Creative block, often known as artist block for those in visual arts, is something that many creatives face at some point. It’s that frustrating feeling when inspiration dries up, and your usual flow of ideas just isn’t there. Understanding what a creative block is and how to get past it can help you get back to making meaningful work.
Creative block can take many forms:
- Mental exhaustion: Feeling too tired to come up with new ideas.
- Self-doubt: Questioning your abilities and the quality of your work.
- Fear of failure: Worrying that your work won’t be good enough, which can stop you from starting or finishing projects.
- Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can paralyze you, making it tough to move forward.
- Lack of inspiration: Not feeling inspired or motivated to create.
These blocks can be temporary or drag on for a while, but there are ways to push through them.
Image: Toa Heftiba from Unsplash
5 ways to overcome creative block
- Take a break
Sometimes, stepping away from your work is the best way to overcome a creative block.
After finishing a particularly intense day of painting, I find myself utterly drained. I allow myself to take the time off I need to engage with other activities and friends, until I am ready to continue. The change of pace helps clear my mind, and I return to my studio feeling recharged and inspired.
- Change your environment
A change of scenery can stimulate creativity. Try working in a different location, like a park, a café, or another room in your house. I like to take my sketchpad to a local café and get inspired with the hustle and bustle.
- Establish a routine
Having a structured routine can create a conducive environment for creativity. Dedicate specific times each day to your creative work. Consistency helps your mind get into a creative state more easily.
I found that setting aside the first two hours of my morning exclusively for painting worked wonders. This routine helped me build momentum and made it easier to dive into creative work, knowing that this time was sacred for my art.
- Seek inspiration
Expose yourself to various sources of inspiration. Visit art galleries, listen to music, read books, or watch movies. Engaging with other forms of art can ignite your creativity and provide new ideas for your own work.
When I was struggling with ideas, I spent an afternoon at the local art museum. Seeing the work of other artists, especially those with different styles and techniques, filled me with new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose for my own projects.
- Embrace imperfection
Accept that not every piece of work has to be perfect. Allow yourself to create without the pressure of perfection. This mindset can free you from self-doubt and fear of failure, enabling you to experiment and take risks.
I used to obsess over every detail, which often paralyzed my progress. I started a new project with the mindset that it was just an experiment, and it didn’t have to be perfect. This approach freed me from my own expectations, and ironically, some of my best work came out of these “imperfect” sessions.
Image: Travis Yewell from Unsplash
CONCLUSION
Creative block, or artist block, is a natural part of the creative process, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent obstacle. By taking breaks, changing your environment, establishing routines, seeking inspiration, and embracing imperfection, you can overcome creative block and reignite your creative spark.
Remember, creativity is a journey with its own rhythm of highs and lows. Be patient and kind to yourself, and enjoy the process of rediscovering your creative spark. Every block is just a stepping stone to your next great idea!
Title image: Siora Photography from Unsplash
