“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.
Charley Robinson
Art block for me, to this day, is pretty challenging to surpass, but I have accumulated a few methods over time that more often than not ease the intensity of it. One method I’ve grown to like involves reminiscing on past works I’ve created and reflecting on the thought processes I had while in the process of those works. This contemplation helped me emulate that creative headspace I was in and then inspires me to create something new. Another method I found that works for me is simply riding it out. As a creative, it is common for the occasional burnout of ideas or the physical incentive to create art, and it is really important to accept that natural burden by realizing that every creative goes through this. After this break, I feel more recharged and less pressured to create than I did previously. Read More>>
Zaccheus (Baby Bishop) Mclaurin
Sometimes I have writers block but I over come it with my life situations and experiences. I easily write songs based on that and the way i feel at times . I often write about everything,Sometimes it don’t have to be a song , I write trust to express myself or vent about my day in my notes. Read More>>
Tracy Carroll
Although I’m not a writer by trade, you definetly still get “writers block” when owning a small business. It’s that moment when panic sets in and you realize, at least for me, that my motivation, my inspiration, my train of thought, my vision, and my passion has hit a wall. Sometimes I think it’s just because I’m doing too much at once. The emotional tug of war between being a mom and being owning a small business can be hard on me. Trying to balance giving each the time that it needs and deserves is a daily challenge. Sometimes it’s also when you feel that a shift in the business should happen. For example, when you’re preparing for big events, or the upcoming changing of seasons. Read More>>
Ansh Kumar
I have actually been thinking about this lately. According to me, creative block comes in the picture with fear. The fear of not performing as per expectations, personal or external. The only way for me to not get into that hole is that I let myself and even force myself sometimes into a state of play. This comes from my childhood where I’d show up for play with my friends everyday at the same time, not sure what we’d play or do, but the act of just showing up for play initiated hours of enjoyment without any apprehension or fear, the process became the most important part. Read More>>
Cindy Childress
It took me two years to complete my dissertation for my Ph.D. The first year, I didn’t do much besides writing my prospectus. I was so overwhelmed that I was paralyzed. The next year I finished it and graduated. What changed is I became more afraid of not finishing than of trying and failing, and I made an outline and schedule to chunk out the work so it felt less daunting. Read More>>
Briana Pass
Writers block is a serious thing in the author world. If you know you know! The longest I’ve had a writers block was about 6 months. At first I didn’t know how to get out of it. Then I discovered that reading other books from my favorite authors helped. It gets my mind flowing with creativity. If you’re a writer try this technique. I don’t know about you but when I read other people’s work it makes me want to step my game up! Read More>>
Britney Grossman
I have dealt with many creative blocks, especially when I had more stress in my life. Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises have helped lower my stress levels leaving me with a clear head. If I’m in the middle of a project and I start to feel frustrated or uninspired, I find it helpful to take a break and spend some time putting my energy toward another project or hobby that brings me joy. This could be anything from reading a book to taking a walk with my dog or exercising! Returning to a project with a clear head can help get the creativity flowing. I also enjoy mixing new color palettes to help me find a vision at the beginning of a project. Read More>>
