I get this question often, and it’s understandable since most people cite inspiration as the one thing they need as artists. Well, guess what folks? Inspiration can come from anywhere. As I said in the intro to my book Inspirations:
“It can come at any time. It can come quickly, like a flash of lightning; it can come slowly, like a gathering storm. It can, quite possibly, not come at all. Or it can come when you’re not looking for it. The key, therefore, is to keep your eyes open, your antennae up and your senses attuned…”
I was inspired by this beautiful image from the book Valentino: Themes and Variations
The Celebrations book cover
There are a few things I generally cite as my inspiration for most of my work:
- The beauty of nature. I constantly strive to bring the organic creation of what I see around me into the work I produce. Nothing can match the color combinations of nature, and nothing can surpass the generosity of nature. You can witness this just by observing the beauty of a fall forest.
- Fashion. The runway is an endless source of inspiration to me. I love visiting fashion shows and checking out the new colors, texture and fabric.
This detail shot from Valentino: Themes and Inspirations inspired my Celebrations book cover.
The back cover of Celebrations
- Travel. You have to see beyond the small plot of land you live in. I love exploring other cultures. I try to immerse myself in the colors, scents and flavors other cultures use. Trust me, you’ll find yourself wanting to incorporate these new found joys into your next project.
- Relationships. The relationships I cultivate with my colleagues, my friends, my partner, all add up to a sense of excitement and inspiration. Just like in travel, exposing yourself to others’ point of view is a great way to find inspiration, especially when you’re not necessarily looking for it.
This, of course, also applies to your relationship with your clients. They are one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Sometimes they will just give me one cue or word that will open up a whole new way of thinking about the project.
And, let’s be real here folks. Sometimes, there are days where you just don’t feel inspired. What do you do in this case? Suck it up and keep on working.
In the act of doing, you stumble across ideas or emotions that may be hiding. And THAT my loves, is what it’s really all about. Working through that blank feeling is what creates true success. Otherwise, if you just cite a lack of inspiration for your inability to produce work, you’re just making excuses.
Well, that’s my story. So now tell me, what do you find inspiring?
On 03-09-10 Chrisya Enriquez says:
Thank you Preston for continuing to share your knowledge and hope all is wonderful! One adage I use frequently came to mind as I read your post and it is simply this…”in the time of a storm we must learn to dance in the rain.” If this balance is applied in all that we do I’m sure the sun will shine through : )
On 03-09-10 John Murph says:
As a writer, I find that being open in conversation and honest about what I do and don’t know help in terms of inspiration and writer’s block (often the enemy of inspiration). Saying “I don’t know” has opened the door up for in so many ways, because it lifts the burden of “knowing it all” and gives me a new sense of discovery.
Also having a willingness to appreciate and express that appreciation in other people’s work help me in terms of being inspired.
On 03-09-10 Janet Graves says:
In weddings; the couple–their vision becomes mine. I take their likes & dislikes, pull from my imagination and resources and create an event that they didn’t realize they envisioned, but is reflective of both of them. End result, hugs and kisses
On 03-09-10 Chris Campbell says:
Hi Preston.
I agree with you. Inspiration comes from nowhere!!! When you less expect! WE have to keep our eyes open, and heart too! Understand your client is NUMBER 1 winner! I love to see the movement in the world , the colors, the fabrics, texture, smell, everything inspire me!
But you my friend is a gift for all of us!
Thank you for being who you are!
On 03-10-10 Joana Tomova says:
As you said, the inspiration can come from everywhere. A very nice example I can give from my expirience. I was about to be a bride, and since my first bouquet ever made, I was thinking, if some day I get married, what bouquet will I make for myself??? The idea did’n come for manny years, or the models that I liked wasn’t quite “MY bouquet”. and then one day, I was travelling on a bus, and I was listening on my mp3-player a very nice flamenco song, and i was imagining a dancer with a big dress and a fan. AND that was it!!! It came to me like a strike of lighting. and I was so happy, and when the Day come, and I walk down the aisle I heard someone saying “Look at her bouquet it’s a fan!!!” That was one of the happiest moments, because to me it was verry important that my bouquet is something unique and unforgettable.
And this is it if you’re curious: http://joanatomova.dir.bg/_files/t5_3171779.jpg
And for manny other things my biggest inspiration is YOU so thank you for that!
On 06-12-10 Anne says:
Hi Mr Bailey. I am fairly new to the floristry world but am constantly amazed by its beauty and versatility. I have to tell you how wonderful it is that you are so willing to share your thoughts and experiences with such a wide audience. After having don’t my training in Knightsbridge London with a lady called Judith Blacklock I ventured out into the world with buckets of hope and oodles of enthusiasm. What I have been greeted with here in England are doors closed, lips tightened at the mere suggestion of possible work or even work experience. Not one single person I have approached has been willing to give me a two week work placement for fear of stealing their idea’s or business.
I originially trained as a Professional Project Manager and have managed everything from build of warships to installations of camera’s into air traffic control rooms and fell into floristry by chance.
I just wish florists in this country were half as willing to share just a single experience as you are at sharing what seems like everything from the day to day on to the bold and extravagant. Thank you for that just seeing the pictures on your website is enough to keep me going. Thank you so very much.