Being a digital creator requires several things – consistency, resilience, a social media presence, a product, etc. but all these lie on the foundation of inspiration.

Inspiration is the bedrock of all creative effort, and its role in helping creators build their careers cannot be understated. 

For many creators starting out, sometimes the problem isn’t posting content or creating their products – it is knowing what to create. And yet, some creators have hacked the ability to create great content consistently.

Have you ever wondered how people like Salem King post videos every day and have 1217 posts on their Instagram? What are they talking about? Where do they get all these ideas?

Well, from our repository of Creator Stories, we spoke to some of your favorite creators to learn their cheat codes to find inspiration, and in this article, we will be sharing some of them with you.

1. Look outside the window

Sometimes, the best ideas are right in front of you. So much happens in the real world that can find its way into our art. Nature, people, and the nitty-gritty details of everyday life can be a source of inspiration for your creativity. 

In her interview with us, Dammy Pep shared that many of her stories are derived from experiences she has had in real life. “About 90% of them are my stories. They are what people said to me or my guy said to me. I use words to make it sound extra and include more juice so we can all laugh about it on social media.”

Moromoluwatikeke, the Comedian, said the same thing, “My mom is my major source of inspiration. She’s a wonderful woman and at the same time, she’s hilarious. In my videos, I try to mimic my mom and how she dedicated her life as a Pastor’s wife and a Godly mother to us.”

The advantage of getting inspiration from real-life elements is that they tend to be universal. Many people can relate to the chaos of cities at night, or the mannerisms of a religious mother, and will be able to connect with your work on that basis. 

So take a moment to step outside, look at the world around you, and absorb the details. The world is your muse. Tune into yourself and your experiences, and you will find things to create. 

2. Read books

Imagine having access to all the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of people who have lived different lives from ours throughout history. That’s the value of books. Books are a vast reservoir of knowledge and creativity, and reading opens your mind to new perspectives and ideas. 

As a creative, falling in love with reading could really benefit you and your creative practice. There’s a lot that you can learn about your field of interest and your skills from the books experts have written. 

Many creators have attributed their success to the secrets they unlocked in the books they read. Salem King told us that he learned a lot from reading books, asking questions, and just being curious.

When we asked the Content Creator Couple, Michelle and Kenney what their advice to other couples interested in sharing their creativity together, they said, “Read books and listen to important podcasts.”

Sometimes, the book doesn’t even have to be related to your field of interest. You could be reading a fictional piece and find an idea that can bring you a million dollars.

So dive into different genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and explore topics inside and outside your niche. You never know when a concept from a classic novel or a scientific discovery could trigger a unique angle for your content. 

3. Consume the content of other creators

Don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from fellow creators. Follow, engage with, and study the work of others in your field.

This doesn’t mean copying their content, but rather, learning from their techniques, style, and topics. It’s a great way to stay updated with current trends and identify gaps in the market.

We asked Lifestyle and Travel Creator Phidelia, what her source of inspiration was, and she said, “I don’t really have a special source of inspiration, but I consume a lot of content. As much as I love creating content, I also love watching content. During my free time, you’ll find me on TikTok, scrolling endlessly and laughing. I get inspired by other creators that I love and my own life.”

Sometimes, we can also learn from creators outside our field. Food Content Creator Daniel Ochuko shared that watching Fashion and Lifestyle Creator Dimma Umeh made him decide to start creating content. “I started watching her videos and was very shocked at the quality. Initially, I thought her video quality and type were because she was abroad until I found out that she was living in Nigeria and creating that kind of high-quality content. That really blew my mind and made me want to try content creation.”

4. Take a break. Rest

Creative burnout is real. Sometimes, as creators, we become so immersed in our work that we forget to take a step back and recharge. Rest is essential for maintaining your creative energy.

Whether it’s a short walk in the park, a day off, a vacation, or a nap, allowing yourself to unwind can rejuvenate your mind and help you discover fresh ideas. Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it, and that often happens when you’re relaxed and at ease.

Social Media Oga said it best. “Calm down. Sleep if you have to sleep. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Right now, when I feel overwhelmed, I just close my laptop. I’ll figure it out later. Any day I feel inspired and ready to plan my content, I do that at a stretch. The thing is when you cannot figure something out, BREATHE! and then go and sleep.”

5. Show up whether you’re inspired or not

We know this article is about finding inspiration, but the truth is that inspiration doesn’t always come when you’re ready for it. Sometimes, you must show up and start working even when you’re not feeling particularly inspired. 

The act of creation itself can trigger inspiration. As you begin to write, film, or design, your mind will start generating new ideas. It’s like putting on a tap – the process of turning the faucet may cause rusty water to flow at first (all your bad, uninspired ideas), but eventually, the water will run clear, and the creativity will flow.  So, make a commitment to your work and trust that inspiration will follow.

From Hauwa Lawal’s lips, “I know that a lot of writers don’t like to put out their stuff because it’s not good enough. What do you mean by that? Is it good enough? As a new content creator, do what you want to do and move on.”

Conclusion

Fnding inspiration as a digital creator is a journey in itself. It involves being open to the world around you, learning from others, and taking care of your well-being. Remember that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, and by following these tips, you can keep your creative spark alive. So, go ahead, look outside the window, read a book, consume content, take time to rest, and above all, show up and start creating. Your next brilliant idea might be just around the corner.