Overcoming a Creative Block

Whether you’re an artist or not, every one of us has faced some sort of block that hinders us from reaching our full potential, both in the workplace and in a social setting. However, even if you’re not a creative, practicing these 7 methods can help spark creativity that you may not have known existed inside of you.

1.) Clean Out Your Studio (or home):

• If you’re like me, my studio can be SO clean and then I blink, and it’s a total disaster. The environment that you create in, or live in, can completely dictate your mood. If I am in a rut, the first thing I do is clean. Yes, sometimes this takes way longer than you could have anticipated, but in the long-run, this can significantly give you a boost in spirits and relieve some stress that you weren’t even aware of.

2.) Spend Time Journaling:

• Although I do not do this every day, I have found that when I start my day in silence and journal, my creative juices really begin to flow. In Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, she talks about the importance of your “morning pages.” There is now right or wrong way with doing this - it’s purely just writing what comes to mind.

3.) Sketch:

• Find some spare paper floating around your house and simply just sketch. Set up a still-life or draw something from a magazine - whatever it is, just take about 30-minutes each morning for a week and sketch. At the end of your week, evaluate what came from your daily drawings.

4.) Take Some Time Outside:

• Whether it is a walk around your block, or going to a workout class, getting out and about away from your work place can be exactly what you needed. I love to turn on a podcast and walk my dog in the mornings - it has become part of our morning routine and starts the day off on the right now.

Join me on Instagram:

5.) Marie Kondo Your Files:

• This honestly isn’t always the funnest, but I have found that when I sit down and organize my desktop, photos, and emails, I tend to get really motivated. Create folders that help you to stay organized (this will also save you time down the road). Not to mention, I sometimes discover pictures that I took years ago that have influenced my next series!

6.) Read a Book:

• Whether it is business related or a fun fiction book, read something that has been on your list for awhile that you just haven’t ‘had time to do.’ I have found that taking time away from creating and letting my mind work in other ways can trigger different emotions and bring more ideas to mind.

7.) Seek Inspiration

• If you’re needing a little inspiration, I challenge you to go to a local gallery, museum, or concert. Seeing other artist’s work or hearing music in-person can spark so many ideas.

I typically reach a maximum point when I’ve completely overworked myself and hit a wall, or after being really motivated and something or someone interferes with my excitement. Whenever I sense that a block is inevitably in the near future, I try to do any or all of the above to avoid getting stuck in this position of a creative block. I hope that these steps can not only help you, but to also show you that you’re not the only one!

What do you do that helps you to overcome these blocks? I would love to hear in the comment section below!

I hope that you’re able to overcome your creative block with this advice, or find inner creativity that you didn’t know existed!

Until next time,

Resource Guide

Looking to further your skills in art? In this condensed guide, I provide everything I use in my studio - from my painting supply to my social media applications and subscriptions. I’ve spent countless hours and money trying to learn so many things and discovering the right products. Get this guide to save you the same headache!

we thought you’d also like…

To see more about what inspires CoCo, check-out her Instagram page at @cocozentner_art!