Creative Crisis? Maybe it can be overcome!

Many hobby artists, and of course many professionals, know the problem: after a period of creative work, they find it difficult to develop new ideas. It is absolutely human to recognize that there is a lack of inspiration around new artworks.

Sometimes it seems almost impossible to be creative. Whether it's about starting a comprehensive project or simply fighting against midday fatigue - creative blocks are a common problem in various professional fields.

The beginning of some projects is a challenge, while in others, it gets stuck on a small detail, and suddenly everything comes to a standstill. Psychologists define creative blocks very precisely as

a period during which the creative productivity of a person or team drops to a low level.

Unlike ordinary tasks like cleaning the basement, creativity tends to have strong fluctuations in productivity. Both situations can be referred to as creative blocks - a problem that affects almost everyone in the creative field.

But you have ambitions. You have a schedule, a deadline, and the work needs to be done. So what can you do? Fortunately, you're not alone in this problem. Many leading artists and designers have also struggled with creative blocks and have overcome them successfully.

So who knows? Maybe it's easier than you think to find a solution?

What is a creative crisis, and where are the causes of a blockage?

A creative production block occurs when it's difficult to develop new ideas. This can happen in situations where you're working on an existing project or trying to create something completely new without a clear idea. In these moments, it feels like you're stuck, and your creative tank is completely empty.

Despite all efforts, nothing fresh and innovative is emerging. Behind such a blockage, there can be many different reasons:

Mental Health

Psychological problems like depression or anxiety disorders can strongly hinder creativity. During phases of depression, you often feel unmotivated and lethargic, making it difficult to develop creativity. Fears can lead to a lack of inspiration, overwhelming you and reinforcing your fears.

(Note: These statements are based on personal experience. For psychological problems, it's strongly recommended to seek professional medical help.)

Exhaustion / Decreasing Energy Level

Lack of sleep can affect creativity and energy, leading to feelings of overwhelm or helplessness, negatively influencing creative thinking. It's hard to develop innovative ideas when you feel like a zombie.

It's no coincidence that some of the most creative minds take regular naps. In addition to the recommended 10 hours of sleep per night, Albert Einstein also took short naps.

Stress

Daily challenges like financial worries, relationship problems, professional fears, or family obligations can make you feel restricted in your creativity. With all the other burdens in life, there's often no time for creativity.

Perfectionism

Perfectionism can lead to feeling like your creativity has dried up. You may have difficulty letting go of something until it's perfect. The problem is that perfection is an unattainable goal.

The more time you spend perfecting your work, the less progress you make.

Fear of Failure / Fear of Failure

These feelings can block the creative process and lead to new ideas not being pursued. Fear of failure often prevents taking risks and unfolding one's creativity.

Other Reasons

After all, different causes come into question for this phenomenon. It initially makes sense to examine your immediate environment, among other things. Has something changed here?

Perhaps moving to a new studio has caused the distraction to be too great to focus on new artworks?

Creative blocks have various causes and are individually considered. However, there are various effective strategies to overcome them, regardless of their source.

The following sections can perhaps help revive your creativity.

At the same time, they show that occasionally, a look beyond the horizon is needed to create ideal conditions for creating art.

Overcoming Creative Blocks - Proven Methods and Techniques

After thoroughly examining the possible causes of creative blocks, it's now time to take a closer look at proven strategies to overcome a creative crisis successfully.

Creative blocks can be frustrating and lead to a dead-end. But don't worry; there are various ways to get your artistic creativity back on track. Let's explore together the possibility of revitalizing your inspiration and regaining your creative process in full.

Tip 01 - Remove Disturbing Factors

Certainly, every artist has individual ideas about what the 'perfect working atmosphere' should be like. And often, it's the seemingly small things that can make a big impact.

A typical example: those who are annoyed by uncomfortable shoes can't concentrate on what's happening on the canvas. Here, it's a good idea to use a StockX discount coupon to get new, comfortable shoes and save money.

Due to the fact that many artists love to work while standing, it's self-evident why these shoes should be as comfortable as possible. Many manufacturers now use robust materials that don't require much maintenance.

Depending on the materials used to create the artworks, it's also a good idea to protect not only the shoes but also the rest of the clothing with covers, old shirts, and the like.

Tip 02 - Clear Your Head

An effective method to overcome a creative block is to distance yourself from the current project or task.

Creative people often experience that they get their best ideas when they're doing something else, like going for a walk or taking a shower. By consciously withdrawing, the subconscious continues to work on the problem and can often produce new creative ideas.

When faced with difficulties, it's advisable to consciously take time for other activities. It's surprising how positively a bike ride or a walk can affect creativity. You should temporarily put aside the current project to clear your head and then return with a fresh perspective and new ideas.

Tip 03 - Schedule Breaks

Between a classic day in the studio and a day in the office, there are certainly parallels. Occasionally, it's time to move around to get new ideas. Those who notice they're becoming less creative throughout the day can be well advised to turn their backs on their canvas.

And who knows? Maybe a new hobby will emerge? Those who consciously 'act' during a break by starting to jog, for example, often notice that they're more productive after the activity.

When it comes to leisure activities, it's natural to consider personal preferences. Artists who prefer a more relaxed approach might prefer a walk in the park. However, this is also a form of exercise that can ultimately positively impact their creative flow.

Tip 04 - Forget the End Result

Sometimes it can be helpful to overcome inertia by first looking for the worst solution. The goal is to at least get started.

The beginning of a project can be challenging. Perhaps the pressure to create something extraordinary has been weighing on you from the start. To overcome this creative block, you shouldn't worry about possible failures or whether the result will be usable.

Just start and continue your work successively without pressure.

