Inspiring Yourself as a Creative Programme Student

How To Inspire Yourself as a creative student

In the midst of assignments, deadlines and endless drafts pending, finding inspiration as an Arts and Media student can be difficult. Creative blocks are common and a part of the process at times, with motivation and ideas to write your next piece, shoot your next video or design something new running out during the academic year. Each creative process is unique to an individual, but here are some solutions that can be used to revitalise your creativity.

Visit local art galleries and museums

One of the many benefits of studying in Dubai is the up-and-coming buzzing art scene. Plenty of free local galleries exhibit different types of art, with places such as Alserkal Avenue being home to unique galleries. Exploring art can open your mind to new ideas; even if you’re not particularly interested in art, it can be beneficial to observe, think about its meaning, and possibly integrate a few ideas into your projects.

Spend some time in nature

Nature influences a lot of creativity. Dubai is not only a city with modern architecture and an array of man-made marvels but also a destination for some of the best beaches, parks and forests to wander in. Hiking, walking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities will stimulate your mind, and you might find inspiration from unlikely places. Oceans, trees and observing natural beauty can serve as an inspiration; many great writers, painters and filmmakers drew inspiration from nature, and it’s an assured way to find an idea for your next project.

Consume media from another country

Our media usually lacks diversity; immersing yourself in media from another country could expand your creativity and give you a different outlook on the world. Foreign media outlets are not only entertaining but can give life to new ideas. Allowing yourself to consume media from another place could prompt you to research further about that location, and you’ll end up learning new things that could inspire you. Media that portrays life from another lens can breed new ideas.

Explore a new genre

Allow yourself to experiment with different mediums and genres. Leave your creative comfort zone and step into the unfamiliar. If you have set processes and preferences, shake it up by trying something different. You might surprise yourself when you experiment with the unknown. If you’re used to and comfortable with writing poetry, try writing an article; if you enjoy making documentaries, try filming a music video; if you enjoy traditional art, practice drawing digitally. At times perfection is not the goal; it’s about learning and giving yourself new ideas throughout the process.

Participate in university activities

All year round, Middlesex University Dubai has a range of entertaining activities, workshops, and competitions. There are dozens of social clubs that provide exciting activities and trips to various places, with sightseeing and other activities offered. Doing something challenging, different, and exciting and taking a break from being buried in academic work is sometimes the best solution to a creative block. Engaging in the exciting student life offered on campus and prioritising leisurely activities can give your mind a break from generating ideas, which is a good method for ending creative blocks.

Overall, time, patience and trying to explore new things are the keys to having your creativity flow throughout the academic year. Sometimes creating is better than excellence and perfection, so allow yourself to create and get better, and most of all, enjoy your creative process and the journey of being an art student.

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For more information about the design and media programmes available at MDX, have a look at our website, or contact Admissions at [email protected] / +971 (0)43 678 100