New Year's Resolutions for Creatives (& Those Aspiring to Be Creative)

Ditch the tired clichés and make 2025 the year your creativity thrives with practical, cool, and artistic resolutions curated for creative people.

Creativity isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of life. For many of us, the spark often gets buried under the grind of everyday life, the constant buzz of notifications, and the endless scroll. But 2025 is your fresh slate. It's time to recalibrate and commit to resolutions that will truly stretch your creative muscles. Forget the tired advice to “journal more” or “take up painting”—this list dives into the niche practices that will challenge your perspective, fuel your imagination, and make you feel truly alive as a creator.

Get Obsessed with a Micro-Niche

Dive into the depths of something weirdly specific.

The creative mind thrives on novelty, and one of the best ways to shake up your perspective is by exploring a micro-niche. Whether it’s 17th-century botanical illustrations, avant-garde architecture in Iceland, or vintage Japanese jazz, immersing yourself in a hyper-specific subject can introduce fresh perspectives and unexpected connections. Follow niche creators on social media, pick up obscure books, or start a Pinterest board dedicated to your obsession.

Why does this work? By zeroing in on something narrow, you open yourself up to the kind of depth that fosters unique insights. This deep dive could inspire your next creative project or simply reinvigorate your artistic voice with influences others might overlook.

Curate a Reverse Mood Board

Design a collection of what you don’t want.

Mood boards are great for envisioning projects, but how often do you think about what doesn’t align with your style? In 2025, try flipping the concept. A reverse mood board is a collage of aesthetics, ideas, or trends that you want to avoid. This could include color schemes that feel overused, themes that don’t resonate, or design choices that feel stale.

This exercise sharpens your creative identity by helping you understand what makes your work uniquely yours. Plus, by eliminating distractions and focusing on what feels authentically you, you’ll save time and energy when starting a new project.

Schedule a "No Tech" Day Once a Month

We’ve all heard of detoxing from tech, but what about making it a monthly creative ritual? Set aside one day each month where you disconnect entirely—no phone, no laptop, no TV. Use the time to wander a museum, sit in a park, sketch, write, or simply let your mind wander.

Creativity often blooms in quiet moments, free from the noise of digital distractions. A no-tech day creates space for ideas to emerge organically. By incorporating this practice regularly, you’ll start to notice how much clarity and inspiration stem from intentional stillness.

Collaborate with Someone Outside Your Field

Step outside your comfort zone in 2025 by teaming up with someone from a completely different creative discipline. If you’re a writer, work with a photographer. If you’re a graphic designer, try collaborating with a musician. This cross-pollination of ideas can result in projects that neither of you would have envisioned alone.

Collaboration also stretches your adaptability and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn how to communicate with someone who has a different workflow and gain insight into a creative process outside your usual lane. The result? A richer, more dynamic creative practice.

Create a Personal "Oddities Museum"

Dedicate a small shelf, box, or even an entire room to collecting strange and fascinating objects that catch your eye. These could be thrifted finds, nature artifacts, or souvenirs from your travels. The goal is to create a physical archive of inspiration—a tactile Pinterest board, if you will.

The act of curating these objects encourages you to look at the world with fresh eyes and fuels your creativity through unexpected juxtapositions. Bonus: your oddities museum becomes a conversation starter and a personal reflection of your unique aesthetic.

Creativity doesn’t happen by accident; it’s nurtured through intentionality, exploration, and the willingness to push boundaries. These five resolutions are designed to help you tap into your deepest wells of inspiration and develop a creative practice that feels both sustainable and thrilling. So, let’s make 2025 the year of bold ideas and unapologetic artistry.