Albert Einstein once famously said, “Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” The quote is self-explanatory, and yet many artistic minds experience what we call “a creative lull.”
Digging into Einstein’s words, it’s about your perception of the world around you, whether you’re an artist, poet, or writer. Inspiration can be found in the most unusual places; all you have to do is look with your eyes wide open.
All it takes is a spark, a gentle nudge, inviting you to a visual feast of the senses. Then it’s up to you how to decipher it. To get you started, we’ve curated a list of extraordinary places that might breed new ideas.
The Ocean
For centuries, the ocean has been a muse for many painters. Sunrise by Claude Monet remains one of the artist’s most famous paintings. A visually stunning work of art, Sunrise captures a hazy sunrise over the port of Le Havre, France, and ushered in the Impressionist era.
A source of wonder and intrigue, the ocean’s vastness and beauty is a canvas of possibilities. Symbolic of power and rebirth, all you have to do is close your eyes and listen to the mighty roar of the waves.
Visit a Museum
What better way to jumpstart your creativity than visiting a museum or art gallery? The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is an architectural marvel housing some of the world’s most precious pieces.
The space is expected to undergo extensive renovation work on its west wing in 2026. But before then, visit the museum, even if it’s just to see its large collection of African Oceanic and Native American artworks.
While you’re there, hop on one of the many San Diego boat tours. You’ll be amazed at the inspiration you can draw from a boat trip around San Diego Bay, and the historical tidbits you probably weren’t aware of.
See downtown San Diego and other San Diego attractions from a different angle. Watch the sea lions frolic on the rocks. Visit the maritime museum or embark on a whale watching tour.
Tiki Time Bay Tours suggests making an afternoon of it by booking a tour on a tiki boat, sea-worthy bar included.
Color Tripping
Have you ever taken a second to look at your surroundings and notice the vibrant colors? It’s almost as if Mother Nature is shouting, “Nature is your palette, what are you waiting for?”
Jess A Little Creative explains that when she’s in a creative rut, she uses nature and the outdoors as her vision board. For instance, if you know the color yellow will feature strongly in your work, take a walk outside and search for yellow. It could be the sidewalk, a bush of wildflowers, or even a road sign.
The point is that no matter where you are, take note of the color because you never know when it might stir that one idea that gives way to something bigger.
Dreams
Dreams are the place where your creativity can go unchecked. They are not bound by reality and conventions.
Did you know that liminal dreams are dubbed “creative sweet spots”? Psychology Today says you can tap into this creative state of mind between wakefulness and sleep. It inhibits the brain’s reality check, allowing for more imaginative ideas, a powerful source for new art, music, etc.
Late Hollywood director David Lynch was known for incorporating visceral, dream-esque states in his movies. Mulholland Drive was a prime example of a dreamlike, surreal film that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
Don’t discredit your dreams, no matter how left field they appear to be.
People-Watching
Can you imagine how much material you can get by simply sitting at a corner cafe on a busy street and observing passersby?
You’re a ghost, unseen, watching from afar as they play out a scene in their soliloquy called life. It could be a tender moment shared between lovers during their morning coffee run, or a mother gently chastising her child for running across the street without looking.
Ask any stand-up comedian, and they’ll say most of their substance stems from people watching. Observational comedy is the best kind. It’s universally familiar and relatable, notes The Guardian. And that’s why people always get the punchline.
Feed Your Soul
Your creative desert won’t last. All it takes is a spark, a match to light the fire.
Don’t rush into despair. Give yourself time to deal with the uncertainty, but don’t dwell on it. Instead, see it as an opportunity to see the world through fresh eyes and with renewed vigor.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart,” said Helen Keller. We believe those words with our whole hearts. And so should you.
