Finding Inspiration When Creativity Feels Flat
November always feels like a shift. The clocks have gone back, the light fades early and energy levels dip as the year begins to close. For me, it’s often a month where creative motivation can wobble. The Christmas buzz hasn’t quite kicked off yet and the pull of the sofa can win more often than the desk.
Feeling stuck creatively doesn’t mean you’ve run out of ideas though. It’s usually just your mind asking for a change of pace and sometimes a change of scene.
When I need to find my rhythm again, I try to step away from the screen (not always successfully) and back into the real world. The truth is, creativity can come from almost anything and everything, once you actually look up.
Winter mood board - images all my own
Getting Outside
Walks are my go-to reset. I’m lucky to live in a beautiful part of the UK, surrounded by countryside. Even on the greyest days, a walk through the fields or a quick loop around the village can clear the fog. I try and put the phone away and look for patterns, textures and shapes through all forms of nature, no matter the time of year.
The Places That Inspire Me
I’ve always drawn inspiration from small details and beautiful spaces. I live close to a high street called Stockbridge, where there’s an array of idyllic, cosy shops and cafés. Some of my favourites include:
Meadow (Food)
The Test (Coffee)
George Clarke (Interiors)
Broughton Crafts (Homeware)
The Garden Inn Flowers
Mokaya (Confectionery)
Stationery and homewares shops are other reliable sources of inspiration. There’s something grounding about tactile paper, colourful fabrics and beautifully displayed products that instantly sharpens the creative brain. A few spaces I’ve been admiring recently, both up close and from afar, include:
Malverleys (Newbury)
Willow & Wolf (Malborough)
Hambledon (Winchester)
Indian Summer (Fulham)
Papersmiths (Chelsea)
Creative Refills
Music is often my biggest motivator. Songs and playlists can help me focus instantly, creating a rhythm that makes work feel almost meditative. Reading has the opposite effect… it slows my brain down. I often read at night to help switch off from the day.
Here’s a link to a November playlist I’ve put together of some songs I’m loving right now.
2025 Book Recommendations:
The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah
The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins
Shy Creatures, Clare Chambers
The Silence In Between, Josie Ferguson
The Wedding People, Alison Espach
I also find huge creative energy in community. Watching other designers and small business owners share their process on Instagram often reignites my own spark and reminds me why I love design in the first place.
Back to Basics
When inspiration still doesn’t come easily, I go back to pen and paper. Sketching simple shapes, letterforms or doodles helps me reconnect with design in its rawest form. Even making to-do lists or mapping out my week with a paper planner can shift me into a clearer, more organised headspace, ready for creativity to flow again. Some of my go to tools include:
Sketchbook (Muji)
Gel Pens (Muji)
Fineliner Pens (Amazon)
Watercolour Paper (Amazon)
Masking Tape (The Journal Shop)
Paper Planner (Tom’s Studio)
Studio Pad (Tom’s Studio)
Final Thoughts:
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is not to force creativity. The more pressure you put on it, the more it resists. Instead, pause. Strip back the noise. Focus on one small thing that feels good, whether that’s a sketch, a walk or even just a good cup of coffee.
Inspiration always comes back, sometimes quietly and often when you stop looking for it.
Over to you:
I’d love to know what helps you feel inspired. Feel free to share your go-to rituals or spaces in the comments or drop me a message. I always love hearing how people like to connect with their creativity.
Shop at Malverleys