5 Ways to Set the Perfect Halloween Mood for Your Creative Projects

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Halloween is the perfect time to let your creativity run wild! Whether you’re working on an art project, writing, or brainstorming new ideas, the spooky season offers endless inspiration, no wonder it’s my favorite holiday! But sometimes, getting into the right mood is all you need to kickstart that creative flow. That’s why I’m sharing five fun and easy ways to set the perfect Halloween atmosphere for your projects! From podcasts and playlists to themed breaks and games, you’ll have everything you need to embrace the season and elevate your creativity. Let’s dive into the spooky vibes! 🙂

1. Spooky Podcasts

There’s no better way to set an eerie tone for your creative projects than listening to a spooky podcast. Halloween-themed podcasts are perfect for immersing yourself in ghostly tales, creepy folklore, or thrilling mysteries, creating the right mood without pulling you away from your work. Here are some of my favorites:

• Ologies Spooktober list – Ologies is a weekly science podcast hosted by Alie Ward. Each episode features an interview with an expert from a distinct scientific field. Those with curious hearts will find something here! The topics are niche and interesting; from the Spooktober list, I particularly enjoy the episodes on Phenology (seasons), Desairology (mortuary makeup), Anthropodermic Biocodicology (human leather books), and Corvid Thanatology (crow funerals).
• The Magnus Archives – If you enjoy fiction podcasts akin to the classic Welcome To Night Vale, look no further! The Magnus Archives is a horror fiction series about the contents of The Magnus Institute’s Archive (a London-based foundation dedicated to studying the paranormal). We follow Jonathan Sims, who plans to digitize the archive by recording statements on a tape recorder, which we hear in the podcast. He begins as a skeptic until he starts connecting names and artifacts, and the horrors begin to come after him. As he delves deeper into the archives, something starts to look back at him.
• The NoSleep Podcast – Originating from the subreddit with the same name, The NoSleep Podcast narrates the top original horror stories with rich atmospheric music. Think of it as people telling their own scary stories around the campfire!
• MrBallen Podcast – This podcast covers, as self-acclaimed, “the strange, dark, and mysterious.” It features true stories about supernatural appearances, strange disappearances, mysterious locations, and events. His series “Stranger than Fiction” is one of my favorites, where he discusses strange real-life cases that are indeed stranger than fiction. MrBallen also covers some true crime stories from time to time, so please read my last point on the matter.
• Lore – Speaking of truth being more frightening than fiction, let me introduce you to Lore. This podcast explores dark historical events, mysterious creatures, and unusual places and occurrences that fill the pages of history. If you’re an artist of any kind, episode 256: “Cursed” examines dark, cursed artwork!
• Dark History – If you’re further interested in history, check out Dark History! by the iconic Bailey Sarian. She explores chilling stories from the past worldwide that we were never taught in school! From the dark history of the Kennedys to painful old beauty standards and even the dark history of the lottery, you’ll find something interesting to learn here!
• It’s Always Halloween – If you’re interested in Halloween itself, this is the right podcast for you! It’s Always Halloween, which is a year-round celebration of the holiday, discussing its history, traditions, urban legends, and fun facts about this spooky season.
• A Note on the True Crime Genre: While it is Halloween-appropriate and most would be inclined to explore the morbid curiosity of true crime podcasts or videos, there is a debate about its ethics, especially when tragedies are exploited by true crime creators. This often has a steep cost for the victims’ families when private information is violated. The unethical argument is particularly true for shows that create merchandise inspired by real-life cases, reducing victims’ lives to marketable content. I do not consume true crime content anymore, opting for supernatural and fictional horror stories instead. For this reason, I do not have true crime podcast recommendations. However, if you enjoy the genre, I encourage you to consider where you are listening from and ensure they are sensitive to the victims’ pain rather than thrilled by the murderers’ misdeeds. If the story centers on the victims and their families—rather than exaggerating the story and obsessing over the killer—it can offer a more compassionate narrative of loss.

