The life of any individual artist involves navigating various unfamiliar circumstances and mental blocks in pursuit of creative endeavors. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented an almost-insurmountable challenge to artists. With venues closing and quarantine restrictions, artists have been forced to stay home—devoid of commissions or any outside inspiration.

After eight months of lockdown, Vantage turns to three talented artists who have found ways of practicing and sharing their craft within the confines of their homes. What follows are the lessons and words of advice they wish to impart to their fellow creatives.

Vanilla Arucan 
Graphic Designer

As a freelance graphic designer, Vanilla Arucan is well aware of the struggle to find inspiration while being stuck at home. “[Being creative] is definitely harder because when you’re stuck at home, everything is the same. You wake up in the same room or you eat in the same kitchen and everything sort of becomes mundane.”

To counter this, Aruca tries to find inspiration where she least expects it. Her recent collaboration with Rada Collab in designing the Good Morning Face Mask is one example. “The mask’s very inspired by the Good Morning Towel. It’s one of those things that you don’t think people notice, but are already embedded in their minds. I get a lot of inspiration from objects like that,” Aruca recalls.

Vanilla also reminds artists not to feel discouraged when living through unsettling times. “I guess being okay with being uncomfortable is basically just letting yourself be and letting yourself be confused, sad or lost even. It’s okay to not always be inspired. I sometimes feel uncomfortable when I'm not doing something, but I also saw the importance of not doing something all the time, because you’re not gonna create any good work,” Aruca says.

Being in lockdown has also taught Aruca how to deal with the self-doubt that often plagues creatives. “I’ve discovered in quarantine to trust myself a bit more when it comes to designing. It’s normal for creatives, or actually in anyone in any industry, to have imposter syndrome, where you feel like you’re not good enough for a certain thing. What surprised me about this quarantine is learning to trust myself more with what I'm doing and letting intention intuition take the front seat,” she says.

Key takeaways:

• Look for inspiration where you’d least expect it.
• Use discomfort as an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone.

Maita Hagad
Fashion Brand Owner and Designer

During this time of isolation, Maita Hagad, founder of vintage apparel store The Library, questioned her methods of finding inspiration for her work. “I had to look internally to my own personal experiences,” she shares. “To try and understand why I am drawn to certain things and to find meaning in the work that I do.”

Deep reflection and research always aid Hagad’s creative process. Her recent collection, Denim Study, makes this evident. “As the name [Study] suggests, Denim Study is an ongoing process of constant research and learning,” Hagad says. The collection is composed of pre-owned denim pieces, painted with unique depictions of vintage matchboxes. It is a showcase of her talents in fashion and the visual arts as well as her interest in history and archives.

In Hagad’s opinion, it is possible to find inspiration in unexpected places. With openness and curiosity, artists can unravel potential in the unassuming—much like how she found significance in matchboxes. “Inspiration does not have to come from grand things,” she shares. “Stay curious, ask questions, make mistakes, and keep going.”

Key takeaways:

• Self-reflection is useful in your creative process.
• Approach all things with openness and curiosity.

Alison Black
Ballet Teacher

The year’s uncertainty and turmoil are what led Alison Black to reunite with her first love: Dance. The dancer of more than 10 years initially took a hiatus from the craft to focus on school as a business student. After graduating, she planned on working in the corporate setting. However, the pandemic propelled Black to reevaluate her professional future.

“When everything was different,” she shares. “I was forced to think about what I really cared about, or what I was good at, and what I could lean into.” Her introspection led to the creation of Bedroom Ballet, an online dance school for all ages and skill levels.

In finding a renewed interest in art, Black suggests considering methods outside of the norm. “When you’re doing your craft or whatever you're passionate about, there's always more than one form of pursuing it,” she explains. “Instead of me being the dancer, I’m the teacher now.”

Through Bedroom Ballet, Black found a way to create a balance between passion and profession. “I feel like I can fully lean into my passion without having to give up anything,” she shares.

Key takeaways:

• Look for ways to incorporate your passion into your daily life.
• Don’t be afraid to try what’s unconventional.

All artists experience moments of doubt and listlessness, especially in today’s turbulent times. However, the advice and experiences of these creatives show that inspiration is always within reach even in uncertainty. Through curiosity, ingenuity, and perseverance, developing your creative process from the comfort of your own home should be a piece of cake.