Reigniting Creative Inspiration: Tools to Nurture Artistic Flow

Painting by Ernesto Treccani

As an artist, I go through phases—sometimes I feel completely energized and overflowing with inspiration, and other times, the creative spark feels distant. Over the years, I’ve learned how to nurture my creativity, reignite my passion, and push through those inevitable slow periods. Today, I want to share what’s been inspiring me lately and the tools I use to stay connected to my artistic flow.

The Power of a New Environment

One of the greatest catalysts for creativity is a change of scenery.

Snapshots from a day trip to San Gimignano, Tuscany

Moving to Florence, Italy, the birthplace of The Renaissance, has been a profound shift for me, not just in terms of lifestyle but in a deeply personal way for me as an artist… my own personal creative Renaissance!

But you definitely don’t have to move across the world to experience this effect! A short trip, a new walking route, or even a different coffee shop can spark fresh ideas. Inspiration often comes in unexpected places if you remain open and present.

One of my favorite creative tools comes from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. She talks about artist dates—intentional, solo excursions to inspire creativity. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; it can be as simple as visiting an art supply store, watching an old film, or going for a scenic walk. Recently, I visited San Gimignano, a picturesque Tuscan village, and the tranquility of that experience reinvigorated my artistic spirit.

I’m currently reading The Writer’s Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats by Travis Elborough, which explores how famous writers have used travel to fuel their work.

Reading, day dreaming, scribbling outside Basilica di Santa Maria Novella with a good glass of red

One of my favorite authors, Patricia Highsmith, created the character Tom Ripley while traveling in Positano, Italy. She saw a man on the beach and thought, “That’s Tom Ripley”. It makes me wonder—had she been born in a different era, would she have written Ripley as a woman? So many of her own experiences were infused into that character, and the way she had to navigate a male-dominated literary world is fascinating to me.

The Influence of Literature

Reading has been a huge part of my creative journey lately. Finding an English-language bookstore in Florence, Paperback Exchange, felt like discovering a treasure trove. I stocked up on books, eager to dive into different styles and voices. As I write both a memoir and a novel, I’m humbled by the art of storytelling and the craftsmanship behind structuring a book. Reading widely—memoirs, fiction, classic literature—has been essential in refining my own voice.

Paperback Exchange, an English language bookstore in Florence, Italy

For me, getting lost in a book has become a way to reclaim focus and peace in a world that constantly demands our attention. Social media and modern content overload can fragment our ability to be present, but immersing myself in literature helps me slow down, absorb deeply, and reconnect with the simple joy of storytelling.

Creative Rituals and Artistic Cross-Training

Another way I keep my creative channels open is by engaging in different artistic mediums. Music, painting, and journaling all help me stay in a creative flow. I recently visited Zecchi Colori Belle Arti, a historic art supply store in Florence, and was inspired to pick up painting again.

Historic art supply shop, Zecchi Colori Belle Arti, in Florence, Italy

“I sketched out a painting that I'm working on now, and it's actually based on this woman that I saw randomly on the street one day, and she just had such an interesting look to her, and something artistically sparked in me.”

So excited to start working with these thich, heavy body acrylic fluorescent paints

Engaging in different forms of creativity keeps my ideas fresh and prevents burnout.

Slowing Down and Embracing the Simple Things

Since moving to the Italian countryside, I’ve been embracing a slower, more intentional way of living. My husband loves to cook, which has been a blessing because I would always rather be writing than cooking! Sharing simple, nourishing meals and spending time in nature have brought a new depth to my creative process. These quiet moments—reading by the fire, wandering through gardens, lingering over home-cooked meals—are just as vital to the creative process as the act of writing itself.

Homemade polpette c/o my Italian chef / husband, Dom

What’s Inspiring You?

I’d love to hear from you—what’s been fueling your creativity lately? What helps you move through creative blocks? Let me know in the comments, and if there’s anything specific you’d love to see more of on the blog or podcast, I’d love to create content that resonates with you.

Until next time, stay inspired and keep creating.

XO, Nicole