To integrate these podcasts into your creative routine, try playing them while sketching ideas, brainstorming concepts, or even doing repetitive tasks like inking or coloring. The storytelling will keep you entertained without distracting you from your work, helping you stay in the Halloween spirit while letting your creativity flow. Plus, you might even find inspiration from the stories themselves!

2. Audiobooks for Creepy Inspiration

Audiobooks are a perfect way to dive into chilling Halloween stories while keeping your hands free to work on your creative projects. You can immerse yourself in a spooky world without needing to look away from your work! The combination of eerie narration and haunting tales can boost your Halloween vibes while keeping your creative energy flowing. You can purchase them through Audible.com, Libro.fm, audiobooks.com, or through your local library using libbyapp.com! These are the audiobooks I keep coming back to:

• And then there were None by Agatha Christie – 10 strangers are lured to an isolated mansion, haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one, they begin to die. Who is the killer? Who will survive?

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – A twisty and turny psychological thriller centered around Alicia Berenson, a painter who murders her husband and then becomes mute. The story follows criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia’s silence and the murder, leading to shocking revelations.

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – it’s Nick and Amy Dunne’s 5th wedding anniversary, and all reservations are made when Amy goes missing. As the investigation unfolds, Nick’s odd behavior makes him the prime suspect while Amy’s diary reveals her as manipulative. Under tension from the media and police, the story raises the question: Is Nick truly responsible for his wife’s disappearance or is there something more sinister at play?

• Dracula by Bram Stocker – Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to assist Count Dracula with buying a London home, only to uncover terrifying secrets about the Count. Soon after, strange events occur in England, including a shipwreck, a woman with mysterious bite marks, and an asylum inmate raving about the ‘Master.’ As Dracula’s influence spreads, a group of allies must confront the vampire to stop his reign of terror.

• Frankenstein By Mary Shelley – tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist obsessed with creating life, who assembles a creature from graveyard remains and brings it to life using electricity. Rejected by its creator and denied companionship, the monstrous being seeks revenge, destroying everything Frankenstein loves.

• Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux – tells the story of a mysterious, sinister figure who haunts the Paris Opera House, controlling its management and abducting innocents. When the Phantom becomes obsessed with the beautiful Christine Daaé, his blend of love and terror leads to chaos, as those around him seek to end his reign of fear.

• How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix – Louise reluctantly returns to her childhood home in Charleston after her parent’s death, grappling with grief and the daunting task of sorting through their possessions. Her estranged brother, Mark, whom she resents for his stagnant life, becomes an unwelcome but necessary ally in preparing the family house for sale, which is filled with memories and their mother’s unsettling collection of puppets and dolls. As they navigate their troubled relationship and confront their past, they discover that the house holds secrets of its own, complicating their efforts to move on.

• The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud – London faces a surge of hostile ghosts and spirits that only the young and psychically gifted can see and combat, leading to the rise of numerous Psychic Detection Agencies. Lucy Carlyle joins forces with Anthony Lockwood and their sarcastic colleague George at Lockwood & Co., a small agency operating without adult supervision, as they embark on a dangerous investigation of Combe Carey Hall, notorious for its eerie legends. After a grisly discovery during their assignment, the trio must confront the hall’s haunted Screaming Staircase and Red Room to survive the chilling encounters ahead.

Witchy books are my personal favorite so of course I made an extra category for them!

• Slewfoot by Brom – set in 1666 Connecticut, an ancient spirit awakens in the dark woods. Known as Father and Protector by the wildfolk, and demon or devil by the colonists, this entity is called Slewfoot. For Abitha, a newly widowed outcast in a deeply religious village, Slewfoot becomes her only ally. Together, they spark a violent clash between paganism and Puritanism, threatening to destroy the village in a storm of blood and ashes. “If it’s a devil you seek, then a devil you shall have!”

• Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson – Immanuelle Moore lives in the puritanical society of Bethel, where her very existence is considered blasphemous due to her mother’s union with an outsider. After a mishap leads her into the forbidden Darkwood, she encounters the spirits of witches killed by the first prophet and discovers her late mother’s journal, revealing hidden truths. As Immanuelle uncovers the dark secrets of the Church, she realizes that the true threat to Bethel comes from within and that she may hold the key to its transformation.

• A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness – Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.

• The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling – Vivienne Jones, a young witch, casts a seemingly harmless curse on her ex-boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow, after their breakup. Nine years later, when Rhys returns to their hometown of Graves Glen, Georgia, he faces a series of bizarre and disastrous events, leading Vivi to realize that her curse may have had unintended consequences. As they grapple with their lingering chemistry, Vivi and Rhys must join forces to save the town from the chaos caused by her magic and find a way to break the curse before it’s too late.

• The House Witch by Delemhach – follows Finlay Ashowan, a mysterious royal cook with domestic magical powers, as he joins the household of the King and Queen of Daxaria. While initially content to keep his secret hidden, Fin’s true identity as a house witch is soon revealed, leading him into a whirlwind of court intrigues, protecting the pregnant queen, and navigating the political tensions of the royal court. As he faces challenges from knights, spies, and his own complicated love life, Fin must confront his past while juggling magical mishaps and delicious culinary creations.

• In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace – Brynn Warren, a young witch who must solve a mystery when a demanding guest, Constance Graves, dies at the bed and breakfast she runs with her aunts. Initially deemed an accident, the investigation reveals darker motives and Brynn’s aunt Nora becomes the prime suspect. To clear her aunt’s name, Brynn must confront her own grief and rekindle her powers as a witch of the dead, relying on her magical abilities and investigative skills to uncover the truth and perhaps reconnect with her past.

Not only do audiobooks set the right atmosphere, but they can also provide a wealth of inspiration for your own Halloween-themed projects. The vivid descriptions, eerie settings, and chilling plot twists might spark ideas for your next piece, whether it’s a spooky illustration, a piece of eerie décor, or even a short story of your own. Let the tales of haunted houses and dark creatures ignite your imagination as you create!

3. Halloween Music Playlists

Music has an incredible ability to set the tone and spark creativity, and during Halloween, the right playlist can completely transform your work environment. A well-curated Halloween playlist can help you dive deeper into your creative projects with ease! Down below you can find playlists I keep on repeat during this season:

Chilling Lo-Fi

Mysterious Dark Academia

Dark and Atmospheric

Magical & Whimsical

Halloween Music from Popular Media

I’m unable to embed the music due to copyright restrictions, so I can’t display it on the website, but I’ll leave you the links!

• Hallows Playlist

• Vintage Halloween

• Top Halloween Songs

Whether you’re working on a Halloween-themed project or just want to get in the mood for the season, having the right music in the background can be a game-changer. Let the spooky sounds fuel your creativity and make your workspace come alive with Halloween magic!

4. Themed Breaks

Taking regular breaks during long creative sessions is essential for staying focused and avoiding burnout. But instead of ordinary breaks, why not make them Halloween-themed to keep the spooky mood alive? These mini-breaks will help you recharge and stay energized while maintaining the festive spirit throughout your workday.

• Spooky Playlist Dance: Put on a fun Halloween playlist and dance around for 10 minutes.

• Witch’s Brew – Make a spooky drink during your break. Think of something fun like a green matcha latte, herbal tea, or infused water with spooky names like “Witch’s Elixir” or “Zombie Punch” to keep you hydrated and energized.

→ Further reading: Quick Guide to Natural Energy Drinks That Won’t Crash You (+ recipes)

• Pumpkin Carving Planning – If you’re into carving pumpkins, take a break to brainstorm or sketch out some pumpkin designs. You can even watch a quick tutorial or get inspired by a Halloween Pinterest board.

