“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.
Fredii Belaire
I don’t really believe in writer’s or creativity blocks. The best records in my experience come from my experience. There is no better way to inspire myself other than just living life, letting go and falling into the direction that best suites the energy. Most times I think of it as not forcing the finished product. Read more>>
Andrew M. Edwards
Writer’s Block is not a block – it’s the mental equivalent of a banner notification. Working for too long on one task drains our batteries. When that banner pops up, it signals that it’s time to take a break or move to work on another project. Read more>>
Kyia Hemphill
As a creator, it’s quite common to have creative blocks every now and again. Ways that I overcome creative blocks is simple I just take a break. Normally, as a creative when you are faced with creative blocks it can come from being overwhelmed. It can even get worse for a person experiencing creative block because the fact that you’re experiencing a creative block can be frustrating. Read more>>
Kimberly K. Mizrahi
When experiencing a creative block it is usually because I’m thinking too much. My best work comes out when I stop thinking, which is nearly impossible to do. It helps to remind myself to stop thinking. Sometimes I write “don’t think” in paint on the canvas before I begin painting. When I still can’t get out of my head, it helps to get into someone else’s. Sometimes I listen to books or podcasts while painting. Read more>>
Michelle Navajas
My opinion about writer’s block may surprise everyone in the creative world because I can proudly say that I’ve never experienced it. I started writing professionally 20 years ago and it has been a wonderful 20 years of writing. Looking back, I think what keeps me motivated is the simple fact that writing is my passion and I always find something to write about anywhere, anytime. Read more>>
Erik Dionne
Writer’s block is something that has not affected me in years. That said, I am probably susceptible to it, but I have learned to approach art and creativity in a way that nullifies it. I play multiple instruments and write, mainly poetry. By having these multiple artistic avenues, I essentially sidestep writer’s block by moving from one creative outlet to the next. Read more>>
Natasha Wein
The best way for me to work through creative blocks is to get out of my head and back into my body and the pillars of my process: play, intuition, and the study of the unconscious mind. I can do this by either using movement, impulse, and play to loosen up in my practice or to disengage from my formal creative practice and cook, go on a hike, cook, see a friend…etc. Read more>>
Darrell Brown
I can honestly say that I have very rarely had writer’s block, and on those rare occasions it didn’t last very long. Having been born before the autism spectrum was codified, I was labeled an anti-social child who strangely lost academic ground when forced to change from left-handedness to right-handedness in school. Read more>>
Monica Livorsi
Creativity blocks are the absolute worst! However, they can also lead to some of the most creative ideas. About 2 years ago, back in May 2022, I was struggling with writer’s block and vocal loss all at the same time. I hadn’t written a new song in quite some time, I was itching to scratch that part of my brain again, but I also didn’t have a singing voice to use while writing the song. Read more>>
Juan Cruz
For me, a great way to fight writer’s block is to take a step back and change my way of approaching a task. It also helps me to look for ways in which I can experience a situation from different perspectives. Luckily, I chose a career that is incredibly varied and it gives me the chance to try out many different roles. I work as a professional musician, and throughout my career I’ve been a violinist, a composer, an orchestrator, and a teacher, all of which fall under the umbrella of music. Read more>>
Polla-Ilariya Kozino
As a creative, I faced artist blocks many times throughout my life, as many artists do. Creative work is fueled by inspiration and this unexplainable inner drive that makes us push forward and do the work even when we don’t get compensated for it. I found that what helped me to overcome it was to take some time off, do something completely different that would bring me joy, and look for inspiration in the process. Read more>>
EnJanae’ Taylor
I think it’s important that I always remind myself why I started writing in the first place. I write to share what I love. When I’m unsure what my next step is, I take a step back and give myself a chance to reset. It can be as simple as watching one of my favorite movies or playing an album I love. In entertainment, there’s always something new, but it’s also fun to rewind and look back on what things and people made me fall in love with pop culture in the first place. Read more>>
Ignacio Arreola-Vidal
Patience… Frustration is not uncommon in the creative world. Not everyone manages it accordingly, so the best way to overcome it is to develop the proper amount of patience. When frustration diminishes, it’s time to be more proactive and push yourself out of the block. Read more>>
Brian Kaleh
Navigating creative blocks can be challenging, as the experience varies for each individual. Often, these blocks stem from a sense of creative insecurity, prompting questions like “Am I good enough?” or “Is this idea worth pursuing?” It can feel daunting to know where to begin. However, I’ve discovered that the most effective way to overcome these obstacles is through action. Read more>>
Hilary Noonan
Overcoming creativity blocks demands a delicate dance between engagement and introspection. Forcing creativity only worsens the block; instead, allow ideas to simmer subconsciously. Imagine your creative journey is a person wandering through the desert. You know ultimately you want to exit the desert and reach your destination. But the trail that’s marked won’t get you to your destination. Read more>>
Alan Voss
Writer’s Block is a self-fulfilling prophecy; a form of self sabotage if you will. If someone says “I have Writer’s Block”, they are in effect making a decision that is not theirs to make. Human beings are unique when it comes to creativity but one thing that I firmly believe is that creativity comes from a place outside of ourselves and we are the vessel that filters the inspiration through our genetics and our individual experiences. Read more>>
Laura Viapiano
Wow, there are so many ways to look at a creativity block, and I think being able to do that; look at the block in various ways, has been the key to unblocking myself creatively. Self reflection and perspective are at the core of the abstract work I do, and that’s because those things are SO powerful. I’ve found such great freedom in taking the time to really go inward and get honest with myself about what is going on internally. Read more>>
Gustavo Galindo
My method of overcoming writer’s block is to draw my creative focus into different areas or instruments. This way you can find new ways to challenge yourself and stir up the creative juices. For example if Im feeling blocked on the guitar Ill move to the piano or flute or charango. If I’m blocked musically I can go and grab a paint brush and paint what I’m feeling. Read more>>
Jos Azuriz
Being an artist doesn’t mean the art is always flowing out of you. Granted, I always tell people who ask “How do you write songs?” that i can’t explain it, it just flows out of me. But that’s not always the case. Writer’s block usually hits me hard after preparing for a big project. I’ve recently been working on my debut EP, Lucy, and after I finished writing for the project, it felt like my thoughts were being blocked by a brick wall. Read more>>
Sandra L Rostirolla
Writer’s block is the worst. Sometimes it can hit for no rhyme or reason. In my case though, it usually hits when I find myself under a lot of stress and I’m being pulled in too many directions. If I am actively within a story, I try to stick to make sure I end on a cliff-hanger or incomplete scene, so that the next day, I know exactly where my jumping off point is. Think of it like overcoming inertia. Read more>>