Tip 05 - Clean Your Studio and Show Minimalism

Many artists emphasize how inspiring a completely white wall can be. This is exactly what you should build on. Because: a completely white surface, where nothing distracts from the essential, can positively impact your creativity.

In general, it's advisable to always maintain a certain level of order in your studio. Or in other words: in this special room, nothing should distract from creating art. High piles of laundry, files, and the like have the potential to distract the artist from their creative process.

Naturally, this is something to avoid. Therefore, it's sensible to tidy up regularly and get rid of any old burdens.

Tip 06 - Accept Boundaries

It's essential to define clear boundaries within which you steer and shape your creative processes. This enables you to create a structured framework that leaves room for freedom and originality.

Many artists will surely agree that a certain level of structure can be beneficial for the development of creativity. When you stand in front of a blank canvas or look at a computer screen - or use any other medium -, it can be overwhelming at first.

The seemingly endless possibilities can lead to uncertainty. But this is exactly where the importance of clear boundaries comes into play. By setting limitations for yourself, defining goals, and making realistic time commitments, you create a red thread.

In this way, focusing is facilitated, and thinking is sharpened. Ultimately, boundaries can serve as a creative aid to implement and further develop your ideas in a targeted manner.

Tip 07 - Deadlines as a Tool

Setting deadlines is a proven means against creative blocks. Sometimes artists deliberately provoke this feeling of panic by publicly announcing that they will present their work on a specific day.

This strategy works surprisingly well. Similar to the fear of failure, clear deadlines are highly inspiring for the right people.

Maybe you don't want to disappoint your customers or remain reliable for a fan base waiting for updates. Whatever the reason, deadlines can minimize procrastination.

If your creative work is a hobby and not a profession, it can be challenging to meet deadlines. In such cases, it's advisable to commit to other people who will hold you accountable - be it an understanding friend, a creative colleague, your spouse, or an expectant fan base.

Tip 08 - Time and Routines

In the book 'Daily Rituals: How Artists Work' by Mason Currey, he reports on the working habits of a famous author who spent eight hours a day at his desk, even if he didn't have concrete ideas.

On the other end of the spectrum, writers often invest a lot of time in their work. Some get up early in the morning to work on their next big novel. If new ideas don't emerge, they revise what's been written or create something inferior - as long as they're creating something new.

If you're in a creative block, it might be tempting to give up. But that's exactly what you shouldn't do. Follow the author's example and stick with it.

Continue working on the new painting. Keep coding on your new game. Establishing a regular creative routine can be very helpful. By dedicating a fixed time each day to your artistic work, it supports you in remaining present, even if you lack motivation.

Don't worry if you're not satisfied with the results of this time. You can always revise them later. What's important is that you continue to produce. Don't be afraid to take small steps to stay on track.

If you have a writing block, write 100 words a day. If you find it hard to compose music, dedicate yourself to a small section. You might find that 100 words become 200, then 500, and eventually 1,000.

Keep returning and continuing until the creative block is finally resolved or you figure out what to do next. Creative blocks often occur in waves. One day you feel blocked; the next, you might see an alternative solution.

Even if immediate progress isn't apparent, it doesn't mean nothing is happening. It may sound trite or clichéd, but it's true:

Hold on, even if the way out seems blocked.

Tip 09 - Stay Open to Different Information Sources

Stay in a constant feedback loop. This means continuous inputs: delve into books and blogs, attend lectures and conferences, use the medium you create for.

In addition, this means continuous outputs: write books and blogs, speak at conferences, create. Be aware that you and your work don't exist in isolation. We're in an era where the world is more interconnected than ever before.

Use this fact to your advantage. Observe the developments in your field or specific discipline. Identify which conventions you're violating. Determine which works are considered groundbreaking and which merely follow trends.

Through all this, you'll be able to identify areas where you can stand out and where your work convinces through its originality.

Tip 10 - Put Your Perfectionism Aside

Stop chasing perfectionism. Perfectionism can lead to creative blocks. Perfection doesn't exist. Examples can be found in reviews of well-known books on Amazon.

Even great works are successfully scrutinized for errors by critics. Fear of imperfection shouldn't stop you from creating something great. What's sufficient for you will be impressive to others. Not everything you create will be a masterpiece.

Even Charles Dickens wrote less successful works alongside his masterpieces. Had Dickens strived for perfection, we would never have had classics like 'A Christmas Carol' or 'Oliver Twist'.

Overcome perfectionism and share your creative work with the world. Learn to let go when you've reached the point where you're satisfied.

Tip 11 - Be Inspired by the Works of the 'Greats'

Of course, it's wrong to copy other artists. Nevertheless, it's not forbidden to examine the works of the 'greats', like the Street Art megastar Banksy.

The imitation of artists you admire can be a valuable exercise. By trying to decipher their creative processes and understand how their work is created, you can learn a lot.

Authors take known stories and reinterpret them in their own way, while musicians recompose the music they love. This tradition of imitation is particularly significant when learning.

Famous classically trained painters copied masterpieces to improve their skills. Even today, you can observe art students in European art museums standing in front of their idols' works, trying to capture their style.

Find a work that inspires you - be it a poster design, a lovingly crafted website, or an impressive typographic work - and try to recreate it. Often, you'll find that the complexity of the work is hidden beneath the surface and can be challenging to overcome. This insight can help you master the complexity in your own work.

Often, it only takes a little inspiration to create a work of art that deserves the label 'unique'.

Ways out of the Creative Crisis - Artists Report

In episode 60 of the podcast 'All People' by Veit Lindau TV, author Elvira Zeißler talks about her journey to becoming a full-time author, about vocation, discipline, and performance pressure, as well as creativity, crises, and genuine self-worth.

Artist Sinah Birkner from www.kreativgefuehl.de also reports authentically about her creative crisis and shares reasons, solutions, and her individual approach to it.