“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
Even with all the courage in the world, every creative will eventually run into a creative block, so we asked some of our favorite creatives to share how they overcome creative blocks.
Micah Atkinson
Artists needn’t be afraid of stepping away from their work and giving themselves some time off from a specific project. A popular mantra in the writing world goes– “discipline yourself to write for an hour every day.” But this does not work for everyone. I am suspicious of whether it even works for most creatives. Overcoming a creative block requires a perspective shift, and the easiest way to achieve that shift is to step away from the work and then come back to it in different state of mind. The answers will suddenly leap out at you, I guarantee it. Read More>>
Jack Byron
For me, I feel that it’s very helpful to finish a song, even a song that you wouldn’t consider very good. You owe it to the song. Writing a good song requires imagination, inspiration and patience. Fostering those three skills in my own writing has helped me in my work. Sometimes, to get to a decent song, you may have to write through a few duds. Read More>>
Matt Blum
I know this is going to sound simple and maybe even annoying, but, in my experience, the best way to overcome/beat a creative block is by continuing to create. Keep creating. Even if it is within a medium that isn’t your primary, keep creating. The inspiration will return organically if you keep creating. Read More>>
Brittany Moore
Great question! Since I’m writing everyday it can be easy to feel stumped when it comes to creativity. Because of this, I think it’s important to know it’s okay to take breaks. I often find myself taking at least a week or so every few months where I take a step back from writing and finding time to be inspired instead. This can look like taking a trip somewhere new or just filling your schedule with other things that aren’t directly related to music. Doing this gives me time to breathe and puts my head in a different space. However, I always feel like the needed breaks stir up the right inspiration to get my mind back in the game with new ideas to bring to the writing room. Read More>>
Isaiah Brooks
I overcome writers block by Isolating myself in a distraction free environment, writing down ideas and whatever thought that comes to mind. Afterwards I start to create and arrange songs. Read More>>
Brittney Oddo
In content marketing, writing is everything. But, writing is very creative, and when you’re managing multiple clients with different voices, it’s easy to run into writer’s block. A significant way that helped me combat writer’s block was to write creatively for myself instead of for a client. I started a creative writing project that brought me a lot of excitement and is only shared with a few friends so there is no pressure to be perfect. I find when I’m able to do writing I enjoy, it frees me up creatively to write for others. Read More>>
Char Jay
I overcome writers block by just putting something on the page, even if what I write is crap. Some days I look at that blank page and the words don’t, nor do they want to come to my mind. At times I don’t write for weeks or months but when it’s time to meet a deadline or finish a project, I put anything on the page just to get the creative juices flowing. Read More>>
Chynson Thomas
I’ve discovered the importance of not forcing creativity. Instead, I make a conscious effort to assess my genuine emotions and mental state in the moment. Many of my creative roadblocks tend to surface during periods of stress or mental fatigue. In such situations, I turn to activities that bring me joy and relaxation. Whether it’s taking a leisurely walk in the sun, immersing myself in video games, spending quality time with friends and family, delving into a book I’ve eagerly wanted to read, or indulging in a captivating movie or documentary – these activities often serve as catalysts for reigniting my creative spark. Ultimately, I choose to embrace life’s moments and allow creativity to flow naturally, never pressuring it into existence. Read More>>
C. Neil Davenport
Overcoming writer’s block is like walking across hot coals and the trick to avoiding a severe burn is to keep walking.
Whenever I find myself in a creative funk, I keep writing even though all I want to do is stop. Sure, the deadline keeps the fear of God present and yes, that bottle of bourbon looks enticing, but if I stop trying to obtain that pinnacle idea which will solve all my problems, my feet will burn. Read More>>
