“The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.” – John Maynard Keynes
Sometimes, getting out of a creative block requires escaping from the gravitational pull of old ideas, other times it might require diving into them to get re-inspired. Below, we’ve shared a variety of perspectives, insights and advice on how to overcome creative blocks.
Ellis Elliott
As a ballet teacher and writer, creativity blocks are so familiar they could take a seat beside me. In dance, it comes when I realize I’ve used the exact same 16 counts in 3 different dances I’m choreographing, and in writing it comes when I do so much procrastinating on a writing project I forget what I’m working on in the first place. Read more>>
Chance Strickland
We like to do a lot of creative sessions that have nothing to do with making music where we focus on cool sound design and make large audio files of cool-sounding soundscapes we can throw into sessions later on to spark creativity. The sound design sessions are fun becasue there’s no pressure to make anything in particular, just mess around, mangle audio files, throw tons of effects plugins on things, and mess with the parameters in real-time. Read more>>
Joy Fire
Over the years I have noticed that I have periods of more or less creativity. There have been times when I have tons of great design ideas for different projects, and occasions where nothing seems to come to mind when I want it. In the past these down times have caused me anxiety. But what I have learned to do is just let myself be. Read more>>
Chloe Clemente
Hey Everyone! My name is Chloe Clemente, I am a Dallas based solo artist and I’m so excited to share my tips for avoiding creative blocks, my story, and where to invest your energy as far as your strengths and weaknesses go. Read more>>
Formerly “CAM”
I overcame writers block by discovering there was no such thing. There was a grueling period of time where my entire identity and purpose as an artist was to ensure my fanbase felt a sense of inclusivity and relatability. The harder I tried to people please, and bend my own philosophies to curate a comfortable environment for listeners, I encountered my first experiences lacking inspiration or motivation to create authentic expression. Read more>>
Sidney Tookes
Have you ever heard the saying do it scared? That’s something I try to live by. I consider myself a self taught artist. I model, dance, and act with only a bit of training under my belt, which is something I am still working on because I believe we never stop becoming students even when it’s in your craft. There’s always a push and pull when it comes to creating for yourself vs creating for others. Read more>>
Erica Sullivan
Over the years, I’ve experimented with an abundance of writing methods from some of history’s most creative minds in search of what may deter my own writer’s block. I’ve tried writing 2,000 words a day, staining my teeth purple, rising at dawn, walking for hours, and have now reached a place where my version method of creativity has emerged as a conglomeration of the bits and pieces that stuck to me along the way. I’ve found two tools most fruitful in fighting my way out of a rut, routine and curiosity. Read more>>
Ashton Schrader
I feel like creativity blocks come and go. With photography, there’s an abundance of creative freedom. The industry is always changing and coming up with new ideas and ways to showcase photography. For me, I always take some time away from the camera, away from advertising myself and just take a breather. Read more>>
Natalie Leah
Art block is definitely something I still genuinely struggle with from time to time. However, when I find myself getting frustrated with a composition or not being able to focus, I take a step back, and go experience the world around me. Read more>>
Jasmen Rogers
It may seem like an odd answer, but I keep creating. Whether it feels ugly or garbled or nonsensical, I open my book/blog/Canva/iPad/whatever it may be and let SOMETHING happen. When even that fails me, I give my brain a break with my favorite movies (Emperor’s New Groove, Goofy Movie, First Wives Club), tv shows (Schitt’s Creek, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), or music (my playlists are a vibe!). Read more>>
Shelby Valentine
Overcoming period of creative “blocks” or perceived creative blocks has been a huge part of my process. I consider myself to be a creative, artist, and ritual artist (we all are creatives in my opinion). I have found that accepting that as Truth has been a huge part in upgrading my identity and Self structure to even be able to validate and work WITH my resistance and creative blocks an artist. Read more>>
Bizzy Burk
I try not to rush it or hyper focus on the writing. I listen to music, or simply just a beat or 2 and let it play and let the words come to me. I don’t force it. Or even just take a break and clear my head. Read more>>
Xiayang Li
I’m one of those people who don’t believe in writer’s block as a “clogged” situation for one’s creativity. I believe that certain circumstances in life would burden the writers, refraining them from exercising their creativity freely. That I have experienced. And my solution will sound even simpler – I read a good script and get my battery recharged. Read more>>
Kaisha
Writer’s block can be extremely challenging to get out of once it’s set in. I learned to overcome writer’s block by taking breaks when writing, changing my environment, and writing whatever came to mind rather than trying to focus on a specific topic. Read more>>
Thomas Mendolia
I know myself. I know when I’m “feeling it” and when I’m not. When I get an idea, I have to get it down on paper as soon as possible, because I know if I don’t, it’ll drift away. In those moments of fog, I’ve tried forcing something down onto paper and it just doesn’t work. Read more>>
Chey
I’ve overcome creativity blocks by taking the necessary break from what’s causing the block . For example if I can’t think of any ideas for content I’ll take a hiatus from specific social media platforms or work on something totally different like planning my cocktail class or doing more research on an upcoming event. Read more>>
Brooke Hunter
I believe overcoming artist’s block isn’t possible, as creativity has its seasons—sometimes ideas flow effortlessly, while other times we feel stuck. The key lies in our attitude towards the situation. Taking a break and letting ideas marinate can be beneficial. Read more>>
Aurelia Luciano
There are periods in many creatives’ lives where they experience bouts of being unable to create or produce art. As a writer, one of the top questions I receive or have heard other writers be asked is “what do you do when you experience writers block?” I don’t like to refer to these moments as blocks but more as moments of stillness. Read more>>
Krystal Hart
I make it easier for me to create. I setup a working system that minimizes distractions and makes it easier for me to actually begin painting. I also work in series. Having a focus also expedites the creative process and keeps me working through challenges. Read more>>
Steven Visualz
For me, creative blocks are something I’ve dealt with for a long time and the best way I’ve found to overcome it is to take breaks and look at different forms of media for inspiration. I think one of the best ways to beat creative blocks is too look at things from a different perspective; so for me it may be as simple as watching a movie or tv show to try and get inspiration. Read more>>
Vanessa Karel
Nature, wanderlust and solitude unblock my creativity. I am my most creative when I am alone. Nature is equally a force of inspiration and I find that I am able to create more when I am at a peak of emotions, either too tired, too happy, to exhausted or too excited. I love wandering through new places as it sparks new ways of seeing my reality. This is one of the reasons I love solo travel. Read more>>
