Inspiration can strike when we least expect it—and it often comes from the most unlikely places.
In fact, it’s the forgotten details or the overlooked moments that hold the most promise. Here are fifty unexpected places where you can discover fresh ideas.
- In conversations: A single sentence can spark an idea—whether it’s an unusual phrase, an accidental metaphor, or an overheard snippet of dialogue. Everyday conversations are filled with unexpected humor, deep emotions, and unique perspectives. Try noting down an interesting exchange or a curious turn of phrase and see where it leads—could it inspire a story, design or character?
- In the beginnings and endings of books and chapters: You may not have time to read an entire book but the starting and ending sentences of books and even chapters can be some of the most intriguing pieces of writing. Try reading one of these. How would the rest of the story go? Or what happened to get to this point?
- In patterns: Patterns exist everywhere—on fabrics, in architecture, in daily routines. Look more closely at repeating motifs in patterns, perhaps with a fresh perspective: What emotions do they evoke? How could they be interpreted in a different medium?
- In passing shop or apartment windows: This is a strange one which I personally love doing. When I walk my dog, I always take note of the houses we pass, imagining the stories unfolding inside. Occasionally, we get a glimpse—someone working late at their desk, a family gathered around the dinner table. In town, I do the same, catching fleeting moments in store windows or glimpses of life in apartments above. There’s something fascinating about these brief, stolen views of strangers’ lives. It’s like sneaking one piece of the picture and being able to paint the rest with your imagination.
- In color palettes: Colors have a way of evoking emotions, memories, and moods. A striking combination might inspire a painting, a character’s personality, cinematography or even the tone of a story. Look for unique palettes in everyday life—storefront displays, old book covers, or a sunset reflecting off glass. What feelings or themes could be built around those colors?
- In someone’s outfit: As someone who has really begun enjoying fashion over the past few months, I have become a lot more observant of people’s outfits. Outfits can be a form of self-expression, telling silent stories through colors, textures, and accessories. A creative outfit can spark endless people-centric inspiration—who is this person? What kind of character would dress like this? Where are they headed? What secret might they be keeping? (Just be sure not to stare too long while figuring it out…)
- In games: Games can be an unexpected goldmine for inspiration. Whether it’s a beautifully illustrated board game or a video game with a fully realized world, they create immersive experiences in ways that books and films often don’t. The mechanics, the stories, even just the aesthetics of a game can spark ideas. Once, I wandered through the game section at Barnes & Noble and left with my head full of concepts I hadn’t considered before.
- In fairytales and folklore: These age-old stories are packed with hidden symbolism, vivid imagery, and timeless themes that can spark endless creativity. You might reimagine a classic tale with a modern twist, explore the untold backstory of a minor character, or blend elements from different myths to create something entirely new. Look beyond the well-known versions—what if the villain was misunderstood, the hero failed, or the setting shifted to an entirely different time and place?
- In idioms: Idioms are some of the most fascinating word combinations, often carrying unexpected imagery and meaning. I have found inspiration for everything from story titles to art inspired by interpretations of idioms like “Dutch treat” and “hitch your wagon to a star.” Try interpreting an idiom literally—what would break the ice or spill the beans look like in a painting? Or, find an unfamiliar idiom and challenge yourself to incorporate it into a creative project in a fresh way.
- In quiet moments of solitude: There’s a certain magic in being alone with your thoughts. In these quiet moments, free from distraction, you can tune in to your innermost ideas and feelings. Solitude allows you to reconnect with your creativity, to listen deeply to the world around you and to your own inner voice. It’s in these moments that clarity often strikes, and inspiration can flow freely. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a solitary walk through nature, embrace these times of stillness—they are fertile ground for new ideas to take root.
- On walks: There’s something mesmeric about the rhythm of a walk—the movement, the air, the changing scenery. As you step into the world, let your mind wander freely. The simple act of walking can create space for new thoughts, or even transform your perspective on something familiar. Notice the way the light plays with the landscape or the little moments that usually go unnoticed. Walking offers a chance to tune into the details, discover hidden beauty, and unlock new layers of creativity.
