Let’s talk about creative block. Ugh, we hate it. It happens to every artist, even if they seem to be pumping out new work all the time. Before starting Fox & Fables, I went through a 4 year creative block.. Yikes!!! Anyway, I got out of it and so can you. I’ve created a list of tips and a fun little activity that should help you get unstuck.
- Think about what inspires you most in your work and do that thing!! What is the subject matter you go to most, what are some consistent themes in your ideas and work? Is it nature, travel, music/books/films, human connection, loved ones? Make sure to make time for your biggest interests. When you feel happy and fulfilled in life, that’s when the creative inspiration strikes.
- Step out of your comfort zone. Try something completely different from your typical creative routine. Maybe there’s some ideas that have been swirling around in your mind but you feel hesitant to start or have set them on the back burner. Challenge yourself to try a new medium, subject matter, color palette or technique. It could lead to really inspiring ideas and you might just fall in love with something new!
- Try using prompts or completing an art challenge! Sometimes we just get stuck with either too little, or too many ideas and feel lost on where to go. I’ve included a fun worksheet to hopefully help bring in some ideas. I completed this worksheet myself and had so much fun that now I have a list of illustrations I’m excited to get to work on.
First, compile a list of 30 things you like to [insert art form here], in my case, I like to paint. I know it seems like a lot but the prompts can be anything, and as specific or as vague as you like. Then, using a random number picker online, or write the numbers on pieces of paper to draw from, select 3 numbers from your list. Use those 3 prompts to create a masterpiece! A couple combinations that I drew from my personal list include –
Combo #1: Vintage Sewing Machine, Antique Shop, Ferns
Combo #2: Trees, Bicycle, Mushrooms
Combo #3: Old Man, Ship, Insects
When I tell you how PUMPED I was when I saw these combinations, immediately my head was flooded with ideas and inspiration! I feel like this worksheet can be applicable for many different types of creatives too! Singer/songwriters, visual artists, authors, sculptors, performance artists, etc. I hope that you have as much fun with this little activity as I did and feel motivated to keep going.
The last tip I will leave with you is this: USE IT, DON’T LOSE IT. We have all heard the expression “creativity is a muscle”. If we think of it that way, we know then that we need to exercise that muscle often or it will become weak. It’s inevitable that you will go through slow creative periods, but challenge yourself to make some sort of art as much as possible. Even if it sucks, that’s okay!
Love, Emma