Inspire me Thursday: Open Challenge

The challenge
The challenge was left pretty much open this week but there were a number of prompting questions to think about... I've answered my favourites at the bottom of the article. For this illustration I focused mainly on the questions: 'why do you create?' and 'why are you an artist'?

My doodle response...
The image portrays how the monster of creativity (cute little bear with a trunk) sucks my thoughts throughout work and play until I create something.. in other words, if I didn't create - my mind may just explode!
However, I've decided to keep the illustration bright and colourful to portray creativity as fun and imaginative. The little monster that is sucking my thoughts is seen as a cute character rather than as a 'baddie'... This is because I'm glad that the monster of creativity strikes so often - it's a welcome distraction! Therefore, in a way, the monster of creativity represents my mind and my imagination. However, it can be a 'monster' to ignore such thoughts when you've got work to do, an essay to write or if you are simply trying to get some sleep!

Answer time...

What’s your favorite source for inspiration?
At the moment, I keep seeing illustration, cute characters and doodle ideas around every corner. So I guess I find my inspiration all around me! However, I am finding a lot of inspiration from flickr at the moment - there are so many creative artists, doodlers and designers on there as well as amazing photographers. Children's books also really inspire me.

Do you feel you need to shake things up in your art?
Sometimes yes and sometimes no. It depends on my mood - often I just have this strong desire to draw and it's usually a surprise what comes out. Other times, I read articles in the news and aim to illustrate issues that I'm really passionate about. I think that if you make it your aim to 'shake things up', it can be more difficult to do so. However, if you don't plan it, you could end up with something really original and unique.

What is your favorite thing about creating? Your least favorite?
My favourite thing is being able to see potential doodle ideas in everyday mundane items such as cracks on a building wall or the way a sock may be hanging on a radiator! My least favourite thing is that these thoughts make me occasionally question my sanity!!! Also, I often get really creative at 2am in the morning which is not so great when you've got an early start the next day!

Why do you create?
Because I have to! If I didn't I'd get too frustrated with myself... it helps me get out my feelings and responses to the issues around me and in the wider world. I can be quite a shy person so I tend to express myself through dancing, illustrating and writing rather than being a chatterbox! Also, it's fun to create!

How do you describe your art?
Fun, sometimes cheeky, bright and occasionally sneaky!