One of the most common questions I’m asked is “How do you manage to stay creative all the time?”
Ohh, this question. The true answer is simply that I don’t. I’m not creative all the time. Today, for example, I’m taking a mental health day. Unless the lightning of creativity strikes, I won’t paint a single thing today. I definitely struggle with creative blocks.
And honestly, I’d bet that this is a challenge for every creative professional. So, I’ve put together a list of ideas for breaking out of creative blocks. Okay — here ya go!
- Get Out and Explore
One of the best ways to find inspiration is by exploring the world around you. Go on long walks, travel to new places, visit museums or art galleries, and take a break from your usual routine. Sometimes, all it takes is to find inspiration in the tiniest of everyday things like the way the light falls on a building or the pattern of the leaves on a tree. - Collaborate with Other Artists
Collaborating with other artists can help spark new ideas and motivate you to create. Collaborations also help push you out of your comfort zone and offer a fresh perspective. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other artists and see if they’re interested in working on something together, or even just chatting over a cup of coffee. - Revisit Old Projects
This is one of my favorite ones and for me, at least, it’s almost foolproof. I know it sounds strange, but sometimes, the best way to stay creative is to look to your past. Revisit old projects and give them a new spin. Gather up the unfinished or outdated work that you have sitting around and add a new twist to them. Play and have fun! You’ll be surprised what you can come up with when you revisit an old idea with a fresh outlook. - Embrace Mistakes
Artistic expression is all about taking risks and embracing your own mistakes. Instead of getting hung up on perfecting every detail, let go of your fears and experiment. Try using different mediums, explore new techniques, or revisit old concepts with a new twist. Being open-minded and willing to express great vulnerability will help you break out of your creative bubble. - Take a Break
Lastly, if you’re feeling burned out or stuck in a creative rut, take a break. Give yourself permission to take a break from your art and focus on other things. As I’m doing today, take a mental health day! Exercise, read a book, hang out with friends or family, and simply relax. When you come back to your art, you’ll have refreshed energy and a fresh perspective.
And because I’m an artist, I’ll leave you with the information about the painting in the above image! It’s called “Asthenosphere 11” and is 36×36 inches in a color palette of white, pearl-white, teal, gray, and blue. You can learn more about it HERE.
Thanks for checking out my work! 🙂