Fashion and Lifestyle
A couple of weeks ago I asked over on my Instagram any questions that you had for my Q+A IGTV. One of the most asked questions was about how I found inspiration for my content. This was specifically aimed at content during the coronavirus situation, but also in general. I spoke to @rubyofmyeye about this a bit over DM as struggling to find inspiration given the current situation is HARD. I completely understand that feeling of being lost with what you are creating, or what you want to create.
Also I want to put across the fact that during lockdown, I had many wobbles about the content I was creating. Being a perfectionist, despite having inspiration I can be overly critical. Whether you feel this way too, or simply don’t know how to gain that motivation and inspiration then I hope this helps. We will get your creative juices back in no time!
The sudden flip of creating content ‘normally’ to then being stuck at home and making content understandably was quite overwhelming. And I was really apprehensive about making content from home. What if my house isn’t instagrammable enough? What if no-one likes the change of content? I’m nit used to taking images at home, how do I even start? We all feel these because it was very sudden. I actually bulk shot a load of content pre-lockdown because I had a hunch that lockdown would occur. Despite being glad I did I haven’t actually used all of it. I have been SO inspired during lockdown that I actually hope to include a lot more home shot content when some sort of normality returns.
Another thing it is taught me is the value of pushing creative boundaries and how the content before lockdown that I was sharing was quantity over quality. I was making content using the same preset for each shot, content that I look back on and realise I could have been much more creative with. I don’t regret it however its opened my eyes to my own abilities. But you are probably wondering the main points of how I gained this new inspiration so here we go…
I love Pinterest, and I will cover that too. However something EXTREMELY powerful in creating inspiration is found within the Instagram app itself. It’s probably not alien to you, but you can save posts published by other creators, bloggers and companies on Instagram. You can create folders, save images to each one and organise it cleanly. I often even share some screenshots of saved images on my stories as people love to see what has been inspiring me.
It almost creates a feed within your saves folder. You can look at it to realise what the posts all have in common. Then you can use this to help create your feed. For example, I have been using dark and moody edits for a while now. But that wasn’t what I was predominantly saving. There was a mixture of darker edits, beige edits and then some more summery and lighter aesthetic images.
In my eyes, people will automatically think ‘Pinterest’ when it comes to inspiration for most aspects of life. I like to think as Pinterest as being a little bit more avant garde. I find saving posts on Instagram a bit more realistic, and its often content that is been edited once, and posted directly by the creator. Pinterest is extremely creative, but I don’t find everything as achievable when using it as inspiration. That being said, I still using it heavily. I like the more abstract side and posts on it, to help me think ‘How can you use that to create this post’. Pushing the creative boundaries more.
Some of my boards for my inspiration include:
I know this is a lot more easier said than done. But its something that I have been having to do. I started looking at my saved posts for backdrops and I thought I have to utilise places in my house I would never before think of taking my images. My bathroom doorway, the side of the woodshed we have, the wooden door of my dad’s man cave, sections of my house which have sunlight reflected nicely. All these things before I would never have considered taking images in front of before. But they can work really well. Just look around and think, how can I use that? And comparing it to inspiration photos help.
Since engaging on a daily basis, I have found new and amazing content creators and bloggers that I didn’t know even existed. I have found so many content ideas but increasing and sorting out who I am following. I now only follow the people who inspire me and the things I want to see on my feed. Increase this, and reduce the negative or brands that you only follow for the sake of it.
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Thanks for sharing! I do similar things too!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Ah very helpful information here. I admit I have had a hard time being motivated on social media as of late.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I go through stages of feeling motivated and not!
Very interesting! I never thought of organizing screenshots. Great idea. And I should not like to know how much time I’ve spent on Pinterest during lockdown!
Great post.
~Melissa xx
https://freshairandfalselashes.com
Oh god my screen time for Instagram is literally through the roof its mad!
I love these tips!! I did have a good amount of photos stockpiled before quarantine, and like you, I was still feeling fairly creatively inspired during quarantine, but I struggled here and there. I’ve had to discover new backgrounds & get super creative with what’s around me; that’s for sure! And these photos are gorgeous xx
I think its a really good time to spend getting creative and pushing ourselves out of our normal comfort zone!
A very useful post! I’ve been struggling with inspiration but having a line of colors helps enormously to know what to look for in the objects I have at home.
Lindifique
Thank you so much for read!
