“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.
Ava Stepnock
Creativity Blocks are something that always occur in my job. It’s hard to not get bogged down by what others are creating. For me the best way to cure my creativity blocks are by going for walks and simply disconnecting from social media or my phone. This helps me to reset, realize why I started my business and what drew me to design as a full time job. Escaping the competition from social media truly allows me to reset and remember why I love design. Read more>>
Tara Magboo
Generally speaking, I have the opposite problem. I have more ideas of artistic projects I would love to pursue than I actually have time to execute. I usually have to pare down some of my ideas and be more realistic about what I can actually construct within a given time frame. With that said, there are some instances when I have creative blocks. When I’m designing for my product line, Adorable Mayhem, I first think of positive memories from my childhood as this is the primary inspiration for my work. Examples of such memories are toys that I loved, cartoons I adored, and animals that inspired me. I then search through my library of Craft and Nature books or scour the internet for animals or art themes to further solidify a design concept. This process usually kick starts my creativity and helps me generate ideas. Read more>>
Faith Cao
Art block is something every artist experiences, and while it can feel discouraging – it’s an inevitable part of the creative process. I remind myself that creative lulls happen to us all, whether from burnout or a temporary dip in inspiration. Rather than fighting it, I lean into the block and ask myself, “Why am I feeling this way?”
I’ve learned that it’s often a sign I need rest and to reconnect with life’s simple joys. To reset, I indulge in activities that bring me comfort—like watching nostalgic TV shows from the early 2000s, going on walks, or engaging in low-pressure crafts like knitting or sewing. These moments of rest often spark new ideas, which I jot down and save for when I’m ready to dive back into my work. It’s a reminder that rest is not wasted—it’s part of the creative cycle. Read more>>
Amani Hoskin
When I’m having issues with my artwork whether it be having troubles coming up with ideas, becoming frustrated with how something as simple as eyes aren’t coming out the way I want them to, or just in general hating everything I draw. I find that stepping away and pivoting to something else is often the best solution. For me, trying to force creativity can at times only frustrate me more. I think having separate hobby’s outside of your main craft is important for workflow and clearing your mind. Personally, I love to read and engage in handicrafts like sewing when I’m struggling with my artwork. These activities help me in different ways: sewing allows me to focus on something simple, like fixing a hole in a shirt, while reading lets me get lost in another world, which can spark new ideas. Read more>>
Jaiden Smith
I’ve found that the best way to overcome creative blocks is by completely shifting gears and focusing on something new and unrelated. When I hit a wall creatively, I make a deliberate choice to step away from the task at hand and immerse myself in a different activity that captures my attention. This shift often refreshes my mind and sparks new ideas. Read more>>
