In this current digital world where apps and AI are ubiquitous, the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned designer, or someone simply looking to express their creativity, the right app can help. In this post, we explore a list of inspiring apps across budgets to help you find the perfect tool to unleash your creative potential.
As humans, we’re inherently creative beings. Whether it’s painting, writing, music, cooking, or solving problems, there is something that sparks creativity in all of us. However, it’s easy to get into the daily routine of life and lose touch with your creative side. Or worse, fall into the trap of thinking you’re not creative if you can’t draw or paint.
This is where apps come in handy. There are a variety of apps that can help you stimulate your creativity and get those creative juices flowing, no matter what your interests may be. I haven’t tried all of the apps below, but I have tried many of them. I’m currently on an Apple (iOS,) but in the past, I used to have a Samsung and a Google phone (both Android.)
Art and Painting:
Adobe Spark Post (Free – iOS & Android): Unlock your artistic vision with Adobe Spark Post, a versatile app that allows you to create stunning graphics, web pages, and video stories with ease. Perfect for both beginners and experienced creators, its user-friendly interface empowers you to bring your imaginative ideas to life effortlessly.
Paper by WeTransfer (Free – iOS): For those who appreciate the simplicity of sketching, Paper by WeTransfer is a powerful yet straightforward app. This artistic companion provides a canvas for unleashing your creative side, offering an intuitive interface that encourages free-flowing ideas and visual expression.
Autodesk SketchBook (Free – iOS & Android): Elevate your drawing skills with Autodesk SketchBook, a professional-grade app designed for sketching and illustration. Its extensive set of tools caters to both beginners and advanced artists, providing a platform where creativity knows no bounds.
Canva (Free – iOS & Android): Design beautiful graphics, presentations, posters, and documents effortlessly with Canva. This app is an excellent choice for those who seek professional-looking designs without the complexity of traditional design tools. Create visually stunning content and let your ideas shine.
Procreate Pocket ($ – iOS): For art enthusiasts on the go, Procreate Pocket is a feature-rich painting app that brings digital art creation to your fingertips. With advanced features at an affordable price, Procreate Pocket is a favorite among artists seeking a portable and powerful creative tool.
ArtFlow: Paint Draw Sketchbook ($ – Android): ArtFlow is a robust drawing app tailored for Android users. With a wide range of tools and features, it provides a versatile and affordable platform for artists to express their creativity. Unleash your imagination on the digital canvas with ArtFlow.
Concepts ($ – iOS & Android): Concepts is more than just a sketching app; it’s a design tool with a flexible infinite canvas. Whether you’re sketching, designing, or brainstorming, Concepts provides a scalable platform for your evolving creative projects.
Affinity Designer ($$ – iOS): For intricate vector graphic design on your iPad, Affinity Designer is a professional-grade app. It serves as a powerful alternative to desktop applications, offering detailed design capabilities in a portable format.
Infinite Painter (Free – iOS & Android): Discover a world of artistic possibilities with Infinite Painter, a versatile painting app known for its realistic brushes and extensive customization options. Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting, Infinite Painter provides a canvas for your creative expression.
Photography and Editing:
Snapseed (Free – iOS & Android): Enhance your photography skills with Snapseed, a powerful photo editing app that offers a wide range of tools and filters. From basic adjustments to advanced editing, Snapseed provides a comprehensive suite for perfecting your photos.
VSCO (Free – iOS & Android): Known for its elegant filters and advanced photo editing capabilities, VSCO is a favorite among photography enthusiasts. Elevate your images with VSCO’s sophisticated filters and editing tools. This starts as free, but there is more available under the Pro version.
Prisma ($ – iOS & Android): Transform your photos into unique artwork with Prisma. This app goes beyond traditional filters, applying artistic styles to your images and turning them into captivating visual pieces. I’m currently having fun with this one.
iColorama ($$ – iOS): Enhance and transform your photos into unique artwork with iColorama. This creative tool offers a plethora of filters and effects, allowing users to experiment and create visually stunning compositions.
Waterlogue ($ – iOS): Turn your photos into beautiful watercolor paintings with Waterlogue, a unique app that adds a distinctive artistic touch. Perfect for photography enthusiasts, Waterlogue transforms ordinary photos into visually stunning and expressive artworks.
Writing and Storytelling:
Scrivener ($$ – iOS & Windows): Authors, screenwriters, and researchers can benefit from Scrivener, a comprehensive writing app that provides a versatile workspace. With tools for planning, writing, and organizing, Scrivener is a go-to app for creative storytellers.
Ulysses ($$ – iOS & Mac): Ulysses is a minimalist writing app designed for distraction-free writing. Whether you’re crafting a novel or jotting down ideas, Ulysses provides a clean and focused environment for your creative writing endeavors.
Storytelling: Plotagon (Free – iOS & Android): Bring your stories to life with Plotagon, an app that lets you create animated stories by simply typing the script. Engage your audience with animated characters and dynamic storytelling.
Music and Sound:
GarageBand (Free – iOS): Unleash your musical creativity with GarageBand, a music creation studio on your iOS device. With a variety of instruments and recording features, GarageBand is a powerful tool for aspiring musicians and seasoned artists alike. I used GarageBand to create yoga sequences when I did the Ease into 2021 Challenge.
Figure (Free – iOS): Create beats and melodies with Figure, an intuitive app that simplifies music creation. With a simple and intuitive interface, Figure is perfect for on-the-go music production.
n-Track Studio ($$ – iOS & Android): Transform your device into a full-fledged recording studio with n-Track Studio. Ideal for music and audio production, this app provides a comprehensive set of tools for musicians and audio enthusiasts.
Productivity and Organization:
Notion (Free – iOS & Android): Boost your productivity with Notion, an all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, wikis, and databases. Organize your creative projects and ideas in a collaborative and structured environment. I’m starting to use this and like it.
Trello (Free – iOS & Android): Visualize your creative projects with Trello, a project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards. Whether you’re working solo or with a team, Trello keeps your creative endeavors organized and on track.
Forest (Free – iOS & Android): Stay focused and boost productivity with Forest, an app that gamifies the art of staying off your device. Grow a virtual tree while you work, and watch your productivity flourish.
Augmented Reality (AR) Apps:
JigSpace (Free – iOS): Explore complex concepts in 3D through augmented reality with JigSpace. This app enhances your learning experience by providing interactive and immersive content.
IKEA Place (Free – iOS & Android): Visualize furniture and decor in your space using augmented reality with IKEA Place. Before making a purchase, see how items fit and complement your surroundings.
Mindfulness and Relaxation:
Calm (Free with Premium Features – iOS & Android): Find tranquility with Calm, an app that offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation exercises. Whether you’re seeking stress relief or a peaceful night’s sleep, Calm provides a sanctuary.
Insight Timer (Free with In-App Purchases – iOS & Android): Embrace mindfulness with Insight Timer, a meditation app that offers a vast library of guided sessions from leading meditation teachers. Explore various meditation styles, track your progress, and find moments of peace in your day. I love this app. My husband and I used guided meditations from this app each day.
Monument Valley ($$ – iOS & Android): Immerse yourself in a visually stunning puzzle game with Monument Valley. This app not only entertains but also encourages creative problem-solving in a captivating environment. While not explicitly a mindfulness app, its serene landscapes, and thought-provoking puzzles create a meditative experience. So far, I like it.
I hope you have fun and try some of these apps to increase your creativity and motivation.
