Monica Cliff 7/1/20 Monica Cliff 7/1/20

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.

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.

Original drawing by my daughter, Allison, at age 4.

My version of her drawing.

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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Monica Cliff 6/30/20 Monica Cliff 6/30/20

When Artists Give Birth to a Creative Concept

Most artists are familiar with the struggle of giving birth to a new idea. Still, when I talk to family and friends that are unfamiliar with the process, they think it is a straight forward path.

You know, like how everyone typically imagines how Isaac Newton came up with the theory of gravity by being bonked by an apple. Or, out of nowhere, the artist has this sudden lightbulb turning on and yelling, “Eureka!”

Far from Reality

The truth is that most of the time, producing a brilliant artwork or creative concept is more like… well, giving birth, if you ask me.

Now, I am a mother of two, so I know the gig of giving birth and let me tell you that it’s nothing like they portrait it on movies or TV. Giving birth is, typically, a long process, messy, has some setbacks, it’s emotional, and literally includes sweat, tears, and blood. And a lot of people are involved in this process.

The creative process is like that; you are hired to work on a project, meet with the director and production team to discuss preliminary ideas, and take notes. You go back to your studio to start working on ideas and designs.

And Bam! You got nothing… You are blank.

You do not freak out (yet) because you still got time. You think of some exercises that will help you get inspired and get the creative juices flowing. But after a few days, you STILL got nothing!

Sometimes you will get inspired right away and come up with something amazing (lucky you!). But more often than that, you might get a creative block, or how I like to call it “creative constipation.”

Just Keep Pushing!

Anxiety + Perfectionism is the perfect combination to give you a creative block. So, you walk in circles around your studio, browse the internet for ideas, and go for walks to relax… and still nothing.

I’ve been there, it is especially painful when you have a deadline, ouch! You can’t sleep, but you are not necessarily productive by staying up just staring at a blank paper. You decide to start doodling anything. You hope that doodle magically will transform into whatever you need that you don’t even know—still nothing.

After a few days of not sleeping enough, not eating enough, 58 drafts, and going through life in a “zombie mode” by only hyper-focusing on your creative project, somehow something eventually clicks.

Maybe it’s something someone said, or something you saw, who knows! But you got it!

And just like when you feel your first contraction, you rush to the hospital, you also run to your studio once you feel that first wave of inspiration. And in my family, everyone knows to not interrupt me from the moment I enter into my “zone of creativity” because I won’t stop until it’s all out of my head. Except for going to the bathroom and getting a light snack, I will be glued to my desk.

And just like in childbirth, once the labor phase is over, you can enjoy the benefit of admiring your piece of art and smile with pride and show it to the world!

Have you ever experienced creative block? Share your experience and tell us how did you overcome it.