“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.
Cassis Brown
When I get creative blocks, I don’t try to fight my way through them. I take it as a sign to step away and give myself a break, maybe change my perspective or get inspiration from somewhere new. Read More>>
Andy Rowland
Writing blocks are probably one of the most annoying things that can happen to a writer. You get into a flow state and then one line of dialogue or the next transition suddenly just isn’t there. It’s aggravating and has stopped me more times than I would like to admit. One of the best ways I’ve overcome is by simply pushing through. Read More>>
Chandra Donelson
Writer’s block doesn’t knock politely. It barges in, usually when I’m facing a pressing deadline and a to-do list that stretches for miles. For years, I fought this intrusion with sheer force. I would chain myself to the desk, stare down the relentless blink of the cursor, and delude myself into believing that if I simply stayed busy, the good words would eventually arrive. Read More>>
Lauren (Lo) Cohen
I allow myself to be bored. We live in a world that moves so fast; endless social feeds, nonstop news, constant stimulation. The onslaught of information is too much some days, and leads a lot of creatives to being a bit numb. It can spark inspiration, sure, but it also pushes us into imitation, where everything starts to look the same. Read More>>
Karthik Ganesh Prasad
For me, creativity blocks usually show up when I’m trying too hard to force something. I’ve learned that pushing through it with pressure almost never works. What helps is stepping away for a bit — going for a walk, watching something that inspires me, or even doing something completely unrelated to my work. Most of the time, the block isn’t about a lack of ideas. Read More>>
Connie Gillock
I have various approaches when I am dealing with creativity blocks. First and foremost, I organize my studio. When my materials are in order, I am more inclined to approach my painting practice with a sense of purpose. A visit to an art museum is inspiring. I also read books that tap into my imagination. Read More>>
Chanthen Nene
When I face writer’s block, I’ve found that stepping outside my usual routine helps the most. Experiencing something new—whether it’s attending an event, exploring a different environment, or even just taking a walk—refreshes my perspective. I also read my work out loud to friends, which not only helps me hear it differently but also sparks new ideas through their reactions and feedback. Read More>>
Yesier Peña Rodríguez
After graduating in illustration, I faced an unexpected creative block: I didn’t want to touch a pencil at all. My mind felt overwhelmed, and inspiration disappeared. Over time, I realized that not everything had to be perfect—I allowed myself to play again, to explore, and to draw without pressure. Read More>>
MAI TY
Honestly writer’s block hits me just like anybody else, but I’ve learned not to fight it head on. I step out of the studio and go live a little. I’ll go on a drive, have conversations, etc. My best ideas come from the moments when I’m not trying so hard to create. Read More>>
Shannon Weston
I don’t know an artist out there that hasn’t experienced a creativity block. Regardless of medium, sometimes you look at a canvas, or a blank document, or lines of grid paper and nothing comes out. It’s incredibly frustrating, but beyond that, it also feels a little like failure. Read More>>
Brittany Sallier
This is a great question that a lot of creative individuals face. The honest answer, I still have my moments. I can have a great idea to draw or paint the next ‘master-piece,’ but to actually find time to do it is hard. I take inspiration from life… Read More>>
Ami Burl
Overcoming writer’s block has been one of the most difficult challenges in my life as a writer. When I began working on my book, Words of Wisdom, back in 2015, just a few years after my father passed away in 2012, I would write a little, stop, walk away from it, and then try again. Read More>>
Yesier Peña
After graduating in illustration, I faced an unexpected creative block: I didn’t want to touch a pencil at all. My mind felt overwhelmed, and inspiration disappeared. Over time, I realized that not everything had to be perfect—I allowed myself to play again, to explore, and to draw without pressure. Read More>>
Duke Mark
I’ve found that taking a walk and observing everyday experiences is a great way to overcome creative blocks. It allows me to clear my mind and often sparks new ideas. Additionally, taking field trips and exploring new environments can be a great catalyst for creativity, as it exposes me to fresh perspectives and experiences. Read More>>
Tino Gabaldon
Creativity isn’t always a straight line—especially behind the chair. Over the years, I’ve hit my fair share of creative blocks in this business. Moments where every formula felt predictable, every idea felt recycled, and the inspiration just wasn’t landing. Read More>>
Kai Chuan Yang
When I hit a creativity block, I go back to moments when a project forced me to think differently. The TWAC entry-card film was one of them. The script was strict and procedural—almost too rigid to spark anything. At first, I felt stuck. Read More>>
