There’s a special kind of energy that comes with starting something new. That first spark—the idea that won’t leave you alone—is exciting. You open a fresh notebook, grab your favorite brushes, or sit down at your laptop with a clear “this is it” feeling.

But if you’ve ever worked on a long-term project—like writing a book, developing a new art series, or creating a course—you probably already know: that spark doesn’t always stick around.

In fact, learning how to stay creatively inspired during the middle of a big project might be one of the hardest parts of the whole process.

I’ve felt this over and over again. Whether I’m illustrating a book, planning new lessons for my YouTube tutorials and courses, or even just trying to finish a big personal painting. There’s always a point where the creative energy fades. (And sometimes it completely disappears.)

So how do we keep going when the initial excitement wears off? Let’s talk about it!

The Challenge of Long-Term Creativity

Staying inspired for a few hours? Doable. Staying inspired for weeks or months? That’s a different story.

Big projects are often filled with unknowns. They ask us to sit in uncertainty, to keep showing up even when the results aren’t instant. (Honestly, they’re more about stamina than bursts of brilliance.)

That’s where the creative slump sneaks in. You start questioning things. You overthink. You wonder if the whole idea is even worth finishing. And when the inspiration feels like it’s gone, it’s easy to believe you’re doing something wrong.

But here’s the truth: you’re not broken. Your creative process just needs support.

If you’re wondering how to stay creatively inspired over the long haul, it starts with understanding what actually feeds your creativity in the first place.

Identifying Your Personal Creative Triggers

One of the best things I’ve learned as a watercolor educator is this: everyone’s creative fire is sparked by different things. And often, it’s not what we expect.

For me, inspiration tends to show up when I least expect it—on a walk, while journaling, or even during quiet moments with my son.

The key is to observe what lights you up without judgment. Don’t force it. Just notice.

Maybe you feel most inspired after listening to music, or reading a book, or spending time in nature. Maybe it’s after a deep conversation or while flipping through an old sketchbook. (Sometimes looking back reminds you how far you’ve come.)

Try keeping a simple list of these “creative triggers.” Notice what patterns show up. That awareness alone can reignite your spark when things feel slow.

Small Ways to Keep the Spark Alive

When your project starts to feel heavy, it’s tempting to either power through or walk away completely. But there’s a middle ground: tiny creative resets.

Here are a few small ways I keep the spark alive:

• Switch mediums – If I’m stuck on a watercolor piece, I might sketch with pencil or collage scraps of old paintings. (No pressure, just play.)
• Paint for five minutes – Set a timer and give yourself permission to stop after five minutes. Half the time, I keep going.
• Work on something unrelated – I’ve made my best breakthroughs while doing something totally different. Creative cross-training is a real thing.
• Revisit old work – Looking back can remind you what you love about your style, and what you’ve learned along the way.

And if you need a more structured jumpstart, I created The Creativity Playbook just for this. It’s a compact but powerful tool designed to inspire, challenge, and guide you through those stuck moments. 

Managing the Messy Middle

Ah yes—the messy middle. That stretch of time where the novelty has worn off, the finish line feels far away, and nothing feels quite right.

Here’s what I’ve learned: this part is normal. And temporary.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your creativity is to walk away for a bit. Take a breather. Come back with fresh eyes and a calmer mind. (I’ve had to do this more times than I can count while illustrating my children’s book.) 

Also, don’t rush to the end just because it’s uncomfortable here. That urge to “just be done” can lead to burnout—or worse, a result that doesn’t feel like you.

Instead, ask yourself: What’s the next step? Not the next ten. Just the very next.

In this phase, I always remind myself: it’s not about speed, it’s about staying connected to why I started.

The Power of Finishing (Even If It’s Not Perfect)

Let’s be honest—perfection is creativity’s worst enemy. (It’s also exhausting.)

But finishing? Finishing is powerful.

There’s something so satisfying about completing a project, even when it doesn’t look exactly how you imagined. You grow in the doing. You learn in the follow-through. And you open up space for what’s next.

If you’re stuck in “it’s not ready yet” mode, ask yourself: What am I really afraid of? Often, it’s not the work itself—it’s being seen. It’s the vulnerability of sharing your creativity with others.

But the only way to move forward is to finish. Not perfectly. Just honestly.

Creative Inspiration Lives in You

If you’re still wondering how to stay creatively inspired, especially when things get tough—here’s my biggest encouragement:

You don’t need to chase inspiration. You just need to stay open to it.

Your creativity isn’t gone. It’s just resting. Sometimes, we expect it to be loud and obvious, but often it’s quiet and patient—waiting for us to slow down and notice.

And if you’re looking to deepen your creative flow and connect more intentionally with your artistic voice, my course The Art Within is the best place to start. It’s full of the exact practices I use to stay grounded and inspired throughout every season of creativity.

Whether you’re writing a book, illustrating one, or working through a new idea of your own, you can stay creatively inspired—even when it feels hard. Especially when it feels hard.

Just come back to the brush. The page. The next step.

That’s where the magic is.