I have built these actions into my life and it basically provides an ongoing stream of creativity. For the purpose of this article I will be referring to finding inspiration for my fantasy photography, but it can probably be adapted to other areas as well.

I believe that having great ideas is imagination, but putting them into a project and actually creating something is creativity.

Here are 5 things I do in no particular order to keep myself inspired and ready to create something new.

playing with color and digital collage

Shopping

I was going to say thrift store shopping, but I'm expanding it to online, and dollar store, because while thrift stores are where I go the most, sometimes I have to look online, or in dollar stores for items. When I am thrift store shopping, I am looking for clothing or props that are unique, the types of things normal people probably wouldn’t buy. Outlandish even at times. I look for textures, anything sparkly, vintage items are great. Sometimes I go in with something specific in mind, but I always keep myself open to anything that might jump out at me.
Just yesterday I went in to grab a gold colored chain for a pendant I have, and walked out with a chair that looked almost throne-like, it was so regal.
I can build a shoot around a great item or an awesome piece of wardrobe. It is often the seed of a shoot.

collection of blonde wigs from thrift stores

Nature

I do not get out as much as I probably should. I am a self portrait artist so I am a little bit hesitant to explore in the woods alone. I would be more willing to go into the wilderness with at least another person. I do get out a lot though , because even sticking to my tried and true locations can trigger ideas. Locations change through the season and visiting regularly, and at different times during the day and year will have different lighting, and plant life that could create entirely different atmospheres in your images. Not only that but just getting outside, in nature will clear your mind, and help bust stress opening you up for a better flow of ideas.

the remnants of a prison that was torn down long ago and taken over by nature

Different Art Mediums/Genres

I am always trying new art mediums, and exploring different historical genres and other styles. Giving yourself a pressure free way to play will break away at the subconscious boundaries you have set for yourself. I also like to read up and research different aesthetics. Because I use Photoshop so much in my work it is relatively easy to take other artistic influences and meld them with photography... For a little while I was inspired by large eyes in anime and would Photoshop the eyes to be much larger and glossier to portray more expression.

playing with digital painting in a watercolor style

Spring Cleaning

OK, this is less about actual cleaning...but the idea is to go through what you already have and look at it with a new light. I've been doing this for awhile, and I have a lot of things that I have collected that I maybe haven’t even used yet. So going through all the stuff in my house...and donating uninspired items I will find things I do want to use!
This includes other peoples spring cleaning, often times if someone knows what I do they will give or lend me items when they go through their stuff. I am really introverted so I avoid approaching people or asking for things, but many people have come up to me asking me if I could use something. I've gotten swords, old trunks, clocks, frames... all kinds of stuff. If you are willing to ask your friends and family you would probably get even more. Any one of those items can be a key feature in which to build a project around.

inspired by the old air mattress in the garage

Watch TV and Movies.

Watching fantasy genre TV and movies for me is getting inspiration from the best of the best. They put a lot of money into those projects and ever single person is a professional in that area, wardrobe, set design, makeup, special effects, composition,lighting,... if you pay attention to the details even the smallest thing can trigger a entirely new idea. Movies are perhaps my biggest inspiration when it comes to color grading. If I am looking to create images with a particular mood, and that mood is mostly going to be portrayed by color I will look at movies for inspiration. It's not something that everyone pays attention to, often people are pulled in to the story and all the other stuff lingers in the background, pay attention and you will be rewarded, after all you are indirectly learning from the best!

trying out some cinematic cropping

These are all things I do in my real life to stay creative. As much as I like going online to look up inspiration, or make mood boards on pinterest....things which I also do, I find myself much less likely to act on inspiration I find online. Often it is through one of these other means that I will come up with an idea, and then develop it further with mood boards and such.

I'd love to know what you guys do to stay inspired!