• Halloween Snack Attack – Prepare a fun Halloween snack during your break, like apple slices with peanut butter spiderwebs or pumpkin-shaped sandwiches. Enjoy the spooky treats to give yourself a little energy boost. (Check back soon, I’m working on a Halloween snack blog post!)

• Decorate Your Workspace – Spend your break adding some Halloween decorations to your workspace! Whether it’s hanging up little paper bats, putting out a pumpkin, or lighting a seasonal candle, it’ll give your space a cozy Halloween vibe.

→ Further reading: 8 Inspiring Tips to Create a Healthier, Balanced Autumn Routine (Decoration & Lighting tips!)

• Halloween Journal Prompts – Spend 5-10 minutes jotting down some thoughts with Halloween-themed prompts. I made some you can use!

• Fall Inspiration Board – Take 10 minutes to create an autumn-themed Pinterest board, pinning images of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, fall foliage, and anything else that makes you feel connected to the season. It’s a fun way to reset and find inspiration.

• Candle Meditation – Light a fall-scented candle (think cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin) and spend a few minutes sitting quietly with the glow. Focus on the flickering flame and the scent, giving yourself a moment of peace in the middle of your day.

These quick, Halloween-themed breaks will not only help you stay energized but also allow you to fully embrace the spooky season. They’re the perfect way to keep your creativity flowing while adding a touch of fun and festivity to your day!

5. Halloween-Themed Games

Playing Halloween-themed games during your downtime is a great way to stay in the spooky spirit while having fun. Whether you’re into multiplayer horror games or casual spooky mobile games, they can provide the perfect mix of entertainment and inspiration between creative sessions. Some of my all-time favorites include:

• Cult of the Lamb – Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland Followers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.

• Strange horticulture – Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.

• Oxenfree – Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller about a group of friends who unwittingly open a ghostly rift. You are Alex, and you’ve just brought your new stepbrother Jonas to an overnight island party gone horribly wrong.

• Little Nightmares – Take on the role of Six, a lone child lost in a massive metal vessel known as the Maw, surrounded by dangerous, distorted versions of adults. You’ll need to do your best to escape in one piece or your fate will be worse than you ever dared dream.

• Lost in Random – Play the odds in Lost in Random™, a gothic-fairy-tale-inspired action-adventure where every citizen’s fate is determined by a roll of the dice.

• Little Witch in the Woods – Little Witch in the Woods tells the story of Ellie, an apprentice witch. Explore the mystical forest, help the charming residents, and experience the daily life of the witch.

• Mika and The Witch’s Mountain – Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a fantasy adventure about an aspiring witch who delivers packages to the townspeople of a small island. Explore every cranny and soar through the sky with your magic broom.

Playing these games can also inspire new ideas for your creative projects. From character designs and eerie environments to plot twists and spooky themes, the world of horror (and cozy witches!) gaming offers endless inspiration for your next art piece, story, or project. Let these games keep you in the Halloween zone while fueling your creativity 🙂

Conclusion

Incorporating spooky podcasts, chilling audiobooks, Halloween music playlists, themed breaks, and engaging games into your creative routine can significantly enhance your Halloween vibe and keep your creativity flowing. These elements not only create an immersive atmosphere but also provide inspiration and energy to help you tackle your projects with enthusiasm.

I encourage you to experiment with these ideas and find out which ones resonate best with your own creative process. Whether it’s listening to a ghost story while sketching or taking a themed break with a Halloween treat, the key is to enjoy the season and let it inspire your work.

I’d love to hear how you get into the Halloween mood!! Share your favorite ways to embrace the spooky season in the comments below. Let’s celebrate this magical time of year together and inspire each other to create something truly haunting!

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Feeling Inspired? Here’s Some Extra Fun Stuff!

• Surviving Inktober: Managing Mental Health During Art Challenges
• How to Create a Simple Sleep Routine for Odd Work Schedules
• Guilt-Free Gaming: How To Enjoy Games Without Regret

Don’t Forget to Pin This for Later!

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