to help generate ideas and writing
Canva - to play with layouts or create blog visuals
Color palettes – to start with feeling, not subject
These little helpers can give you a soft push on hard days. And you’re not cheating by using them—you’re building momentum.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is rest. Step away from the blank page and do something else:
Watch a funny video
Go for a walk
Cuddle with your kids
Doodle nonsense with no plan
It’s okay to have slow days. Your creativity isn’t leaving you—it’s just refilling.
The Magic Is in Showing Up
You don’t have to be “on” all the time to be an artist, a writer, or a maker. You just have to be willing to come back to it—even on the messy, uninspired days.
Keep showing up. Keep doing what you can. Even if it’s one line, one idea, or one scribble—it’s enough.
You’re enough.
Bring the chaos to your coloring routine!
Download Kawaii Chaos & Cute Cravings — a 30-page printable coloring book filled with silly snacks, funny moods, and stress-relieving cuteness.
Perfect for all ages and guaranteed to make you smile.
→ Click here to get your copy now!
Just $7 for 30 pages of pure kawaii chaos!
This is a digital download, not a physical product — no snail mail, just instant cuteness delivered straight to your device. Print it, color it, laugh at it, repeat!