- On bookshelves: Reading books is one thing but sometimes just skimming past the bookshelves at a local library or bookstore can evoke so many ideas. Titles alone can plant the seed of an idea, while blurbs and opening lines can send your mind spinning in new directions. Try wandering through sections you wouldn’t normally visit—flip through a random poetry book, pick up a history tome, glance at a sci-fi novel you’d never commit to reading. You never know what unexpected connections your brain will make.
- In the sky: The sky is a canvas painted with shifting hues, moods, and shapes. Every cloud, every streak of light, carries a story or an emotion waiting to be uncovered. Look up and let the sky stir something inside you—the color of the dawn, the intensity of a storm, the fleeting shapes of clouds. What do they inspire? What new worlds or ideas could you create based on what’s unfolding overhead?
- In fleeting ideas from media: Ideas are constantly entering and leaving our minds, often without us even realizing it. Whether it’s from the books we read, the podcasts we listen to, or the social media we scroll through, content is everywhere and constantly supplying us with new ideas. But these ideas are seldom fully realized—they pass by quickly and fade away if we don’t capture them. If you take the time to stop and tune in more mindfully to the thoughts triggered by the content you’re consuming, you can turn these passing ideas into the foundation of something truly creative.
- In furniture: A well-worn chair, a polished desk, or an antique dresser—furniture holds more than just function; it carries stories. Who has sat there before? What moments have unfolded at that table? Even the way furniture is arranged can suggest relationships, moods, or narratives. Let the shape, history, or placement of furniture guide your creative process.
- In old photos: A single photograph captures a frozen moment in time, but what’s happening beyond the frame? Who took the picture? What were people thinking or feeling? Old photos—whether personal or found—can inspire fictional backstories, unexpected color palettes, or even mood boards for creative projects. Try looking at one with fresh eyes and imagining the full story behind it.
- In old notebooks: Unlike old photos, which capture a visual memory, old notebooks reveal thoughts in their rawest form—unfinished ideas, doodles in the margins, phrases you once found meaningful. Revisit them with curiosity: What ideas still resonate? What themes keep appearing? What’s hidden in the scribbles and crossed-out words? Even an abandoned to-do list might reveal a creative spark you overlooked at the time.
- In poetry: I’ve set poetry apart from books and other writing because of how uniquely it delivers meaning. A poem can take mere seconds to read, yet its depth lingers, open to endless interpretation. The abstract language, striking imagery, and emotional weight make poetry a wellspring of inspiration. Lately, I’ve been annotating poems from Poem in Your Pocket, and diving deeper into their layers has made them an even greater source of creative spark.
- In lyrics and music: Much like poetry, song lyrics carry an undeniable pull—whether read in isolation or woven between melodies. Music has a way of evoking imagery, emotions, and entire stories in just a few notes. Try stepping outside your usual genres or listening to an instrumental track. What scenes, moods, or ideas come to mind?
- In décor around the house or town: The objects and decorations that surround us are often more than just aesthetics—they’re reflections of personality, culture, and history. Both, the eclectic mix of knick-knacks in a cozy living room or the vibrant murals and street art around town, show how people express themselves through their spaces and surroundings. What themes or stories could be drawn from the colors, textures, or objects they choose?
- In festivals, celebrations, and traditions: Festivals and cultural traditions are brimming with symbolism, meaning, and visual inspiration. There’s so much to draw from in the way people come together, the colors, music, dances, and rituals, whether it’s a local holiday or an international celebration. What elements resonate most with you?
- In flash or micro fiction: Much like poetry, flash or micro fiction uses a handful of words to paint a picture. But this kind of writing has an even greater emphasis on the storytelling aspect and is often more structured than poetry. If you don’t have the time to read a novel or even a short story, flash or micro fiction can give you the storytelling inspiration you need in minutes.
- In prompts: This one may seem obvious, but I’ve sometimes gone too long searching for inspiration before remembering to turn to a simple prompt. Writing, art, journaling, product design, debate topics—there’s a prompt for everything. A friend and I even use them when we want a good discussion or unexpected question to explore. Sometimes, all it takes is a single idea to break through creative block and lead to something new.
- In online generators: I’ve used name generators for characters, towns, and other details, and every time, I’m amazed by the sheer range of ideas they spark. Fantasy Name Generators has been a go-to of mine for years—not just for the names but for the categories themselves. The moment you open the site, you’re met with endless possibilities, from creatures and locations to lore and world-building details. Sometimes, the inspiration isn’t even in what the generator gives you but in the limitless paths it suggests.
