One of my favorite tools for inspiration is to read through lists of amazing quotes. When it comes to creativity, there have been so many wonderful, creative people out there. I find each of them to be inspiring in their own ways.
I thought I’d put together a list of some of my favorite quotes about creativity to celebrate the creative journey:
- “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
Creativity is joyful – that’s why I love this quote so much. We can stay up in our heads and analyze all we are trying to learn and do, or we can get out of our heads and have some fun! I like to picture Einstein in this way – to have fun while using his brilliant mind. I like to picture myself this way, as well. - “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Yes! Creativity is like our fitness levels. The more we run, the more fit we get. It’s boundless. I picture my creativity as an ocean. When I read this quote, I close my eyes and imagine myself endlessly creating beautiful things. - “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso
Picasso’s words challenge us to reconnect with the fearless creativity we had as children. Take time to explore, experiment, and embrace imperfection this year. I found his art jarring when I first viewed it, but I learned to appreciate it as I got older. I see his work as somewhat playful, and this quote encompasses that sentiment. - “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath
Push past the inner critic that whispers you’re not good enough. Embrace your unique voice and trust that your ideas have value. I tried reading The Bell Jar and for some reason I never finished. I love this quote so much, perhaps I’ll give it another try. - “Don’t think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can’t try to do things. You simply must do things.” – Ray Bradbury
Creativity thrives in action, not overthinking. Dive in and let the process guide you without judgment. I would follow his advice in a heartbeat – he’s one of my favorite writers! His writing is on another level and his plots are amongst the most creative I’ve ever encountered. - “Creativity takes courage.” — Henri Matisse
First of all, Matisse is one of my favorite painters. I love the surrealist movement. One of my favorite memories of Brussels involves visiting his dedicated museum and being inspired by his art. This quote takes me back to one of the most inspiring days of my life. This quote is also a nice reminder that creativity isn’t always easy. His words give me a boost! - “Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
I like to picture myself as a painter, brush in hand, creating my life with each stroke of the brush. This quote reminds me to approach my very life with a creator’s eye. What do I want my life to look like? Knowing this is such an important part of the creative journey! - “Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye.” – Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker is one of the first poets I ever truly embraced as a favorite. I love her sharp wit and humor. I also found her poetry to be insightful and pointing to some of the edgier sides of the human experience. This quote reminds me of her and of my own creative journey.
These words are so inspiring, I’m ready to let it fuel me to complete some creative projects. I read through them every time I need a boost!