Ep 034: Are You Struggling With Creativity? / by Jackie Sanders

Creative Burnout is Part of the Process

We’ve all been there. The ups and downs of the creative cycle are part of the process but there are things you can do to keep the creative energy in your favor. In today’s we share our creative block experiences and tips on how to get your flow back when the self-doubt and fear sink in after a short-term or long-term creative block.

 
 

Are You Struggling With Creativity?

“Burnout” or “Creative block” is PART of the creative process where you get to a point where you feel as though you can’t create anymore, or everything you create just doesn’t work

Short term vs. Long term blocks

  • Short term - day or two

  • Long term - a few weeks or months...or even years!

  • They ARE different and have different “cures”

What might be getting you blocked

  • Big life changes

  • Change in atmosphere

  • End of an artwork series

  • Stuck at X stage in a couple art pieces

  • Burnout and stress

  • Personal/family situation

  • Challenging new mediums, formats, themes, etc.

  • and more!

    Looking to Get “Unstuck”?

Ways to get “Unstuck” from Short Term Burnout

  • Get out of the studio (with a set time to come back in!)

  • Test out new paints with color swatching!

  • Do a body assessment: Sleep, Nutrition & Exercise

  • Go outside to spend time in nature

  • Read/listen art book or podcast

  • Create an inspiration file/board/Pinterest of art styles and quotes that inspire you

  • Experiment with a new art style or material (with no expectations!)

  • Prep new surfaces or perhaps finish some (varnish, hardware, etc,) 

  • Talk to another artist! It helps to talk about it with another person who may have gone through the same thing and may have helpful suggestions

Ways to get “Unstuck” from Long Term Burnout

  • Dive into investigating a new topic

  • Reorganize your creative space

  • Explore the current concepts in your work and ask yourself, what would you like to carry forward?

  • Learn your creative “daily limit” so you can manage your own expectations or work up toward a goal (2 hours or 6 hrs?)


Need Creative Inspiration? Check Out These Book Suggestions!

 
 

"Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking The Stress Cycle” by Emily and Amelia Nagoski


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