- In architecture: Last year, I traveled alone internationally for the first time. While in the Netherlands, I was struck by the unique architecture—every building, bridge, and lamppost felt like it had a story to tell. Since then, I’ve started paying much closer attention to the structures around me. The way a house is built or the details on an old storefront—there’s so much inspiration in the way spaces are designed and lived in. What stories do you see around you?
- In keepsakes, souvenirs, gifts and memorabilia: Keepsakes have the power to capture moments in time, each item holding its own story. A postcard from a trip, a gift from a friend, or a ticket from a concert can stir up feelings and memories tied to that moment. These items often carry personal or shared histories that can serve as rich inspiration. Explore the memories attached to these objects or try making some up—how could they be transformed into creative concepts, stories, or designs?
- In the universe and other unexplored places: I’ve always been fascinated by the universe and the deep sea—two vast, mysterious places we’ve barely begun to understand. Learning about them gives me perspective, a sense of zooming out from my own life and seeing things differently. A while back, I worked on a project called The Lives of Stars and was captivated by how stars have lifecycles that mirror human existence in an oddly poetic way. What mysteries can you find that are waiting to be uncovered?
- In mundane chores, routines and showers: There’s a reason shower thoughts are a thing. Repetitive, mindless tasks create the perfect mental space for unexpected ideas to emerge. When the brain isn’t actively problem-solving, it starts making subconscious connections from all the information it’s absorbed. The next time you’re doing dishes, folding laundry, or driving a familiar route, see if any ideas bubble up. Inspiration often strikes when you’re not looking for it.
- In stickers and illustrations: Art is, of course, one of the most profound sources of inspiration. But sometimes, the smallest forms of it can be unexpectedly intriguing. A sticker on a laptop, a doodle in the margins of a notebook, an illustration on a flyer—tiny pieces of design exist everywhere. Even book covers, product packaging, and website graphics can spark an idea. Start noticing the little details around you, and inspiration will follow.
- In scents: Scents have a unique ability to evoke powerful memories and emotions, often transporting us back to a specific place or moment. A familiar fragrance can trigger a flood of ideas, helping provide inspiration for everything from specific memories for a character to an entire atmospheres in your creative work. Find a scent in nature or perfume on your shelf. Then, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and see where the scent leads you.
- In quotes and proverbs: There’s something deeply powerful in the simplicity of a well-chosen quote or proverb. A quote can spark a fire, shift your mindset, or unlock a new path for creativity. Take a moment to let it marinate—how could you transform the essence of a quote into something that speaks to your own creative process?
- In brain dumps and mind pours: Sometimes, the best way to spark creativity is by emptying your mind onto paper. A brain dump or mind pour—where you jot down everything that’s floating around in your head—can unlock unexpected ideas and connections. Don’t overthink it—just let the words flow. From there, you can sift through the chaos and find hidden gems.
- In old memories: Every once in a while, something unexpectedly triggers an old memory—maybe a big win, a fleeting moment, or something so small you forgot it ever existed. These resurfaced moments can bring a wave of emotions and thoughts, making them a deeply personal source of inspiration. Looking through old photos, reading journal entries, or listening to favorite songs from years ago are easy ways to tap into the past. Try glancing back into the past and see what inspiration you can draw from.
- In animals: Animals have an undeniable magic about them, and their movements, instincts, and personalities can resonate deeply with us. This offers a rich canvas for creativity: try exploring the mythical qualities of creatures, researching unique animal stories and habits, invent fantastical animal hybrids, or create characters based on spirit animals.
- In templates: Templates are everywhere, offering structure to different creative mediums. Planners, guided journals, and worksheets all provide prefilled prompts that can help steer your thinking in unexpected directions. For an interesting experiment, try using a random worksheet that has nothing to do with what you’re working on. The parallels and unexpected ideas you uncover might surprise you.
- In lamps, lights and shadows: Light has the power to create entire worlds within a single room or scene. The way a lamp casts its glow across a space or the mysterious shapes formed by shadows can transform an everyday setting into something magical or haunting. Try using light as a storytelling tool—how does a single light source change the mood of a space? What might be hiding in the shadows? Experiment with how light interacts with objects, and you might find it inspires a new narrative or visual project.
