“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.
Megan Craig
I wouldn’t say that I’ve overcome creativity blocks – there are always new and surprising ones to face. But the main way I’ve dealt with them is by giving myself endurance exercises: make 2 drawings a day for 100 days, set a timer and try to paint through an entire block of water color paper, paint 75 tigers, write 13 paragraphs about a shoe, invent 10 mantras, mix forty colors, The key for me is to keep working. I like thinking about the rules for a new challenge and setting up a routine. I would make a good machine, because once I get going, I can work forever. I think this is related to early experiences weeding on my dad’s farm. Read more>>
Ben Mckay
Keeping creativity alive can be very difficult. I try to put myself in the best conditions to be creative and trust that the creativity will eventually come. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when I’m most creative, but I know for sure the things that hold block my creativity. So when I’m feeling blocked I try to resolve any stress, clutter, etc that could be stopping the creative process. Also, especially with comedy, I sometimes have to step back and remember that I’m making unserious stuff, so I need to be in an unserious headspace to create it! Read more>>
Tom Tracy
As a children’s book author, creativity is king! Like anyone else, however, there are times when I find myself with writer’s block (aka Creativity Block). I know myself well enough to know that this typically means that I’m working too hard at something – I’m forcing it. The best output is when creative energy flows naturally and is not forced or cajoled. So, when this happens to me, the first thing I do is step away and try to find a place of objectivity. Doing so allows me to ask the important questions – What am I hoping to accomplish with this? What’s the essential message that I want to convey? Have I strayed too far from the original goal/purpose? This helps me recenter and refocus. Read more>>
