Creative blocks happen when an artist -- musicians, writers, etc. -- have difficulty tapping into their creativity. The severity of creative blocks can vary between person to person. These blocks can last up to weeks, months and even years. If you want to learn more about creative blocks, GoodTherapy gives a very in-depth explanation of what it is.
Finding ways to get inspired can be hard so here’s a list of ways to help get started!
Clean your space
Take a look around your studio/room/desk or wherever you do your work. Is it clean? Spotless? If not, take some time to tidy up. Cleaning can give you a sense of accomplishment which can give you the confidence to succeed! It can also help reduce stress as it helps lessen the pressure to create.
Remember, a clear space = a clear mind!
Get inspired
Sounds like a no-brainer, right? But, for example, looking at other people’s work can be inspiring especially if it’s done in a medium completely different from your usual. Maybe it’ll make you think, “If they could do it, then so can I.” You can also find inspiration from reading a book, watching a movie or even being with your friends!
Inspiration can hit you at any moment, don’t forget to write it down or quickly sketch it out.
Take a break
Staring at a blank page/screen/paper can be intimidating. If you catch yourself staring for too long, walk away for a while. Sometimes our brain needs a little recharge from working overtime, so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself! Go for a walk, take a nap, do all the things you’ve neglected to do.
Walking away isn’t a sign of weakness nor does it mean you’re giving up. You just need a little of a recharge and that’s okay.
Change your environment
Working in the same place for a while can become a little stagnant. Being in a new place can help inspire you! Try going on a trip, it doesn’t have to be a far off place nor does it have to break the bank. Sometimes it can be a trip to the park or to a cafe. Look at your surroundings, what do you see? What can you hear? Smell?
Don’t forget to bring a notebook and some other supplies with you! Or maybe even a camera to document your surroundings.
Experiment
Being comfortable with your style is great and even better when you have to create something in a short amount of time. But after a while it can be a little boring, right? Then now’s the perfect time to try something out of your comfort zone! Or practice other skills that could use some work.
Push Through
Starting a new project can be hard. Finding ideas can be hard. But sometimes you just have to write anything, put something down to fill the space. Maybe you’ll draw inspiration from that.
It’s hard to start but the end product will be worth it.
Make mistakes
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Keep going. Learn from those mistakes; grow and build upon them. We constantly fear that what we made may not live up to the standards of others, but we have to remind ourselves that we made this. We created something and that is an achievement on its own. It doesn’t matter if it’s “bad” or it could’ve been made “better”, what does matter is that you started and finished something.
These are not a permanent solution of getting rid of creative blocks. If you believe you have a serious case of a creative block, please talk to a professional.
If we missed something or you have something you’d like to add! Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear it.