Working in a creative industry can be exhilarating and exciting. Creating things can give you an incomparable sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. However, creating art can be difficult when creative block hits.
Let’s face it, it’s hard to stay inspired all the time.
Chasing that sense of fulfillment can get frustrating real fast. Getting your creative juices flowing again seems like the most challenging feat you’ve ever faced.
But it might be comforting to know that you’re not alone, everyone experiences creative block. This is a normal thing and you don’t have to feel defeated. Though it is overwhelming, you can overcome it.
The 7 Effective Ways to Overcome Creative Block
1. Step away and take a breather
Give yourself the freedom to step away from what you’re doing and just immerse yourself in something completely different.
For example, if you paint, then try learning a different medium like graphic design. You can even try something entirely different like writing or learning to play a musical instrument.
Exposing yourself to different mediums can help reboot your creativity. It’s also an excellent way to find new things you may be good at.
Another example is if you’ve been working on a project for a while and things aren’t advancing, then try working on a different project until you get inspired again.
Being creative means being open to many possibilities and experiences. You’re not limited to just doing one thing all the time. Level up by experimenting and finding new things that could inspire you.
2. Put some fun elements in your workstation
Sometimes a change in your studio is all it takes to jumpstart your creativity and put you out of that slump. Try to inject your artwork into your space, or install a shelf where you can put all the things that inspire you.
For example, if you create action figures, then you can have them on display to inspire you while you work. You’re a creator, don’t design your studio like a prison.
3. Get ideas down on paper
Brainstorming is always an effective way to sort out ideas in your head. Begin by brainstorming and coming up with new ideas, and then narrow them down based on what piques your interests. Consider if you also have time for that idea.
Find new ways to brainstorm and don’t just stick to your regular routine. This can help get your creative juices flowing again and replenish your vigor.
4. Look at other sources for inspiration
Inspiration can come from many things like books, movies, or even TV shows. You can take a long trip or a short walk. Open your mind to other sources and possibilities.
Be receptive to other things and you’ll eventually find something that will reignite your creativity or help you come up with new concepts.
This might be a good time to revisit your roots too. Take a look at artists that inspired you and study their work again. You can also take the route of looking at new artists and then when you find one that catches your attention, try to study their work.
Learn from them and then inject your learnings into your project or work.
5. Change your work structure
The cause of your creative block might be the routine aspect of the job. Repetitiveness can cause you to have trouble getting started on a new project. You might need to change your process or your work structure.
For instance, if you’re writing a book, decide on how many words you’re going to write per day and set that as your limit.
6. Collaborate with other people
Working with other people, especially talented and creative individuals, can be an excellent way to bring your creativity back to life. We all need help and it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for other people’s assistance.
In this case, what you’re doing is reaching out to other people to gain inspiration, bounce ideas off each other, and come up with something inspiring together.
Collaboration is important in the creative world. It’s necessary because you’re working with people with the same mindset, people who understand you, and people who have different skills and experiences that would contribute to solving your creative problems.
7. Indulge in mini luxuries
Relaxing makes you more creative. Research shows that the brain functions better when it’s relaxed.
Overwork does not equal success. So when you’re faced with a creative block or a creative problem, it might be a sign that you’re stressed out. When you’re in this state, you’re going to have a tough time coming up with creative ideas or focusing on your work.
The best way to go about it is to pamper yourself. Start by eating healthy, doing some exercise, or getting at least 7 hours of sleep each day.
If you want to go the extra mile then book a spa appointment or take a leave off work to spend time with people who make you feel good.
The important thing here is to take care of yourself physically and mentally as creativity comes from a healthy body and mind.
Keep Learning New Things
View a creative block as a signal for you to either take a breather and rest or an opportunity to learn something new, or both.
Doing things over and over again can drain your creative juices and the only way you can replenish them is to learn something new. This can be a new skill, a new idea, a new perspective, or a new way to do things.
When dealing with art, whether it’s writing, painting, making music, or sculpting, worrying or stressing out can lead to creative blocks. The best thing you can do is to let it go. Stop stressing and just relax.
Be patient with yourself. As the old saying goes “art takes time.” So take it slow if you can and give yourself some time to work on your project.
