“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
Even with all the courage in the world, every creative will eventually run into a creative block, so we asked some of our favorite creatives to share how they overcome creative blocks.
Laura Uber
Oof, creative and writer’s block is never fun. While it’s not always possible, I try to build additional time into project schedules in case I hit blocks. This is especially useful for creatively-demanding projects like logo creation, which involves creating something new from nothing. Building in that extra time offers me the flexibility to step away from a project until I feel more engaged and inspired to return to it. Sometimes creativity strikes in the middle of the night or while I’m completing a random house chore that has nothing to do with a project. Sometimes getting away from the pressure of creating is exactly what’s needed to generate the right ideas and concepts. Read more>>
Ash Guzman
Creative blocks look different for everyone and we all have our own unique approach to overcoming them. When I was younger it was easy to let myself feel defeated by a creative block and try to force my way through it. Now I take it as a sign to take a break and put my mind towards other things. I know that if I give my mind a break and redirect my focus, creativity will find its way back. It doesn’t let me know when it’s coming back. Sometimes it’s the next day, sometimes a week, maybe even months. Read more>>
Jimmy Teflon
Whenever i run into a block of any kind I always take a step back from that creative process, I can’t force myself to make a song or a beat, because at that point ill just be selling myself short of what I’m truly capable of. The best songs I’ve ever written where during moments of inspiration and being in a flow state. If I’m not in either of those things I just wont write good music. So it’s important for me to take a step back from that activity to do something else, and be patient. I’ll wait for the inspiration to come back to me (as it always does) then ill take advantage and create something I like. Read more>>
A. Erin Walker
It depends on what is causing a block for me. When I notice my creativity isn’t flowing, I like to perform internal and external check-ins. Is my current environment not conducive to my creative process? Are there energies around me making it difficult to tune into my creative flow? Is there something within me that needs to be addressed and is causing me to feel disconnected from myself, and therefore my art? If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, I make changes in the appropriate area to resolve the disconnect as best I can. Read more>>
Cody Smith
Personally, I find that my creativity may come in waves. There will be periods of time where some new idea pops into my head seemingly every day, and I do my best to capitalize on those moments. At the very least, record a quick voice note with the idea. But then, it’s usually followed by months of the complete opposite. It’s always scary, you worry that you’ll never have a good idea again. Read more>>
Lucy Harper
I don’t believe in creativity ‘blocks’. Procrastination, on the other hand, is a skulking, cruel mistress. She is ever present in my life. Let me explain. I don’t believe in writers block in the same way that I don’t believe in the monsters under my bed anymore. (Although I DO believe in Monsters Inc.) Vivid memories of gangly limbs, heavy breathing and balls of spikes used to be my bedtime routine. Being too afraid to get out of bed to turn the lamp on is still an obstacle I need to overcome now and then, but this fear of the darkness is exactly what stopped me from allowing reality to flood in. In order to do that, I had to do the unthinkable. Read more>>
Hadley DLZMKSBTS Evans
I don’t at all. I don’t think about it at all. If the energy isn’t flowing or the universal signals arent perticularly clear? I’ll just go do some other thing. Go outside, watch ‘law&order’ or a documentary on some historic person. Do a backflip…anything that takes my attention away from boxing myself in a non creative corner of sadness and frustratiion. Read more>>
Oryan Simon
I find it somewhat easy for people who are typically over thinkers like myself to always end up stuck in either a writers/creative block I would say I overcome obstacles like such by searching for whatever can bring me inspiration wheather it be listening to music by some of my favorite artist or just spending time with or just in general being around the people who I would say bring the best out of me everytime. something my bro (HartbreakTone) said that has stuck with me a lot he said and I quote “never force the art allow it to come naturally”. Read more>>
Drew Freels
Creative Block is something I feel like I struggle with often, and it comes in bouts that are sometimes so inconvenient. During those periods I do a lot of research on design blogs, scroll through pictures, gather inspiration from other artists I appreciate. A lot of the time those periods offer a lot of insight because it forces me to look inside of myself. I take a lot of inspiration from personal events, emotions, etc. so it can be an important learning experience. Assessing my thoughts and feelings on certain occurrences in my life and using them as fuel for creativity. I think it’s really important to open your mind as much as you can during periods of creative block, and allow the inspiration to come. Read more>>
Jaime Preston
Currently, I am experiencing burnout while answering this question. In December, I made a promise to myself that I would take a break after my last show because I am exhausted. And that is exactly what I am doing now. As an artist, I have no interest in creating or fulfilling orders at the moment. It’s ironic because I feel like I am at a low point, spending my days sleeping and snacking. It feels like I am doing something wrong. However, I stay connected with other artists who advise me to rest, sleep, and return to work when I am ready. Despite their advice, I still have this nagging feeling that I should be doing something productive. I have made some changes to my creative space, including organizing and painting it. Read more>>
David Boito
I think the best way to overcome writers block is to allow oneself the freedom to write without an internal censor or any kind of self-judgement. If one can simply write a draft without listening to that little voice in one’s head you can stay ahead of the game. Some writers call it a “vomit draft” or simply a “rough draft,” these are terms meant to signify that one is doing a draft without any fear of what one is putting on the page. It means one will go back and shape the clay later on, one is currently just putting down something to “find” the story. Read more>>
