Being a painter and decorator is more than a trade, it’s a particular set of skills, a business, and often a way of life. But like any hands-on profession, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine.
When you’re juggling client jobs, quotes, paperwork and trying to stay up to date with everything, it can be hard to find fresh inspiration, but inspiration is essential. It’s what keeps you energised, helps you grow your business, sharpens your craft, and stops the work from feeling like a grind.
So, where to find inspiration?
Learn from others in the trade
Thousands of decorators in the UK and overseas share their work online. Whether you connect on forums or social media like Facebook groups, or search Google or Pinterest for ideas, you can find lots of ways of doing things that can inspire you to change how you do things.
YouTube is another goldmine. We all have our favourite channels for inspiration, some may be UK, other may be from North America or elsewhere. Lots of decorators share techniques and tool reviews. While some content is specific to location or a particular technique, many tips translate well; they can help you build your skills and offer more to your customers.
Get out to trade shows and events
One of the best ways to refresh your perspective is to get to trade events. Whether it’s the National Painting and Decorating Show, events put on by the PDA or events put on at nearby decorators’ merchants. It’s a really great way to find out what people are doing, what materials and tools are being used, and just to chew the cud with other decorators.
Feed your mind with podcasts and books
One of the best ways to refresh your perspective is to get to trade events. Whether it’s the National Painting and Decorating Show, events put on by the PDA or events put on at nearby decorators’ merchants. It’s a really great way to find out what people are doing, what materials and tools are being used, and just to chew the cud with other decorators.
Refill your tank
Creativity, motivation and wellbeing are all connected. If you’re constantly running on empty, inspiration will dry up.
Make time for proper breaks. Go for a walk without your phone. Meet up with mates. And don’t forget to celebrate your wins, whether it’s a good day’s work, getting through a difficult week or a happy customer.
You’re doing work that matters. You’re making people’s spaces better, more beautiful, more personal. That’s something to be proud of.
Get out into the environment
Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. A walk through a National Trust property, a trip to an art gallery, or just visiting another town or village gives us a feeling of ‘I’ve never seen that before’ that keeps the mind fresh. Seeing something in real life, rather than just on a screen, does make a difference.
Nature is another fantastic teacher, and the more time you spend in it the more detail you notice, and the more changes you notice. It’s brilliant for mental health too.
Talk to your customers
Don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation with a client. Not only will some of them have lots of ideas about how they want their properties to look, with colour charts, Pinterest boards or just the feeling them want from a space.
I’ve learned a lot from customers who’ve approached things in ways I wouldn’t have thought of, and who have specific property requirements. I can think of a physicist who painted her own front door to an incredibly high standard, and an owner of several thoroughbred horses who needed the intricate ironwork of the stables painted in a particular way and order. Listening to customers and asking intelligent and caring questions opens up so many possibilities.
Being inspired can be inspiring
Inspiration isn’t something you have to wait for, it’s something you can go out and find. Whether it’s through other decorators, the natural world, trade events or simple conversation, there’s always something new to learn, see, or try. The more inspired you become, the more inspiring you can become too. I know that I was inspired by other decorators who wanted to take their work, their business and their life to another level.
Want to learn more?
Find me at www.chinbadgermedia.co.uk
