Overcoming creative blockade: This is how inspiration flows again

Creativity knows no limits - at least mostly. But every artist knows the moment when the flow of ideas stalls and the canvas or the empty sheet of paper becomes an insurmountable hurdle.

The creative process is a fascinating and at the same time challenging undertaking, which requires that we are in a certain state of mind. In this special condition we have to feel inspired and focused in order to be able to clearly formulate our thoughts and ideas.

It is crucial that we can immerse yourself in the project or the task, because this is the only way we are able to do our best work and let our creative streak run free.

Therefore, it is all the more frustrating when we try to continuously be creative and brilliant, and suddenly this disturbing suspicion is that something is wrong. It feels as if we step on the spot and all inspiration fails - then one speaks of a creative blockade . This unexpected hurdle is the last thing we need, especially when our entire profession is based on acting enthusiastically and innovatively.

It can be frustrating to know that you have taken all the necessary steps to be prepared for creative success - be it through opening rhythms in the routine or by creating an inspiring environment - but this feared blockade can suddenly fall About us .

But here you can remedy the situation. Here we present proven tips from renowned designers and famous artists who can help you to overcome this paralyzing creative blockade and to increase you to new inspiring heights.

There are ways to rekindle the creative fire and regain the flow of ideas. "

What is most effective to overcome a creative blockade varies from person to person. Even experienced designers who have worked for many years experience such blockages and have different strategies to deal with it. So if a creative blockade occurs inevitable, take a look at this advice and find out what helps you!

01 break through the mental barrier with experiment

Creative blocks are not only a question of technical skills, but often also a mental hurdle. The pressure to create something new and unique can have a paralysis. The creative flow often overrides your own claim to perfection. One of the simplest but most effective methods of overcoming this blockade is deviation from the usual processes.

A personalized 3D image , which is characterized by unique details and a personal touch, can, for example, provide valuable inspiration. It shows that art does not only exist in two dimensions and opened new opportunities that have so far not been observed. This new perspective can ignite a creative spark that solves the blockade and leads to new ideas.

Instead of trusting the usual tools, experimenting with unconventional materials or techniques open new doors. The uncertainty about the result is often the source of the blockade. But it is precisely this uncertainty that also carries the greatest chance: trying out the stranger and surprising yourself.

02 The power of the routine

Another effective remedy for a creative blockade is the creation of routine. Even if it sounds contradictory, structured work processes can help mobilize creative energy. Many artists report that they often do not have their best ideas in moments of intensive inspiration, but in the quiet phases in which they are simply deepened in their practice.

Through regular work without constantly thinking about the result, new ideas can arise. Sometimes it is simply important to allow yourself to make mistakes or create something "imperfect" to break through the creative block.

03  Digital detox

Numerous people spend their time in front of the screen. As a creative in the digital age, we digitally design most of our works. But sometimes it is important to concentrate on the essentials. 

Remove from your computer and start drawing. It will make it clear to you again how to really perceive. "

Leave your usual desk routine behind and take your sketchbook outside. You will be surprised by the ideas that come to your mind when you exchange the shining computer screen for pen and paper. Drawing with a real pen (or pencil or even colors) on real paper will help you to look at things from a different perspective and to open up a completely new perspective on your current project.

04 Allow yourself to make mistakes

Do not pull yourself back out of fear of failure. Rather, you should take these doubts and become active. The occurrence of risks promotes their skills and can lead to results that they considered unreachable.

Paula Scher , one of the most important graphic designers, emphasizes that true growth is often caused by errors:

You really only grow through errors. "

Learn from her and accept the failure as part of the creative process. As Bob Ross called it, mistakes are just "happy little accidents" that offer them opportunities for further development.

05 self -care

Listen to your body. If you feel stressed, allow yourself to let go of your efforts. Take a deep breath, eat something, treat yourself to a nap or deal with something else. Be friendly to yourself. Sometimes it is necessary to take care of yourself to make progress.

Everyone occasionally has to provide their own well -being. It is particularly important for creative minds not to lose sight of your own physical needs in order to get into the right emotional state. It is easy to immerse yourself in a project and forget the food or sleeping.

Ultimately, this will always have a negative impact. A tired and hungry body will stand in the way when it comes to performing their best performance. Therefore, you should make sure that you create sufficient space to take care of your own good.

06 The outside world as the source of inspiration

In many cases, it is the external impressions that give the decisive impulse for creative work. A walk in the forest, a conversation with a friend or the view of a personalized 3D picture that your own story against mirrors T can get deeply hidden ideas on the surface. The exchange with other people, be it in artistic circles or simply by meeting opinions, opens up new perspectives and inspires.

Often it is precisely these external influences that solve the creative block and pave the way for new works. So it is not always the direct examination of your own art that leads to new ideas, but rather the interaction with the world outside of your head.

The creative crisis is a well -known companion of every artist and designer. It may feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but with the right strategies and an open attitude towards new influences, it can be overcome. Art is not only a process of creating, but also a constant dialogue with itself and the world around it.

By taking new perspectives, both in your own work process and through exchange with others, the rivers of inspiration be released.

07 Divide projects into manageable sections

Occasionally, a project or a task can seem so extensive and overwhelming that we completely lose sight of what is actually important and no longer make progress. It is time to take a step back.

The post -impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh knew early on:

Large things arise from a number of small things that come together. "

You can quickly overwhelm the overall picture, which can sometimes have a paralysis. This can significantly affect your creativity.

The solution: Look for an approach to organize your projects so that you are divided into manageable sections. You can tackle them one after the other and the big picture will gradually come together.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/