I do save some of the posts I like on Instagram in folders! It is neat that we can do this… I love this nature spot and the cozy yet chic outfit looks great, I love those pants!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you so much!
I just checked out your Instagram and all your content is beautiful (as are you!). I can see the change where you switched to indoor content, but I think it blends seamlessly and still keeps in with the aesthetic of your previous posts. I’m glad you’ve managed to stay inspired during lockdown – thanks for sharing all your advice!
Thanks! I did bulk shoot a load of content before lockdown so I did actually post outdoor shoots until about 6 weeks into lockdown!
I’m loving seeing some of the content people are coming up with, and actually think I prefer it in a lot of cases. Although they’re obviously still posed, I think a lot of feeds are looking a lot more candid because the setting seems more natural and I’m loving that vibe right now. It’s great to see people utilising what they have and still coming up with amazing content x
Sophie
I like a mixture of both candid and posed. I think it depends what blogs you like reading, like fashion bloggers are always going to have posed photos thats just the nature of it. But yeah its good to see how its challenged everyone!
I like the idea of saving Instagram posta and creating a sort of mood board from them. I never really save posts on Instagram and on Pinterest I usually think “oh that’s nice” and pin in but never really consider a theme I like that’s consistent throughout them. I need to do that more often, it’ll help with creating things rather than racking my brain for ideas. Great post 🙂 xo
Yes! Using the both will get you so inspired honestly!
I really liked this post, it’s super helpful. I’m new to using Instagram for my blog and I haven’t started shooting any content yet, I’m still looking for inspiration and tips. Thanks for sharing x
Ahh good luck shooting some content!
Oh your pictures are so dreamy!
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Thank you!
Great post! You’ve definitely inspired me to look to instagram creators for creativity and not just Pinterest! I’ll be utilising that save button far more often.
Yes go for it girl!
This is super useful! I don’t personally post a lot on my instagram because I struggle to do fun things, but IG stories are my bae!
🌿 Marissa Belle × marsybun.com 🌿
Ahh I don’t think you should think that! There will be a lot of people out there who will enjoy your content even if you don’t think they will!
I love this! My Instagram feed is beauty flatlays, so luckily I didn’t have a huge transition when lockdown started. I totally get how it must’ve been a massive shakeup to you. These tips are so helpful, I definitely need to take advantage of the saved feature, it’s so handy xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Yeah! I have always been in awe of flatlay images and people who post them as a majority because it would saved the hassle ahha!
Such great tips in this post! I love Pinterest for seeking inspiration, it’s so useful and you can find some really unique stuff!
Grace xx
gracexkate.com
Thank you for reading Grace!
Instagram is something that I’m trying to learn to love when it comes to my blog social media. I’ve always overlooked it as a platform because it’s so difficult to grow on but, as a creative person, I’m working on using it in a creative way. Saving images that I’ve liked is a great idea for building up creative inspiration. I’ll be doing this for sure! x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
I think using the right ways and methods Instagram is easier to grow on. You have to use the right techniques for sure and engagement being the main one!
I’m finding it hard to get motivated and inspired during quarantine, but Pinterest has definitely helped too!
https://sundaydahlias.com
Yes!! Have a go at exploring more account of Instagram! I have been finding some gorgeous accounts that have really inspired me!
I don’t use Instagram as much as I used to but I’d forgotten about saving posts, that’s a great tip, thank you! Lisa
I save posts all the time!!
Pinterest is my biggest go-to for inspiration!
Kathleen / http://www.madeinthe1990s.com
Yes!!
These are such great Instagram tips! It was so hard to adjust to creating content in lockdown! I’ve been living with my bf during quarantine and his place only has a few small windows so it is definitely not cute for IG haha. We have definitely had to get creative about shoots! Pinterest is awesome!
Jill
https://jilliancecilia.com/
I think that it has made us get more creative but thats not a bad thing!
These are great tips. Although I don’t put too much effort into Instagram, I really want to work on it more and I need to get more creative with my posts!
Well these are definitely ones to try out then!
I always turn to Pinterest when I need some inspiration – not just for IG but for post ideas and things too, it can really help you get back into the flow of things! xx
Yes I think Pinterest is an all round good inspiration platform!
Pinterest is full of creative, innovative stuff that I can’t stop looking at them. The drawback is- I become so addicted to it, ending up spending more time than I would want to. ughh
Ahaha I think its amazing! I don’t spend too long on it each day! It tends to be when I am in the mood I will spend a bit longer on it!