Women have played important roles in designing the fashion, furniture, and art we see all around us. These successful creators have much to teach us about originality and following our passions. Here, we have compiled a list of empowering quotes from trailblazing women on creativity, confidence, and innovation to help inspire your own endeavors in all aspects of life.
- Creative Advice
“I think everything we do should have whimsy in it.” – Judith Leiber
Judith Leiber is a huge name in the fashion industry. She is famous for creating whimsical, colorful, and sparkling minaudières, or small handbags, molded in fun shapes and covered in crystals. A Holocaust survivor, Leiber rose to fame by pursuing a passion for whimsy in her beautiful accessories. Her lighthearted yet elegant designs serve as an inspiration to inject personality in everything we create.
- Confident Advice
“You can’t sit around and wait for somebody to say who you are. You need to write it and paint it and do it.” – Faith Ringgold
Faith Ringgold is an American artist who creates paintings, sculptures, performance art, and textile pieces. She is best known for her narrative quilts, which portray political subjects inspired by women’s rights and racial inequality. Her advice is an excellent reminder to be confident in yourself and set out on your own path instead of waiting for direction from others.
- Innovative Advice
“It is as well not to have too great an admiration for your master’s work. You will be in less danger of imitating him.” – Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt was a prominent Impressionist painter who created works with fluid brush strokes and pastel colors. She is known for depicting domestic scenes, with special glimpses into the rich inner lives of women and their children. Her parents discouraged her from pursuing art as a career, but she determinedly followed her passion regardless, studying old masters and relentlessly honing her craft to make an independent living. Her quote, however, reminds us that while it’s great to have inspirations, we must ultimately create our own unique voices in order to stand out.
We can take these words of advice in stride to help fuel all types of creative ambitions. For more inspirational advice from creative women, check out the infographic by 1stDibs below.
Please include attribution to 1stdibs.com with this graphic.