- In playlists: Individual songs each have their own stories. But think about the story they weave together as part of a playlist. Imagine your playlist as a soundtrack for a movie: what’s the story? What complex emotions can the songs capture together?
- In nature: The hum of insects, the rustle of the wind, or the stillness of a forest. Nature has an endless way of speaking to us through its colors, textures, and rhythms, making it a constant source of raw, unrefined beauty that can fuel creative expression. Tap into the natural world and see what it whispers to you.
- In someone else’s diary or notes: Diaries and personal notes are intimate windows into another person’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s important to respect privacy when venturing into personal material, of course. But something as simple as someone’s rough notes from a meeting or a to-do list can spark ideas through mundanity or vulnerability alike. Can these fleeting personal thoughts be turned into something larger?
- In tarot, oracle or creativity cards: While I’ve never been particularly drawn to spiritual practices, I find tarot and oracle cards fascinating. From their rich symbolism to the themes they explore, each card holds a universe of meaning that can be used as a creative prompt. If tarot isn’t your thing, alternatives could include Dixit Cards, creativity cards like the Creative Whack Pack, or even playing cards.
- In mind maps: Mind maps allow ideas to flow freely, forming unexpected connections. By placing a central word, thought, or question in the middle of a page and branching outwards, you create a web of ideas that expand your thinking. Whether making your own or exploring others’ mind maps, this method is perfect for breaking through creative blocks.
- In vision and mood boards: Vision boards map out a person’s dreams for the future, while mood boards capture a specific aesthetic, feeling, or theme. Both are powerful visual tools that provide instant inspiration. Whether you’re crafting your own or browsing others, you can draw ideas from the individual elements, the colors, or even the emotions the board conveys.
- In seasons and seasonal things: The changing seasons bring more than just shifts in weather—they introduce new moods, traditions, and experiences. Notice the subtle shifts, like the first signs of fall or the way holiday decorations slowly start appearing. Even monthly bucket lists and seasonal rituals can be sources of fresh inspiration.
- In fantasy stories and photos: While stories provide a lot of inspiration by themselves, I’ve always felt that fantasy stories and photos in particular hold additional dimensions of power. With so many surreal places and characters strung together simply by the creator’s imagination, exploring surreal settings, magical creatures, and alternate realities can spark ideas that feel limitless. What are the rules of this world? Who lives in it? How would you bring it to life?
- In dreams: If you’re anything like me, your dreams can be completely bizarre—your dog turning into a sea otter, an elevator freefalling into an underground world…Dreams tap into the most unexpected corners of the imagination, offering raw, original concepts that would be difficult to think up consciously. Try jotting down your dreams as soon as you wake up—you might find something worth revisiting later.
- In advertisements: Ads tend to get a bad reputation, but because they need to capture attention in seconds, they often rely on incredibly creative techniques. From clever wordplay to striking visuals to emotional storytelling, ads are full of inspiration if you start looking at them differently.
- In history: Ancient civilizations, historical events and lesser-known stories can offer rich material for writing, art or design. Think about moments that have shaped cultures and societies in the smallest of ways. How can these elements inform your own work, whether by reflecting on the past or reimagining it in a modern light?
- In handwritten signs and typography: Words have power, especially when they’re simple, direct, and laden with meaning. A handwritten sign or a phrase etched into a sidewalk offer unexpected inspiration alike. Can you use them as a jumping-off point for a poem, a piece of art, or a personal reflection?
- In themes: A theme is the underlying current that shapes a piece of work, be it a story, design, or artistic project. Literary themes such as love, loss, or identity can provide a rich foundation for exploration, as can stylistic themes like minimalism, surrealism, or vintage aesthetics, amongst many others. Which themes speak to you most (or unsettle you), and how can you interpret them in your own unique way?
- In your past work: I can’t emphasize how many great ideas I’ve gotten just by flipping through old notebooks, looking through past artwork or reading poetry I wrote years ago. While some pieces make me cringe, they also reveal fragments of my past self—what I was drawn to, how I saw the world then. What connections can you make between then and now? How would you recreate something you made in the past with the perspective you have today?
Next time you’re stuck in a creative rut, remember that inspiration is all around you. By opening your eyes to the world around you, you’ll find that creativity is always within reach.
What unexpected places have sparked your creativity lately? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🙂