What secretly inspires you?
When I was in graduate school, one thing was drilled into me: KNOW THE LITERATURE. But slogging through endless reams of academic writing felt lifeless. I wasn’t engaging with the material; I was mechanically memorizing names and articles to stash away in my brain. However, when I allowed myself to read something light and fun—like a quirky magazine article or a children’s story—my inspiration returned. And when my inspiration returned, so did my voice. Looking back, I think my dissertation was much better for it.
These days, academia has probably changed a lot. Many students no longer spend hours buried in library stacks because so much research can now be done online. But the same principle still applies: I don’t find inspiration in other people’s writings on creativity or the creative process. If anything, reading those makes me start comparing myself. The “shoulds” creep in: I should be doing what they’re doing. It weighs me down.
That’s not to say I don’t read blogs—I do! But my inspiration comes from a very different place. My secret passion? Clothing design. (You wouldn’t guess it from what I wear daily!) I’m captivated by shows like Project Runway, where designers create stunning pieces in a day—often from bizarre materials. Corn stalks, grocery items, or even car parts? The quirkier, the better. I still think about designer Austin Scarlett from Season 1, who crafted a breathtaking dress out of corn stalks.
On a similar note, my favorite blog for inspiration isn’t about creativity in the traditional sense. It’s The Swelle Life, which focuses on unconventional runway fashion. The author, witty and insightful, showcases runway photos that make me smile and spark ideas. Seeing odd and extravagant creations keeps my creativity alive.
Why It Matters
For me, staying inspired means paying close attention to what lights me up—and avoiding what drains me. Merriam-Webster defines “dispirited” as deprived of morale or enthusiasm, and that’s precisely what happens when I force myself to consume uninspiring content. On the flip side, wacky runway designs and playful creativity keep me feeling light, joyful, and full of ideas.
Embrace Your Secret Inspirations
Your unique sources of inspiration are essential to your creative process. Whether it’s quirky fashion, obscure hobbies, or something completely unrelated to your work, let your passions feed you. Unless you’re in grad school and have to know the literature, give yourself permission to follow what excites and inspires you. After all, it’s all connected somehow.
On the first season, designer Austin Scarlett made a beautiful dress from nothing but corn stalks. Take a look:
(Austin’s dress looked much better before the corn stalks dried up…)
