Beating the 3 Types of Creative Blocks
Artists are no strangers to creativity block, aka the big hindrance to bright ideas needed to hone your craft. When the creative fuel dries up and inspiration disappears, it's difficult to bring yourself to create - which happens to the best of artists and business people.
Whether it's designing the layout of a first-time homebuyer app or writing a new story, it's natural to come out blank. But you don't have to stay in the creativity block. To beat it, you need a strategy specific to the type of block you're experiencing.
So here are the five reasons behind creativity block, why they happen and how you can beat them.
You're Thinking Too Much
When you're overthinking everything, your brain is getting in the way of your creativity. You want to draw a bird perched on the window sill, but doesn't that seem boring? So you decide to draw a dog but realize that you've already done that before. As a result, your inner critic goes into hyperdrive, finding fault in all of your ideas instead of helping you create fresh ones.
How to Fix It
Read a book. Re-read old-time favorites read a new one or go to the bookstore to flip through some books. Books are always full of ideas, which you can use to create fresh ideas or get your brain moving again.
Go somewhere new. Take a quick trip to the local art museum, stroll through a park or just have coffee in your nearby café. Getting out of the house and being in a new environment can refresh your mind, which brings new thoughts into the head instead of running through your same-old inner monologue.
Take notes. If you're having a hard time coming up with ideas, take notes during the day of things you find interesting. You don't have to work yet, just keep notes of your ideas. When you're ready to create, you'll have a list to refer to.
Watch an inspiring movie. Films are also celebrations of creativity. Refresh your mind by watching visually stimulating movies like "Spirited Away" or documentaries. Mind-bending movies are fair game, too.
Your Creative Routine No Longer Works
In this case, your daily routine stops you from churning fresh ideas. Your creative schedule no longer works. You don't have the energy to draw, write or create. For some people, they don't have the time to create anything. You get distracted by other tasks. As a result, you come up with nothing.
Some people prefer to be alone and focused when they create. But this can be difficult to achieve if you have family members, friends or colleagues constantly demanding your attention.
Address this creative block by revamping your creative expectations and schedule.
How to Fix It
Set up a schedule and stick with it. Once you find your most creative time, make it a part of your schedule and stick with it. A schedule encourages you to be creative regularly.
Create a habit. If you are unable to stick to a schedule, make your creative hobby a habit. Keep creating at a set time. Your body will remind you it's time to get creative.
Eat well and get enough sleep. If you feel too exhausted or too groggy to unleash your creativity, up to your energy levels by getting enough sleep and eating well.
You're Feeling Too Much
This creative block involves your feelings getting in the way of your creativity. Fear is most likely your worst enemy in this situation. You're afraid you won't be able to create something new. You're fearful of what people will think about your craft. As a result, you procrastinate and make excuses, which results in you not creating anything.
How to Fix It
Remind yourself of what you enjoy. Have you been forcing yourself to create that you forget to enjoy it? Go back to doing something that you love. Is there an art form you loved to do before? Do that again.
Remember the reason you create. Why you make art is the best motivator in the world. Why did you start creating in the first place? Go back there and soak it in.
Do a repetitive, non-creative task. Give yourself a break from doing repetitive tasks by doing something not creative. Do you enjoy running, gardening or cooking? Let your mind wander while doing these tasks so your feelings can calm down.
Creative blocks are normal so don't be too hard on yourself. You're not less of an artist if you have a creative block. Plus these blocks are not forever. You can still get out of them and when you do, you'll be a better artist than before.