finding inspiration wherever you go

Hey!

It’s been a long time since I have posted a blog… The past year has been a little crazy, but I’m back! I have had a few things in mind I wanted to post, so stay tuned for real wedding blog posts, random thoughts like this one, and many more to come!

There is an over-saturation of inspiration on the Internet that tends to be a bit discouraging. Trying to create something unique is really difficult when your social media is filled with photos of what other people are doing. Don’t get me wrong, seeing other people doing what you dream of, can be really encouraging! It can also be easy to get caught up in all that they are doing, and feel that you need to do exactly what they are doing to succeed. I look through Instagram at other florists arrangements searching for inspiration but it always seems to leave me feeling overwhelmed, like it’s all been done before. When you create a mood board filled with photos of other peoples work, the finished product more than likely will be extremely disappointing. It can leave you feeling like you aren’t good enough, because you couldn’t recreate what they did. There is no way (especially in floral design) you could recreate something exactly like someone else.

I find myself the most satisfied with my work when I have no expectations. I prepare myself, but I leave wiggle room for some in the moment inspiration. Adding in something random last minute that caught my eye, always gives such a better outcome. Instead of searching for inspiration, look at what is right in front you!

I think that color is an important part of what can inspire something. I find myself most inspired by going somewhere I have been before, and forcing myself to notice things that I haven’t ever seen. Growing up here in Reno I have looked at hills of sagebrush all my life, at first glance they aren’t interesting. Someone that had never been here before may notice small details that I haven’t payed any attention to. I will stare out my bathroom window and find a color that I have never noticed before. Or I force myself to notice the tiny bit of green, when it’s so easy to spot the the dry here in the high desert. I am now always on the lookout for inspiration, and I notice so much more than I ever thought was there!

Another thing that inspires me is spending time outdoors in places that aren’t familiar to me. What got me thinking about this topic was a trip to the Oregon Coast. It has a huge place in my heart mostly because the scenery is extremely different from where I live. At first glance walking along the beach you would notice a few colors, grey sand, the pale blue or white water, blue sky (on a good day), and green trees with brown branches. When walking along the beach up there a couple weeks ago all I could notice were so many colored rocks with different patterns. Surrounded by the ocean and hills of ferns, for a moment all I could see were the rocks.

I think that’s what life is all about, noticing the small things. Getting exited about rocks, and letting something so simple light a fire inside you. Creating a photo shoot solely inspired by a photo you took of rocks would make something amazing. It would be different, and truly unique.

I encourage you - the creative that lacks inspiration to create, pay close attention to the small things. The moments that go unnoticed. Find inspiration in everything you do, even the boring stuff. When doing laundry get inspired by the way different fabrics fold, and every tiny thread that makes up your favorite t-shirt. I know that sounds a bit cheesy, but I want you to make time to notice all the little details. Living a creative life, and putting product out that has so much of you in it is really difficult. When you pay attention to what others are creating, it makes it even harder. Dig a little deeper and you will find that life is so much more enjoyable when you take the time to find inspiration wherever you go. Whether that be at the grocery store or in Italy, I promise it will make a difference.

There is so much meaning to be found in the sound of birds chirping, a little sprout of a weed in unwanted areas, and a brightly colored sunset. Just start looking!

- Camryn