In a Creative Slump? I've Got Your Cure

7 Proven Ways for You to Beat Creative Block

Hey friends!

What’s going on in your world this week? Today, I’m here to chat with you about something that we all go through now and again — creative block.

Whether you make time to be creative every day, or you just dabble when you’ve got the time, encountering a block in your process can be frustrating. But don't worry — this happens to everyone. No matter how long you’ve been an artist, or how much time you’ve spent in the studio, we all go through creative slumps. It’s nothing to feel bad, sad, or guilty about, because it’s a normal part of being creative!

I’ve been here…multiple times. So, I want you to know the things that have helped me get through a creative slump. Here are seven specific and practical strategies that I’ve used before, to help you break through that wall and get your creative juices flowing once again.

1. Switch Things Up

Sometimes, the best way to overcome a creative block is to get up and do something completely unrelated to your usual routine. Your goal here is to engage different parts of your brain and body to refresh all your systems and knock any lingering mental clutter out of your head.

Whether it's cooking some good food from a recipe you love, diving into your favorite video game (right now I’m back into Fallout Shelter on iOS), taking a walk outside, talking to a good friend on the phone, or whatever you find works for you — simply changing activities can reset your mental state and spark creativity.

Fallout Shelter on the iPhone!

2. Embrace Inspiration

When you're stuck, structured prompts and challenges can be a lifeline. When the instructions are really clear - "Do this thing!" - you get a quick framework that can kickstart your creativity, no matter how deep you find yourself in the hole. Sometimes we have the mental capacity to be creative, but not the mental energy to jumpstart that process all on our own.

Whether it's a journaling prompt to help you tell your story, a crafting challenge to get you playing with your supplies, or a spark about something else entirely, getting some help from prompts can provide the push you need to get started.

3. Just Start Making

Don't overthink it—just start. Start with literally whatever you have within arm’s reach. Grab a picture and place it on some paper. Combine two different sheets of paper. Stamp something. Paint something. The goal here is not to create a masterpiece or to tell a complete story but simply to get the creative parts of your brain activated and talking to your hands. The act of making something, anything, can help break that roadblock.

4. Revisit New Supplies

We all get a little dopamine hit when we buy new supplies. It’s such a fun thrill to see the opportunity out in front of us and the possibilities we can create. One of the best ways to replicate that dopamine hit is to revisit those supplies you just bought.

Start with pulling out the supplies or tools you picked up most recently (especially if you haven’t started playing with them at all yet). These can be supplies that you picked up at the store, or some happy mail from an online order, or anything else that’s new to you. Take a second, and remind yourself what excited you about this stuff in the first place. Often, revisiting the inspiration behind picking up new supplies can reignite your enthusiasm for creating.

5. Organize and Declutter

You know that huge pile of miscellaneous supplies you have lurking somewhere? Or multiple somewheres? Take a little bit of time to tackle it. Even if you don’t make every single decision right now, and create a box of things that you need to go through. Having a clean and organized workspace (even just enough so that you can put down your supplies) can drastically improve your mental clarity.

It is essential to have enough space in front of you to actually create! If you’re constantly having to move stuff out of the way while you’re crafting, all your mental energy is going towards that stuff and not the thing you’re working on creating. The easiest way to start is by de-stashing items that no longer serve a purpose. This not only clears your physical space but can also clear your mental space, allowing for ideas to flow more freely.

6. Connect with Friends

Who are your people? Reach out to your friends or crafty buddies or even just an acquaintance in one of your communities who shares your creative interests. Ask them what they're currently working on, or seek their advice on a project you're stuck on. Sometimes, just talking about your projects can provide new insights or the inspiration you need to move forward.

This is one of my favorite ways to get out of a creative black hole. Verbalizing the things that I’m thinking about, and then hearing what it is that I’m saying, and having other people respond is an invaluable way to see things from different perspectives. If you need to find your creative community, we’ve got some great ways for you to connect with people and meet new friends inside my Awesome Ladies Project.

7. Give It Time

Lastly, understand that sometimes the best action is inaction. If you've tried everything and still feel stuck, it might be time to take a step back and let things marinate. Not all creative work turns out as planned, and that's perfectly okay. Making stuff that you’re not thrilled about can also be great learning opportunities - some of my favorite pages have started from an idea I didn’t even like! If you're not still not learning anything new, and you’re no longer having a good time creating, it might just be time to wait it out and see what unfolds with time.

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I know that falling into a creative rut and finding yourself stuck behind roadblocks is a frustrating part of the process. But, unless you are constantly overflowing with creative energy (which can also be a problem!), take advantage of your slowdown with these tips so you are recharged, rested, and ready for the next adventure.

Save the above image, print it out, and hang it above your desk. I believe in you!

xoxo,

Kristin

PS — Next weekend we’ve got a bunch of great stuff going on for International Scrapbook Day! Hope you can join us.