I stared at a blank page for far too long, trying to find inspiration for this blog post. Then I realized something important: inspiration doesn’t always appear when we need it. Sometimes, you need to look beyond your immediate task and simply let it flow. That’s when the magic happens. Sometimes, you just need to embrace the struggle and let inspiration find you. So, I decided to pull an inspiration inception and write about inspiring inspiration itself.

It’s a vast word since, realistically, inspiration can stem from anything at any moment. I could see an outfit at the mall and gain inspiration for a character sketch, or I could simply stub my toe in the morning and then get a brilliant idea for a scene in the novel I’m working on. It’s very different for everyone at any given moment. So, though we cannot force inspiration perse, we can attempt to hasten the process.

Inspiration can also come in random bursts. It might be like your mind is a sleeper agent, activated unexpectedly by a random code word. You can’t always force it, so why try? Creativity has its own timing. Sometimes, it’s about embracing the unpredictability of life and letting inspiration find you when it’s ready.

What inspires you to create? What sparks your imagination when the world feels quiet?

For me, inspiration often comes from the things I enjoy, such as video games, books, TV shows, and even taking a moment to step outside and explore the world around me. I’ve found that inspiration is everywhere, waiting to be discovered if we take the time to notice it. And I hope this blog can inspire you to find inspiration as well.

1. Video Games:

Video games are often seen as good relaxers and time killers, but they can also serve as incredible sources of creative inspiration. Between the art direction, musical choices, gameplay loops, and world-building, video games can spark new ideas for any creative avenue. A prime example of this is Baldur’s Gate 3. The game gives you incredible freedom, allowing you to create a character tailored to your liking and make choices that can affect the world around you.

I recall a particularly memorable moment where my character lost an eyeball to a random bard I saved from a goblin camp. At the same time, my buddies on comms laughed at my misfortune. Was that moment itself directly inspiring for my personal creativity in that moment? Not really. However, it later got me thinking in new ways about how stories can unfold, and it definitely inspired me to think outside the box when forming scenarios for my own stories. It’s these unexpected, offbeat moments in games that often fuel creative thinking.

2. Books:

Books have a way of opening up entire worlds and perspectives that have inspired civilizations since the dawn of time. For me, Journey to the West, Reflection: A Twisted Tale by Elizabeth Lim, and the many stories of Mulan have been among my biggest creative inspirations. These stories are rich with themes of resilience, adventure, and transformation, which have shaped how I approach crafting characters and narratives in my own writing. For example, the retellings of Mulan, whether through traditional Chinese tales like “The Ballad of Mulan” or more modern takes like “Reflection: A Twisted Tale,” inspire me to think about how a character’s growth and struggles can drive the plot. Likewise, Journey to the West and the development of Sun Wukong challenge me to weave complex, multifaceted characters into my own work.

These stories are among the main inspirations for my current novel, one I hope to eventually publish. The themes of strength, identity, and evolution in both Mulan’s and Sun Wukong’s journeys resonate deeply within me, fueling my passion to explore similar ideas in my own characters. So stay tuned for that!

3. Movies and TV Shows:

Movies and TV shows have always been a massive source of inspiration for me, from childhood cartoons to modern anime and live-action films. As a millennial, I grew up watching Pokémon, Dragon Ball, and Sailor Moon on Cartoon Network every day after school. These shows sparked my initial interest in art and storytelling, so I owe them a big thank you for helping me develop my creative mind.

Later shows like Clannad and its sequel, Clannad After Story, continue to inspire me. What I admire most about these series is how they balance lighthearted moments with emotional depth. The growth of the characters through their struggles and the evolution of their relationships reminds me of the importance of writing stories that explore both joy and sorrow, as well as the complexities of human emotions. It’s something I reflect on constantly when crafting dramatic scenes or building character arcs in my own work.

Another show that’s heavily inspired me is Love Between Fairy and Devil, a Chinese drama that blends fantasy, romance, and adventure. What resonates with me the most is the characters’ evolution and how their trials shape them into stronger, more complex individuals. It reinforces how essential it is to let characters grow and develop through challenges, something I aim to reflect in my own writing.

On the movie side, and as a more recent example, Godzilla Minus One stands out as a significant inspiration to me. While it’s a film filled with action and spectacle, what inspires me is the way it delves into universal themes like resilience, hope, and survival (along with heavier topics like survivor’s guilt). The emotional weight of the story, combined with its high-stakes action, demonstrates to me how profoundly impactful a story can be when it effectively balances these elements.

These are just a few of the many sources that fuel my creativity. They are part of why I plan to turn my current novel into a graphic novel once it’s complete, and I also dream of creating children’s books in the future. So stay tuned for these projects as well!

4. Music:

Music is another primary source of inspiration for me. I’m a fan of a wide range of genres, from rock to K-pop. Groups like Dreamcatcher, Ateez, BTS, and LesSerafim create music videos that are visually stunning and full of energy, making it easy for my mind to flow freely. The way they combine catchy melodies with artistic storytelling often sparks new ideas for me, whether I’m writing or drawing.

One artist who has had a significant influence on my creative process in recent times is IU. I admire her as a songwriter, with her songs blending emotion with powerful lyrics that tell a story. One song that truly inspires me is Love Wins All. The lyrics and melody evoke a sense of hope and perseverance, reminding me of the power of love (no matter how cheesy that sounds!). Her music often fuels my creativity and helps me approach my work with renewed energy.

In fact, as I’m writing this post, I’m jamming out to my favorite songs, and I can feel the inspiration flowing as I lay these words upon thee. There’s something about the rhythm and melody that lets my mind wander and helps me find the right words to express my thoughts. It’s a perfect example of how music directly fuels creativity.

5. Just Do It!:

Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to dive right into something headfirst. It might sound counterintuitive, but just like that old Nike ad with a vein-popping Shia LaBeouf yelling, “Just Do It,” I can actually agree with him. Sometimes, the best inspiration to start creating is to start without overthinking it. Whether it’s free-writing, doodling, or brainstorming random ideas, getting started without the pressure of perfection often leads to unexpected sparks of creativity.

At least, I know this works for me. When I’m unsure what to draw, I’ll just start sketching anything. Sure, most of the doodles are nothing-burgers, but by the end of it, I almost always find inspiration in at least one of them. It shakes off the creative rust and often sparks new ideas I hadn’t considered before. The same principle applies to writing; simply begin brainstorming random ideas until you find what resonates.

6. Spending Time Away from the Craft:

Sometimes, the best inspiration comes when you step away from the creative process itself. It’s the opposite of diving right in; sometimes, you need to not think about your craft to make room for new ideas. One way I do this is by taking regular detours to local parks, away from the bustle of city life where I live in China. The peaceful environment allows my mind to relax, making space for new creative thoughts. Another way is when I hang out with my wife and, tone-deaf singing voice and all, tackle music head-on during a local KTV (karaoke) session. These moments of releasing pressure and freeing your mind often lead to unexpected inspiration in the most random ways.

All in all, staying creatively inspired is a personal journey that requires openness to the world around you. Inspiration can be found in the things you love, whether it’s the games you play, the books you read, the music you listen to, or the simple act of stepping outside. It’s up to us to seize the opportunity when inspiration comes.

So, I’d love to hear from you about what inspires you? How do you find motivation when it’s needed most? Do any of my methods resonate with you? Let’s keep this conversation going.