Embracing the Block

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page with no ideas flowing? Believe me, I’ve been there. Whether it’s from having too many possibilities, experiencing creative burnout, dealing with impostor syndrome, or just feeling uninspired, I think every creative person has faced a creative block at least once.

Creative blocks are a natural part of the artistic process. Instead of seeing them as setbacks, I view them as opportunities for growth and exploration. Here are some techniques that help me navigate these challenging times:

1. Change of Scenery

Sometimes, a simple change of environment can spark new ideas. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a visit to a gallery, or even working from a different location, new surroundings can provide fresh inspiration. I love biking down to Lake Ontario, breathing in the fresh air and watching the birds on the beach. Physically moving my body also seems to help restart my brain.

2. Mind Mapping

I use mind maps to explore different facets of a concept. This is a way to visually uncover new thought connections through brainstorming. Sometimes It helps me uncover concepts I might not have initially seen. 

If you’re not familiar with it you take a piece of paper, write down a main topic then brainstorm sub-topics around it. Those can branch off to other subtopics. It’s especially great for editorial illustration concepts.

3. Sketching Freely

Doodling without a specific goal allows my mind to wander and often leads to unexpected ideas. It’s a low-pressure way to keep the creative juices flowing. I also like to sit in a cafe and sketch people going by the window. Making note of their look and style.

4. Consuming Diverse Content

Inspiration often comes from consuming a variety of content – books, movies, music, and art from different cultures. This eclectic mix can trigger unique ideas and perspectives. Also remember that these things can be used as “research” tax write offs for the business owner. So take yourself out on a date to a museum or movie and get some inspiration.

5. Collaborating with Others

Engaging with fellow creatives can provide new insights and ideas. Collaboration not only brings fresh viewpoints but also makes the creative process more dynamic and enjoyable. It can be helpful to get out of your own head when working through a problem.

6. Setting Small Challenges

I set small, achievable creative challenges for myself. These could be daily sketches, color studies, or experimenting with a new medium. These small victories build momentum and confidence. They may even spark a whole new direction for your work.

7. Taking Breaks

Sometimes the best way to overcome a block is to step away and take a break. Whether it’s a short walk, a quick workout, or some quiet meditation, or my favourite - a nap on the couch, these breaks refresh my mind and often lead to breakthroughs.

8. Taking part in creative challenges

Sometimes having too many possibilities can overwhelm your creative brain. That’s when I love turning to creative challenges run by fellow artists on Instagram. They usually have a theme and a prompt. Working with strict parameters can help you think through a creative problem and create new work without overwhelm.

Generating New Ideas

Generating new ideas is all about staying curious and open-minded. Here’s how I keep the ideas flowing:

• Using Trello: I use Trello to organise my ideas, observations, and inspirations. This digital tool allows me to create boards, lists, and cards for different projects, ensuring I always have a pool of ideas to draw from. Asana is another similar tech option.

• Exploring Trends: I stay updated with the latest trends in design and art. This helps me understand the current landscape and find new directions to explore. I subscribe to and follow art and design magazines and studios to see what they’re up to.

• Experimenting with Techniques: Trying out new techniques and tools keeps my work innovative. It’s all about pushing boundaries and not being afraid to fail.

Next time you’re struggling with a creative block I hope trying some of these tips helps you.

You’ve got this!

-Alana