Best Exercises to Overcome a Creative Block
Creativity block is like the flu; you will get it at some point and it is an inconvenience. And it will take some days before you become productive again. So, use downtime wisely and remember to take a deep breath.
I don’t know any artist that never has experienced a creative block, so, if you are going through this phase, don’t panic and remember that this too shall pass.
But what do you do in the meantime?
Experts from Artsy recommend the following exercises. But do they work?
Clean Your Studio. I have done it, and it works for me. However, I would not take this approach if I am on a tight deadline.
Copy and Create. Yes, I have done this, and it’s amazing how you start trying to recreate someone’s technique, and soon enough, you start adding your style. This exercise has worked for me.
Try a Different Medium. I am lucky that I get to play with all kinds of mediums. Switching mediums has worked for me, too, including changing tasks. This is especially relevant when I am making costumes because, at some point, the process becomes too repetitive and dull.
Start a New Project. It can help, but I would not recommend using this strategy if you are running out of time.
Focus on the Process. To me, remembering this is crucial to keep my sanity and my heart on my work. I know there are many opinions on what is more valuable if the trip or the destination. I value the journey a lot more.
Creative Block!
But what if you get a creative block and you are on a deadline?
I understand your pain, I’ve been there. I have found that displaying any inspirational images and early sketches around your studio helps keep your mind in the game.
When I work on a project, I like to immerse myself in that world, so displaying my work visually around the walls helps me.
Sometimes I get creative block because I am too excited about a project, so working with music helps me bring down my emotions and keep a good mood.
Anxiety is a significant factor in getting a creative block, knowing yourself, and what triggers your stress is essential. What has worked for me is to organize my time first, so I don’t have the uncomfortable feeling that I forget something. Second, I make lists of the tasks I need to accomplish and assign them a due date. Third, I breakdown my to-do list in baby steps. When I check off my tasks, I get a feeling of accomplishment. The lists are displayed in my office as a visual reminder of how far I have come.
One unusual idea I have practiced is to take a child’s drawing and “complete it or recreate it.” Not because you will make the kid’s drawing better (because kids have unique creativity that is unmatched). But because re-tracing their lines might help you reset your creative levels, and in the meantime, you will take your mind off your project.
Finally, for my last advice, plan before you get a creative block. I like to collect ideas when I am feeling creative, write them down on a journal, post-it notes, collect pictures in a folder, or use Pinterest. And when you are thirsty for new ideas, go back to this collection you have been accumulating. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and it has worked for me.
What do you do when you get a creative block? Share with us what has worked for you!
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Welcome to Creative Talk by Inventiva Works!
Are you a creative mind curious about how other artists develop a concept and create an artistic project?
Are you interested in connecting with other creatives, learning their shortcuts, tips, and inspiration from their work?
If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, welcome! You are on the right blog.
Creative Talk by Inventiva Works is a blog devoted to discussing the creative process for visual artists and designers, as well as any reflections, challenges and solutions to make the creative process enjoyable and art-making profitable for the artist.
Hi there! My name is Monica Cliff, and I am the creative mind behind Inventiva Works. As an artist, I am always curious about the creative process of other artists. I find the practice of arriving at a brilliant concept fascinating, and the journey to get there tends to be full of excitement, and sometimes drama. Often before coming to the genius concept, our brain is full of questions and doubts, and that’s part of what I want us to explore in this blog: the story behind each creative process.
Creativity plays a role when we want to translate our ideas from the paper or the computer to the physical world. This is especially true for performing arts, so analyzing what practical decisions artists make to make an idea happen under budget and under pressure is very interesting.
Creativity in Action
In this blog, I want to share my own creative process and professional experience. We will explore the exciting part of being an artist and the most common challenges artists tend to face and overcome.
Some of the forms of art we will explore are:
Drawing, Painting, and Illustrations
Performance Arts: Set, Costumes, Props Design
Puppetry
We will examine what creativity is and what you can do to exercise your creative brain and maximize your artistic production.
“The joy of the creative process, minute by minute, hour after hour, day by day, is the sublime path to true happiness.”
One of the goals for this blog is to connect with other artists and to share our creative experiences. I find that I learn something new each time a fellow artist shares their creative process with me. I will be featuring artists from around the globe to learn about their artistic process and how have they figured out some challenges.
So make yourself at home and feel free to reach out with any comments, questions or feedback!
Curiosity is a positive trait to have as an artist!
What kind of art do you do? Please share in the comments some highlights about your creative process.
We want you to share information, ideas, and opinions on this page. But we reserve the right to remove posts containing profanity, personal attacks, commercial promotions, political campaign materials, irrelevant information, or posts otherwise deemed to be inappropriate. The comments posted on this page reflect the opinions of individual posters and do not reflect the views of Inventiva Works.