Share Your Art

Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker visited Blackberry Farm to host a special event designed to inspire storytellers to bring out the narratives inside them. As experienced and renowned authors, they are well-versed in the range of emotions and trials that can overtake artists as they explore the creative process.

Shauna shared with guests her advice on how to hone their writing skills and better their practice. While shared for writing, her tips easily translate to all types of creatives looking for inspiration.

Staying inspired is your job. Find your fuel and use it, especially in times when you may feel uninspired. Go outside and awaken your senses with new surroundings. Invest in meaningful conversations. Use creative exercises to open up a new thought process. Don’t let yourself give in to a creative block; push through it instead.

Show up to your practice like keeping an appointment. Make your art and your creation process a priority. It can be easy to push it off and prioritize other chores, obligations or desires. But if you think of the same as you would a meeting at work or an appointment with a physician, you will show up for yourself.

To be a growing writer, you have to be a reader. If you’re a writer, read often and read a variety of genres and authors. Read writing that you love to help inspire your own. If you are a visual artist, use this tool in your way. Study other artists’ work, and spend time admiring it.

Cross-pollinate your creative self. Interact with art outside of your medium. If you are a writer, take a painting class. If you are a musician, try a pottery lesson. Explore as many creative avenues as you can, and you will feel inspired in new and unexpected way. You may even find a new hobby!