“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.
Mike McCord
My greatest tip for boosting creative-thinking, overcoming specific challenges, and general self/business-improvement is reading a book!
I like to alternate one fiction with one non-fiction to give a good balance of fantast and facts.
If you sit down and start reading a book, I can pretty guarantee that you will gain new insights, ideas, and create neural connections to help overcome your current obstacle. Read More>>
Emma Nichole
When it comes to creativity blocks, there are a few ways that I try to combat that. If I’m writing a story that just isn’t clicking with me creatively at time, I’ll write something different, even if just for a few minutes or even an hour. I’ll just write something totally unrelated to my current work in progress to get my creative mojo working again. If that doesn’t work, I’ll read or watch a movie or even listen to music. All of those things really start sparking ideas in my head. Read More>>
Accari Alexander
Best way I’ve always beat creativity block is the beach. Just a relax day hearing the water crush against the shore has always been the best way to get my creativity going in the best ways. I’m a self taught photographer and videographer in the central Florida area. I have been doing photography for about 7 years now and still love it. Read More>>
Devante Byrd
In the words of the great Atlanta artist Jelani Imani WRITERS BLOCK DOES NOT EXIST! It truly only stems from fear of creating something short of your absolute best at all times. For me I just don’t take myself to seriously so I’m able to throw just about anything at the wall to see if it sticks without expecting every idea to be a magical one. Many great ideas are just pieces of several ideas that may have been bad individually but have elements that could be beneficial. Read More>>
Gabriella Guerriero
I suppose all artists go through different artist blocks throughout their lives… for me, they marked different art periods and the evolution of my personal style. Something that seemed to always help has been music and inspirational movies, or a great runway show. Read More>>
Anastasia Waters
Choreographers block. It is certainly something I am familiar with. As Artistic Director of imPULSE dance project, and a dance teacher I find myself in constant need to put out new work. When one imPULSE dance project ends, we are on to the next one, and often planning the next project and season while in the midst of one. It can be a challenge to stay inspired, and keep the creative juices flowing, but I have acquired some tools to push through these times. Read More>>
Yujie Huang
Creativity blocks are a reality for any artist, and I’m no exception. When I find myself stuck in a rut, the first thing I do is step away from my work. It sounds counterproductive, but taking a break, getting a breath of fresh air, or even changing my scenery often helps clear my mind and make way for fresh ideas. Read More>>
Gio Toninelo
Creativity blocks can be a real pain, but over the years, I’ve developed a few tricks to tackle them head-on. First and foremost, I believe in taking breaks. Stepping away from the project and doing something completely unrelated often helps to clear my mind. It could be going for a walk, gardening, or even indulging in a guilty pleasure like binge-watching a TV series. Sometimes, inspiration strikes when you least expect it. Read More>>
Alexandra Fischerstrom
I have definitely encountered my fair share of creativity blocks! I try my best to listen to myself and give myself a break when I feel one coming on and shift my focus to other tasks that I can work on in the meantime. I have found that it’s important to not force yourself to work on something creative if you are not feeling up to it. Read More>>
Yong Takahashi
I don’t write every day. On the days that I do, I start with an hour making to do lists. This starts the creative process. If the ideas don’t start flowing, I take a brisk walk. I am a Korean-American author of four books of fiction and poetry. My stories tend to be raw and dark. Read More>>
Amy VanHoy
I find taking a break is super helpful. I leave the studio, and go on a walk, play with my kids, etc. When a painting isn’t working, I can become quite obsessed with figuring it out. It can really bum me out! I have to break the negative self talk that accompanies a creative block. Another thing that has helped me is editing the piece on my cell phone and marking up different areas with washes of color to play with the composition. Read More>>
