Five Ways to Restart Your Creative Engine
Inspiration is everywhere
If you’re having a creative block there are plenty of ways to break through the obstacle. As an artist and writer, I find myself stuck all the time. Sometimes the obstacles are so large, it takes a few days to have a creative breakthrough. But the one thing I remember to do when this happens is to remain calm. Sometimes, a creative block is like a dormant volcano, the ideas are building up inside of me and will soon explode. I just have to be patient.
Here are five ways to be more creative:
- Look through art or picture books. Examine the colors, shapes, and sizes. What do the images mean to you? Explore the ideas within the books. Think of ways to duplicate or put your own spin on the images.
- Watch your favorite television shows or movies. I’m a big fan of reality tv, Hell’s Kitchen and Making the Cut are some of my current faves. When I’m watching those shows, my mind is full of questions. I want to understand how to identify certain kinds of fish. I want to know how to construct a garment. Seeing other people being creative can ignite your creative juices.
- Surround yourself with nature. I love going to beaches or parks. A walk through a wooded path is not only relaxing but provides ideas for projects. I like to bird-watch and become excited when I see Robins or Blue Jays flitting about the trees. Lately, I’ve seen plenty of bunnies hopping around and eating the lush plants. Plants are another way to become inspired. Flowers are so brilliant and colorful, coming in all shapes and sizes. A stroll through a residential neighborhood can yield many floral delights.
- Bring out your inner child. Skip down the street. Jump into puddles. Blow bubbles. Roll down a hill. Be a kid again. Embrace fun and frolic. Adulting takes much of our creative energy. Children are so free because they don’t have adult responsibilities.
- Take a break. Sometimes you need to step away from your creative side. Put down the brush or pen. Turn off your laptop. Take a walk. Read a book. Indulge in activities that put you at ease. Sometimes taking a break is just what we need to get the creative juices flowing again. When you return to your project, you can look at it with fresh eyes.
Finally, don’t place pressure on yourself to create. Some people can be creative every day. Others can only be creative once a week. It’s not a race. Go at your own pace. Your creativity is a part of who you are. It’s important to let those creative juices flow when you’re ready. Enjoy the process of creating and have fun with it.
