How to Spark Inspiration for Your Hobby Laser Engraving Projects

[LAHobbyGuy]

I'm going to share with y'all today a rough draft of a script I'm writing for an upcoming video — about how I get my inspiration for projects. I hope you enjoy it! Share your ways of getting your inspiration in the comments!

While laser engraving is a versatile and exciting hobby that allows you to create intricate designs and personalize items in a way that's uniquely yours, sometimes we get bogged down in the quagmire of, "What can I create" and we draw a blank, or conversely, we have so many ideas we can't focus on just one! Sometimes, finding inspiration for your next project can be a bit daunting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced engraver, here are some creative ways to ignite your imagination and keep those ideas flowing for your hobby laser engraver!

Start with What You Love
The best projects often stem from personal interests or passions. Consider what you love — be it animals, landscapes, quotes, or movies — and think about how you can incorporate these elements into your designs. Personalizing items with your favorite themes can be incredibly rewarding and a great place to start.

Explore Other Social Media and Online Communities
Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and laser engraving forums are treasure troves of creative ideas. Search for laser engraving hashtags, like #laserengraved, join laser engraving groups on Facebook, or follow Laseroligists who specialize in this on Instagram. Seeing what others create can give you a spark of inspiration for your own similar but unique projects.

Repurpose and Upcycle
Look around your home for items that could be transformed with a bit of laser engraving. Old wooden spoons, cutting boards, knives, phone cases, or even glass jars can become beautiful, personalized objects. This not only gives new life to your belongings but also provides a canvas to spark your creativity.

Celebrate Special Occasions
Laser-engraved gifts are personal and thoughtful. Think about upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays and plan projects tailored to these events. Engraving special dates, names, or a meaningful quote can make for a memorable gift that holds sentimental value.

Experiment with Different Materials
Laser engravers can work with a multitude of materials, not just wood or acrylic. Experiment with leather, glass, coated metals, or even paper. Each material reacts differently under the laser, providing various textures and finishes that can enhance your design.

Take a Nature Walk
Inspiration is often right outside your door. Take a walk in your local park or garden and observe the natural world. The shapes of leaves, the patterns of bark on trees (How I got my picture frame woodgrain for Western signs), or the intricate wings of insects can all translate into stunning laser-engraved designs, like my 6-layer dragonfly for instance. There was a dead dragonfly on the ground that I took home.

Sketch and Doodle
Sometimes, the act of putting pen to paper can spark ideas. Keep a pocket sketchbook handy to doodle designs whenever inspiration strikes. These sketches can be converted into digital files that you can import to Lightburn or any other laser software as a Bitmap or JPEG, and then trace them — use your phone to take a pic of them, or better yet, the camera on your laser if you have one. I use a tablet sketch pad to do mine, but pen & paper works just fine!

Attend Craft Fairs and Art Shows
Seeing the work of other laser Makers & artists can inspire you and provide new perspectives on what can be achieved with laser engraving. Networking with fellow creators might also lead to collaborative projects or new techniques you hadn’t considered.

Set Creative Challenges
Give yourself small challenges, like creating a new design every week or trying to replicate complex patterns you see around you! This can help develop your skills and force you to think outside the box, and learn as you go...

Keep Learning
There are always new techniques and tools to discover. Watch tutorials, read blogs, and take e-courses on graphic design. The more you learn, the more ideas you’ll have for your projects.

And finally, every artist hits a creative block now and then. The key to finding inspiration for your laser engraving projects is to stay curious, keep exploring, and let your interests guide you. With a bit of creativity, experimentation, and exploration, you'll find that the possibilities are truly endless.

Happy engraving!

Rich

[joejones]

Boy, I sure need this!

Joe

[KountryKreations]

I am about as noob as you can get to the laser, I have had my falcon 10w for about 2 weeks now. I am learning so much from your library of youtube vids. I have replicated some just to familiarize myself with the lightburn functions. I have designed and cut and engraved 2 projects already from scratch and fairly pleased with the results. Always room for improvement. My ultimate goal it to help my wife start her own side business to give her something to do. Back in march she was struck with a sever infection that resulted in a stroke, forcing her early retirement. I can not thank you enough for the knowledge of the skill you pass on to so many. I hope your recovery is going well and you are feeling better. You sir have been a major inspiration.

[KnightRid]

This is my problem. I just don't have much creativity. It will strike me once in a great while but most of what I do is based off someone elses work where I just fix it to work for how I want it to or things like that. I can think of things I want to do but never figure out how to make them work.

[nzmerlin]

Thanks Rich, but I'm a lot like Mike... I have been doing Star Wars star ships of late and hope to sell a few at the end of November at a Farmers market..
But can not do any original work...

[joejones]

Pinterest.com is your friend! It is basically an "eye candy" website where you can flip through MILLIONS of images to get ideas. You just search for any word or phrase ... "Laser wood projects," "Wooden ornaments," "etched glass," etc. and you will see more ideas than you ever thought possible.