Lex Hockey
Overcoming creative blocks has always been a struggle for me. In the past, if a creative block came up I would just stop creating and give up till my creativity resurfaced again. However, over this past year, I have not wanted to accept that fate. What I have found is that there are a few different things that will help me break through my blocks. Read more>>
Janina Souders
When I find myself in a creative block, the first thing I try to do is take a step back and clear my mind. Taking some time away to focus on something else, whether it is another project, something I am doing with my family, or some sort of self care, often helps me to get a new perspective on what is blocking my creativity. Some other things I try to do when I feel myself at a loss for words or ideas, is to get out and move. Taking walks outside in nature helps me to decompress so that I can come back to whatever I am working on with clarity. Read more>>
Brian Aldrich
Creative Block is a feedback loop that spirals up from the second chakra and tracks down into purgatorial madness. Is this hyperbole? Not if you’ve really thought about it. I mean really thought… Too much… About it… Stephen King, one of the prolific writers in modern history, has spoken about artists’ need for consistency. “I have a routine because I think that writing is self-hypnosis.” But what does it say when days, weeks, months, God forbid years of routine net the same punishing stasis? Read more>>
Jona Inman
I try to keep practices that help my creative flow. Ever since I did The Artist’s Way almost ten years ago, I continue to write stream-of-conscious morning pages most days. I also try to keep a regular practice of yoga. These relieve a lot of tension (physically, emotionally, mentally), which eases my creative flow and helps me overcome the editor and doubting critical voice in my head. Then, I can just step forward and give different things a try, whether that’s putting words on a page or trying a different impulse or thought when performing. Read more>>
Shanice Alexander
I have gotten done with writer’s block by writing. I don’t think it’s any harder for me. I usually write still and find inspiration or write until it’s done. It’s easier to decide what I’m going to write or not going to. Read more>>
Sonya Giddings
I overcome writers block allowing GOD to deposit what he wants me to say and focus. When I receive these something from GOD, I immediately write them down or text them to myself. I have experienced when I don’t allow time for the writing process to take place with JESUS in the lead. I right words will not be present. Read more>>
Nia Teilor
Last year it felt like I didn’t write a single thing. Writer’s block is REAL! Thankfully blockages can be removed, and learning how to remove those blockages are a part of the creative process. I’ve learned that I need a clear, quiet mind- body-soul to write. When I write, I am in FLOW and cannot be in FLOW if I’m worried about what people think of me, my family, or even the state of the world! Read more>>
Stephanie Mulvihill
Now that I have been working at my art making practice for more than 40 years, I have noticed that my artmaking practice goes through cycles. Life happens. Our time and attention gets pulled in many directions, especially for artists who are caregivers, (i see you all the artist mothers bringing your kids to the studio). However, I know now that if there is a period where I maybe can only muster the time and energy to work in a sketchbook, or make some small work, it is only temporary. Read more>>
Luke Paluch
I use to fight try and fight it. I always lost. In the last 2 years or so I also changed my opinion of that “writers block” means to me. Sure if I have all the music done and can’t come up with lyrics, that is a block, but its a block on THAT specific song. That doesn’t mean I can’t pick up the guitar and write something new just for fun. So as I maybe stuck on that original song, I am not actually stuck on creating. Now I just leave those road blocked songs and go back to them later. I don’t force it anymore. Read more>>
TaylorVon
When I start to feel like I’m hitting a creative wall, it’s usually because my mind is overwhelmed with things that may or may not be in my control. My creativity usually unlocks itself when I have the mental space for it to do so. Clarity plays a major role in creating that space so when I hit a writers block, I know that there are things in real time that need my attention. It’s my personal reality check. Once I’ve addressed the issues that may consume me at the time, and have peace with the resolve, the sounds, or triggers that usually get my creative juices flowing get active! Meditation, prayer and journaling are also aids to overcoming a block as well. Read more>>
Jason Reeves
I have to force myself to deliberately step away from the writing/drawing table. I make myself get outside, maybe see a movie, or cook for the family. Turns out cooking is kinda cathartic for me when I give it the time it deserves. Nowadays, I actively strive to take at least a full day off, steering clear of anything related to creating comics. This intentional break is great to help recharge my creative batteries. Read more>>
Nicole, Singer-Songwriter of Frances8 Laby
As the singer-songwriter for my Indie-Americana band, Frances8, I feel extremely fortunate that I rarely encounter writer’s block. Historically, I haven’t sat down with an intention to write a new song. The songs tend to write themselves and formulate in my head first. Then, the guitar becomes a vehicle for mapping out the lyrical and melodic composition. However, during those rare times when I’m afflicted by a creative block, I find inspiration from listening to a favorite artist’s album. Read more>>
Ashley Irizarry
Creativity is a loaded term; people think of it as something you either have or don’t have, as if it’s a magical gift, or an inherent quality some people are born with and others aren’t. What I’m trying to say is that creativity is not a thing you have or don’t have, it’s not something you can “lose” or acquire. Our society still talks about creativity as if it really is a group of ancient Greek goddesses that grant divine inspiration to the truly worthy (or lucky). Read more>>
