A common misconception amongst artists is that, when we hit a creative block, the solution is to keep pushing: Ponder more ideas, write more gibberish or dance more steps. In reality, the inspiration we seek can be developed by simply taking a step back.

In a society of constant scrolling, there’s a lack of genuine artistic intake. This could mean going to a museum, the movie theater, a local performance or even just picking up a book.

The best artists are observers. They know what moves them and why.

By viewing art from the audience’s seat, you learn to recognize the moments that spark emotion. In turn, you become better at creating those moments yourself.

The power of having a defined personal taste is undeniable. In the Conservatory, there’s a certain confidence that radiates from students who know exactly what inspires them. Whether on or off the stage, they’re deeply aligned with their artistic ideals. You can see it in their work, their sense of style and even in the way they curate their surroundings.

Growing up, my parents loved music and art. They decorated our house full of colorful, mismatched art pieces and vintage records. I used to feel embarrassed by it. It would never look like the beige, matching living room sets my friends’ houses had.

Now, I return home from college breaks and admire this decorative extension of my parent’s aesthetic. Every knick-knack is a memory, and every art piece has a meaning. It feels alive in a way those picture-perfect homes never did.

It’s not that my parents have better taste;  just more authentic. In a world obsessed with trends, they have represented what it means to be true to what you like. This lesson follows me into the studio every day: the more I understand what resonates with me, the more honest my art becomes.

Furthermore, by viewing art I love, I am inspired to create. The best writers read in the same way that the best singers listen to music, and the best filmmakers watch movies. In these fundamental college years, consuming art must be a priority.

As artists, we’re constantly in conversation with the world around us, and the art we take in shapes the art we put out. To stay inspired is to stay curious.