There's a constant push-pull dynamic when it comes to creativity, isn't there? There are times when we're bursting at the seams to get to our work, to try something new, to spend as long as it takes to experiment and dig deep. And then there are times (oh those horrible times) when our creative flow has run completely, incredibly dry. Like the ebb and flow of an ocean, that push-pull relationship comes with the territory of being a creative. It's inevitable. It's part of the job. It's to be expected. But man, does it drive us mad. 

In times of creative ruts, it can be hard to pull ourselves out pity parties. Or, if you're anything like me, it can be extremely difficult to grapple with feeling guilty after spending hours watching television and scrolling Instagram and Facebook. It felt like the hours I was spending skimming through unfamiliar Pinterest feeds, out of the ordinary lifestyle bloggers and YouTubers pages were wasting my "creative time."

But there's one revelation I came to while dealing with one of these creative dry spells that has stuck with me... part of being creative is being a consumer. Meaning, part of the creative process is to stop producing inspiration, and instead, taking a turn consuming inspiration. When these words hit me, it was like a lightbulb exploded above my head. The guilt melted away. Yes, in times of creative ruts... it's actually more meaningful to lose yourself in work that isn't your own.

In the depths of my rut, I found so many outside creative interests I wasn't tapping into. I discovered that I really loved lifestyle-travel YouTubers and vloggers, I'm drawn to deep shades of blue and dreamy blushes, and dang it.... I love watching an empowered female artist do her thang. Here are just ten of my go-to websites, Instagrams and blogs when I need a creative boost. Enjoy!

Darling Magazine

You already know we love Darling around here at Roam + Golightly. Make sure to listen to our interview with Darling's own Ziza Bauer on the podcast if you haven't listened already! With a mission to encourage and inspire "the art of being a woman" what isn't there to love? Even if you aren't subscribed to their issues, Darling has an excellent blog dedicated to creating meaningful content around varying personas they focus on. I love digging through their "Dreamer," "Explorer" and "Intellectual" tabs for posts relating to the arts, responsible tourism, resources for creativity, travel and wanderlust inspiration and more. 

DESIGNLOVEFEST

Admittedly, I've been following Bri Larson's work for longer than I can remember (in fact, I'm fairly sure she was the first person I ever followed on Instagram)! Bri's blog DESIGNLOVEFEST is my go-to place when I just want a dose of dreamy. With posts ranging from color, texture and pattern based obsessions to recipes to home design and weekend inspiration lists... DESIGNLOVEFEST sort of does it all. With a bold outlook on design and type, as well as a serious love for travel, Bri's blog is a favorite for sure. Her Instagram is also one of my favorites as well too! 

Heather Day

I'm kind of hesitant to share this wonderful artist with you all because I feel like Heather's work is my best kept secret (even though she has hundreds of thousands of followers). I have a serious art-girl-crush, if that's even a thing, on Heather Day. Based in California, her abstract work is incredible. Heather is also a traveler, so seeing her create and gather inspiration while on the road is fueling for any creative adventurer. 

Trouvé Magazine

If you've subscribed to our podcast, you know that we're in love with Amanda Marko and Trouvé. If you haven't been following along, just know that this publishing collective is dedicated to celebrating the creative lifestyle and finding those who live it. Dreamy right? This printed magazine is the perfect coffee table book. And even though this magazine is my ultimate source for a burst of creativity... truth be told, it's almost TOO beautiful to dog-ear and mark up. If you can't get your hands on a physical copy there's good news, Trouvé's website focuses on the stories, makers, studio spaces and tidbits on the creative process. These stories capture the soul of the magazine wholeheartedly and are the perfect outlet for anyone needing a little inspo pick-me-up.

Ann Street Studio

Jamie Beck might be one of the most effortlessly beautiful creatures on our planet, I'm convinced. Ann Street Studio began as a blog obsession of mine way, way early in the days of the blog revolution. I found myself diving deep into their content regularly and often. Whether it was for ideas for photography, personal style recommendations or pieces written about anything and everything... I was thoroughly indulged with each post. And here's the best part, since then... nothing has changed. Jamie and her partner Kevin share content centered around fashion, travel, truth and beauty through photographs, videos, and their own creative app, Cinemagraphs. It's a dreamy escape into their world together, and it's one of my bonafide favorites.

Dame Traveler

Something about Nastasia's women's travel community is downright inspirational, wanderlusty, and thrill inducing. It's the perfect blend of pretty and curiosity peaking. Each post she shares on Instagram is a dreamy moment captured in time from women around world. Whether it's a backpacker in Paraguay or a local in Finland, Dame Traveler shares their stories with a healthy dose of meaningful written passages and poems. I love it in a huge way. And speaking honestly, getting to know Nastasia's story behind the brand on our podcast makes it all the more inspirational!

GirlBoss

Listen up, ladies. Sophia Amoruso's book (and podcast, and movement) has a home online... and it's hella empowering. GirlBoss's online space is stocked with inspirational stories of female entrepreneurs, creators and more, so if you're needing an extra jolt of motivation or struggling to kick your project into high-gear, this is the place for you. As a website devoted to empowering women in business and in life, Sophia's website showcases everything from #girlbossmoment stories shared from everyday girls around the world, to information about her foundation and scholarships, pieces about wellness and work-life balance, and so, so much more. It's basically a one-stop shop for any bosses out there... female or not. 

PRVNCL Magazine

Need some aesthetic inspiration in its most intentional form? Pick up a copy of PRVNCL Magazine, or puruse their Journal component of their gorgeous website. Centered around the idea of inspiring balance between work and rest and a creatively simplified lifestyle, each post includes invaluable insight on living a provincial life. I don't know about you, but I too often find myself swept up in the "hussle" of living creatively. The desire to push our creativity to the max at all hours of the day is one I know many feel as well... and that's why PRVNCL means so much to me. It's almost like a distilled moment of zen encapsulated in magazine (and online!) form. What's not to love about that?

If you want some more inspo, listen to our chat with PRVNCL's creator Grace Taylor. We chat about all things minimal and French! Can you tell we only interview those we consider incredibly inspiring? Ha! 

What are your favorite inspiring online resources you turn to when needing a little jolt in your creativity? 

Comment below... I'd love to know!