I do have ONE laser set up, and I want to go to Wally World and buy a cart full of cheap metal and plastic glasses and stuff, to experiment with the rotary etch function of this laser. The problem is, I don't just buy "one or two ..." I buy 300! Then they sit here in big boxes, waiting for me to head out to the shop to begin. I ruin many of them as I experiment with settings and speeds. Tossing even cheap glasses and thermal cups into the trash still stings a bit

My problem is, nearly everything I see on pinterest.com makes me say, "I can make that!" I do not want to COPY the work of another, but it does give me ideas, and then I head off in my own direction with the basic concept of the piece in my mind.

IF and WHEN I finally get all of these "toys" set up and running, I think I may never return to my home again.

Joe

[joejones]

This is my problem. I just don't have much creativity. It will strike me once in a great while but most of what I do is based off someone elses work where I just fix it to work for how I want it to or things like that. I can think of things I want to do but never figure out how to make them work.

Back when I was making metal art, I was drawing my own designs. I do not like to use the art libraries, and produce the same thing everyone else is producing. I can draw art files, but I generally like them to make some sort of statement, rather than just be "artsy."

As an example, this is my own design. I call it, "No One To Push Me." A boy on a swing suspended from a tree limb, staring at his phone with a tear on his cheek, trying to find just one social media "friend" who will come to the tree and push him.

I know ... SAD! That was the intention.

The concept was to be a full line of similar designs, showing how these smart phones have ruined the lives of our otherwise curious, inventive and active children.

However, lately I am beginning to wonder if it isn't a self-portrait.

Joe

NO ONE TO PUSH ME.jpg

[Garysfirstlaser]

Rich,
That is fantastic article. Very inspiring to me anyway. I think i can speak for a lot of folks on here, you are a great and wonderful person.
I for one always look forward to anything you put out.
Gary

[LAHobbyGuy]

Great feedback! I guess I have to expand the video. Here are some diverse ways to spark your creativity and discover new ideas for your next project:

Personal Interests and other Hobbies
Start by thinking about your personal interests and other hobbies. Whether it's a favorite sport, book, movie, or historical era, these themes can provide a rich source of inspiration and make your projects deeply personal.

Browse Online Galleries and Social Media
Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Etsy are great for visual inspiration. Search for laser engraving projects or keywords related to subjects you love. Seeing how others approach their designs can offer new perspectives and ideas. My personal favorite is Amazon. Search for "handmade" or "laser engraved". I get many of my ideas from Amazon for the things I make.

Nature and the Outdoors
The natural world is full of beautiful patterns, shapes, and textures that can be translated into engravings. Consider the intricate lines of a leaf, the rugged contours of mountains, or the delicate form of a butterfly. I've gotten ideas from fallen leaves and even a dead dragonfly as I mentioned earlier.

Art and Cultural History
Look to different art styles and historical periods for inspiration. Art movements like Art Deco, Surrealism, or traditional cultural motifs from around the world can offer a plethora of artistic elements to incorporate into your designs. Use the National Gallery of Art. Remember my video, The Veil of Veronica? That's where the inspiration came from!

Typography and Quotes
If you enjoy literature or poetry, consider engraving your favorite quotes, sayings, or even lyrics from an old song. Playing with different fonts and layouts can turn a simple phrase, saying, or lyrics into a stunning visual piece. That's how I got the idea to make a 45rpm record duplicate from the One Man Electric Band -- "Signs" from wood.

Local Scenes and Architecture
Draw inspiration from your local surroundings—cityscapes, landmarks, or even maps of favorite places can be beautifully captured with laser engraving. While you're looking around, look at the architecture of the buildings! Start with a brick wall!

Each of these approaches can provide a starting point for your next project, and mixing elements from different sources can lead to truly unique and personal designs. Enjoy the process of discovery by writing some of these down or printing this and hanging it next to your laser!

Rich

[Beeyobee]

This is all GREAT stuff! As a guy who has worked with arts educators as part of my day job for the last 34 years, I want to add a few things.

Through the years I have often heard an adult say "I don't have a creative bone in my body." or "I'm just not a creative person." I have one response: BULL BUTTER!! I counter these statements with a few simple questions.
* Have you ever met a small child who didn't sing?
* Have you ever met a small child who didn't draw?
* Have you ever met a small child who didn't dance?

Now, barring children who have suffered severe trauma of some kind or children with learning disabilities, the answer is a universal "No." Each and every one of us is born with a creative spark within us. I would argue that it is one of the key features that separates mankind from other animals. Other creatures may create, but it is almost always for the purpose of impressing a potential mate. Mankind is the only creature that creates for the sole purpose and joy of creating. We are unique among fauna in that regard.

At some point many of us were told that we weren't any good at it or, worse yet, we told ourselves we weren't any good at it. Being good at it isn't the point. The point is in the creating. The great author (and I would say philosopher) Kurt Vonnegut said it best: "Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something."

So go make a laser creation, even a lousy one.

Now to the more practical advice. The following goal has served me well...... I create one thing every day. It doesn't have a to be a big thing or even a good thing. It could be a simple drawing or it could be a new tool holder for the shop. It doesn't matter. Just create one simple thing every day. Creating breeds creativity, just as writing creates good writers, playing baseball produces good baseball players (GO DODGERS!!), and playing music creates good musicians. It's worth noting that Vonnegut didn't say "Being an artist" or "Making art".... he said PRACTICING AN ART. It takes practice. If you make creating one thing every day a goal and then DO IT, you will find that it becomes easier and easier to create.