There are some incredible artists out there. Some that are so inspiring, that you just can’t help but get a little creative yourself when you see or hear their work.

Some of those artists are musicians, painters, sculptors, writers, poets, graphic artists, etc, etc. My favourite historical sculptor and painter is Michelangelo. He once said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” I have this inspiring quote in the signature of my work email. I love this quote, and I adore Michelangelo’s work, whether it was paintings or sculptures. This quote consistently makes me want to try harder… work harder… and become better over time. After all, Michelangelo didn’t carve the angel in one day, did he? He was not an overnight success, and nor do I believe I will be either.

Once upon a time when I used to paint a lot, as soon as I started painting for the day – I would to listen to U2’s Elevation. I always found that this song would clear the rubbish from my head, and allow me to get amped up for a days worth of painting for 7-8 hours. These days I still use music to amp me up for writing. But I don’t just use it for writing. I use it for any sort of work to help motivate me. Exercise, writing, house work, not to mention my Evil Day Job.

There are writers and authors around the world that inspire me every single day. These are the people I look to help me keep going. Some of these people are my peers, and some I love from afar. But all of them inspire me to stick to my game plan and keep going. Often my close friends say to me, “I don’t understand how you can be so motivated? You work a forty hour week, and then your spare time, you dedicate all those hours to writing as well.” Yes. Yes I do. Why? Because I am passionate about literature. Once upon a time I wrote for my eyes only. Now I have slightly bigger goals in that department.

And with bigger goals comes a bigger responsibility. More time dedicated to perfecting your craft… more support and understanding required from your friends and family… more of yourself. But no matter what is going on, I can always turn to those that inspire me to keep me motivated to reach my goals and dreams.

One day I hope to inspire other creatives out there… just like me.