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10 Ways To Solve Your Creative Block
For other people it is just another day of the week, but for you it is hell. Why? Why do you have another art block? Who knows, really. Instead of melting down over the why, let’s get to some possible remedies!
- Shut It Down
Sometimes with creative block, you have to step away from the medium at hand. That means if you’re a painter, stop painting. If you’re a chef, set that skillet down, darn you! There is always something to be said about showing up, but if you hit a wall it may be best to cut loose.
That means dropping that gig right now. It’s about as useful as reading the same chapter of your text book over and over. It really doesn’t help! You need a breather, not to push through.
2. Pull It Out
Maybe some inspiration is all you really need to get that mojo back. Art block can seem like you are carrying a an empty vessel, but usually that vessel just doesn’t have something interesting (to you) in it.
So, go in search of things that make you interested. Pull up that Pinterest board you made last year and never opened again. Find old work of yours. Listen to a podcast. There are so many ways to get inspiration.
3. Search The Music
Grab a pen and paper. It doesn’t matter if it is lined or grid, blue pen or assorted colors. You know what you like using and this isn’t an activity to impose limits. Just a way to fight creative block.
Get comfortable and go on what ever streaming service you like. Youtube, Apple, Spotify- Whatever. Now, I want you to find something to listen to. It could be something you know well or don’t know at all. Just find a song and find a playlist for it if possible. Listen to it. Really listen to it. Record thoughts and observations on that paper however feels best. Doodles, lyrics, phrases, shower thoughts. Some of my best ideas happen in the shower or the margins of a notebook!
4. Collect Ephemera and Other Things
Thrift store, used book stores, antique malls, and nature. So many places to break a creative block. Sometimes you find big inspiration from little things you find. So don’t be afraid to go out and collect items or take photos of things you think spark something.
