Creativity freshens our soul, our mind and allows us to experience several lives in just one lifetime. But, on some days, that creativity bone embedded in all of us takes a back seat. Anyone in a creative field, be it a writer, a painter, a designer, a filmmaker, or even a sculptor, can attest to facing a block. The inspiration tank runs dry or you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. If not acknowledged, though, this block can live up to days, weeks or even months.
This roadblock, or a hindrance, if you might call that, is not just restricted to amateurs. It can happen to the best of us, to acclaimed personalities and even to record-setting celebrities. So, how do you get back up? What should you do to refuel the empty barrels? Where do you seek inspiration?
A glance at these tips from a few industry professionals to get that creativity flowing again!
1. Reel in a Routine
An experiment conducted by the Elsevier study of Behaviour Research and Therapy depicted that those who wrote in a set routine showed more creativity than those who did not. Additionally, Stephen King, one of the most renowned thriller authors in the world, has an agenda of writing 2000 words daily, without exception. He begins at 8:30 am and does not leave his desk until he has achieved his goal.
Find out more about famous habits in Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
2. Detox Digitally
Because of the plethora of ideas and executions crowding the internet, your designs might get muddled or become a projection of those you see. Switch off from the internet and get manual. As the logo designer and illustrator Gerard Huerta says, “Walk away from the computer and draw.” Check out at his work here
3. Get Down and Dirty
Very often technology betrays us while coming up with fresh ideas. And pondering over the same thought over and over again can prove to be the enemy. When that happens, leave everything aside and just let the creativity inside you flow, without worrying about consequences. Apply this interesting technique by Maya Angelou, “The trick is not to overthink it. Write nonsense if you have to. But keep writing, no matter if you’re pleased with the final result or not.”
4. Take a Stroll in the Park
Move away from the monotonous desk and chair. Surround yourself with greenery and fresh air. Studies show that taking a walk not only boosts morale but also gets the mind working. Observe the minuscule details and take a deep dive within your thoughts. Maybe an idea is snuggled up in the corner of your mind palace. This is a technique that the award-winning writer, producer, actor, Dan Levy swears by in his interview.
5. Just Do It
The famous artist, Andy Warhol, whose paintings hang at The MET, opined, “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” In other words, trust your gut. Let the viewers judge the good or bad. Your job is to create.
6. Read, Research and Realise
Buzzfeed India’s founder and writer, Rega Jha, very aptly summarised how to get over a writer’s block. She introspected and realised that reading and deeply understanding one’s art is the only way to bring about realisations and subsequently, develop ideas of your own. Delve into your field of interest, pick up a book or a paintbrush. For more such musings, check out her page here
7. Rules Are For Amateurs
Fruition cannot be achieved if one’s wrists are bound by shackles. Comprehend the rules, think beyond the box, and create unchained by the norms. “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist,” said the greatest of the greats, Pablo Picasso.
8. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
A congested desk paves way for a cramped mind. Arrange your desk and throw the unnecessary things away. Keep space for a small notebook, a pen, a coffee cup and your work machine. This tried and tested method is bound to bring some clarity in the overly crowded plans in your head!
9. Switch on the Airplane Mode
More often than not, artists hit a dead end in the midst of their project. They are left clueless on how to proceed. Maybe it is an article or even a sculpture. But they just can’t figure out how to conclude. In such cases, take a step back and let the subconscious mind do its wonders. And this brings us to the easiest and most effortless thing to do in this list, sleep! Apply Neil Gaiman’s ‘Hibernation’ method. Read more about it here.
10. Walk on Thorns
The last and definitely the most frightening one in the list, shift your gear. Drift away from your comfort zone and come face to face with your fears. This prompts not only growth but also gives you better and more versatile ideas. Don’t worry about making mistakes. That’s how you get better! As Cher said, “Until you’re ready to look foolish, you’ll never have the possibility of being great.”
There are times when you try and push yourself to the maximum but all that comes out is either rust or nothing at all. It happens to everyone and the key to getting back on the track is to do something about. Opt for one of the aforementioned tricks to get your creative juices flowing!
