Being an artist, I often come across times where I sit and stare at the page wondering what I can create. Whether it is drawing or painting, I sit and wonder what I can put on the page but can never seem to come up with an idea. Something is always to hard or to simple. When an artist such as writers, drawers, painters, and even musicians cannot figure out what to do or create, it is called a creative block. Here is 10 ways of escaping the long, dark abyss that is a creative block.
1. Walk Away
Leave the paper, drawing, painting, or sheet music behind and go on a nature walk. If you don't live by trails, walk down the street through your town. Look at what surrounds you, listen to the birds, as cheesy as it sounds, smell the roses. Notice the buildings and houses around you. Take your mind off of everything and just breathe.
2. To-Do List
Often there is a list of things that you could be doing, such as homework for a class, cleaning, or even paying bills. Cleaning and doing other things takes your mind off of that one subject and projects your thoughts toward something simple.
3. Start At The End
This tip tends to help visual artist more than writers and such. Starting with the background of a picture can spark your creativity on what you want the piece to focus on. Although, when writing a creative story or essay, start with the body paragraphs first and then go back to your introduction/conclusion. There is no specific order that you have to work in.
4. Look At A Different Perspective.
Instead of looking for something to draw, look for something you don't want to draw. Instead of trying to think of something to write about, write about something you don't want to write about. Instead of trying to write a song, write a song about something you don't like.
5. Music
I know by personal experience that listening to your favorite artist or band can get the creative juices flowing. There is even playlists on apps such as Spotify that is catered toward people looking for inspiration. Throw that playlist on and start creating!
6. Read A Book
Take some time and sit down with a book. Not a eBook, no audibles, a real book that is bound and that has paper. By personal experience, books such as "How to Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon really puts me in a creative mood. Although, novels that have a plot and characters can give you ideas of how to manipulate that story or give you a templet to work with.
7. Exercise
As horrible as it sounds, moving your body can actually help you think of an idea quicker and easier. Go for a quick run, do some jumping jacks, or even run in place. Just move, I believe in you.
8. Stay Away From The TV
Sitting in front of a TV removes your imagination. It also numbs you, makes you mindless. It steals your attention and your time. I am even guilty of sitting watching a show, for what seems like hours and getting nothing done. It's best to sit in a room without one, or better yet, go outside!!
9. Take A Nap
This is self-explanatory, I mean who doesn't love a good nap?!
Last but definitely not least!
10. Get Off Your Phone!
Put your phone in the other room. Do not let the endless, useless apps take your mind away from what is important, your work! People nowadays tend to be glued to a screen instead of letting their thoughts and imagination flow through pictures and words on a paper. I promise there is a world out there that is not on a screen!
