Creative crisis? This is how it can be overcome!

Many hobby artists, but of course many professionals also know the problem: after a time of creative work, it is difficult for them to develop new ideas. It is absolutely human to have to recognize that there is a lot of inspiration for new works of art.

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 others get stuck on a small detail and suddenly everything stalls. Psychologists define creative blockages very precisely as

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

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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 blockade?

A creative creation blockage occurs when it is difficult to develop new ideas. This can occur in situations in which an existing project is being worked on or if you try to create something completely new without having a clear idea. In these moments it feels like you are sitting and the 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 made from personal experience. In the case of psychological problems, it is strongly recommended to take advantage of professional medical help.).

Exhaustion / sloping 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 is no coincidence that some of the most creative minds regularly make naps. In addition to the recommended 10 hours of sleep a night, Albert Einstein regularly treated himself to short naps.

Stress

Everyday challenges such as financial worries, relationship problems, professional fears or family obligations can lead to the fact that you feel restricted in your creativity. With all the other stresses in life, there is often no time for creative things.

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 to perfect your work, the less progress you make.

Fear of Failure / Fear of Failure

These feelings can block the creative process and cause new ideas to not be pursued. The fear of failure often prevents risks from taking risks and developing one's own 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 blockages have different causes and are to be viewed individually. However, there are various effective strategies to overcome them, regardless of their source.

The following sections may help to bring your own creativity back to life.

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 we have dealt with the possible causes of creative blockages in detail, it is now time to take a closer look at proven strategies in order to successfully overcome a creative crisis.

Creative blockages can be frustrating and leading to you are in a dead end. But don't worry, because there are different ways to get your artistic creativity back on track. Let us go one step further together and explore the possibility of revitalizing your inspiration and fully regain your creative process.

Tip 01 - eliminate disruptive 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 which materials are used in the creation of the works of art, it may also be possible to protect not only the shoes , but also the rest of the clothing with coatings, old shirts and the like.

Tip 02 - Clear Your Head

An effective way to overcome a creative blockade is to distance yourself from the current project or the 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

There are definitely parallels between a classic day in the studio and a day in the office. Occasionally it is time to move to be able to take new thoughts. Anyone who notices that they will become less creative during 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.

With regard to the right leisure activities, it is of course important to take personal preferences into account. Artists who prefer to take it a little quieter should prefer a walk through the park. But this is also a movement that can ultimately have a positive effect on your own creativity.

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

Some artists keep underlining how inspiring a completely white wall can be. This is exactly what it is important to build up. Because: A completely white area in which nothing can distract from the essentials can have a positive effect on your own creativity.

to always ensure a certain basic order in his studio . Or otherwise: In this special room, nothing should distract from the creation of art. High laundry mountains, files and the like carry the potential to tear out the artist again and again on his creative process.

That is exactly what it has to be avoided. Accordingly, it makes sense to clean up at regular intervals and to say goodbye to any contaminated sites.

Tip 06 - Accept Boundaries

It is of great importance to define clear boundaries within which one directs and designs your creative processes. This makes it possible to create a structured framework that leaves space 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, the focus made easier and thinking is sharpened. Ultimately, boundaries can serve as creative help in order to implement and further develop their own ideas.

Tip 07 - Deadlines as a Tool

Setting deadlines is a proven remedy for creative blockages. Sometimes artists consciously provoke this panic feeling by publicly announcing their work on a defined 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 no job, it can be challenging to meet appointments. In such cases, it is advisable to commit to other people who are responsible - 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 , in which he reports on the work habits of a famous author who spent eight hours at the desk a day, even if he had no concrete ideas.

On the other side of the spectrum, writers often invest a lot of time in their work. Some get up in the early morning hours to work on the next big novel. If there are no new ideas, you can revise what has already been written or create something inferior - the main thing is that you create something new.

If you are in a creative blockade, it could be tempting to give up. But you shouldn't do that at all. Do the same to the author of Currey and stay tuned.

Work on the new painting. Keep encoding your new game. Establishing a regular creative routine can be very helpful. By taking a defined time for your artistic work every day, it supports you to always stay present, even if you don't feel any 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, just write 100 words a day. If you find it difficult to compose music, devote yourself to a small section. You may find that 200 words become 200, then 500 and ultimately 1,000.

Keep return and continue until the creative blockage finally comes off or find out what to do next. Creative blockages often occur in waves. You feel blocked in one day, the next you may 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:

Keep through, even if the way out seems blocked. "

Tip 09 - Stay open for different sources of information

Always stay in a constant feedback loop . This means continuous inputs : deepen yourself into books and blogs, visit lectures and conferences, use the medium for which you design.

In addition, this means continuous outputs : write books and blogs, speak at conferences, design. Keep in mind that you and your work do not exist in isolation. We are in an era in which the world is more networked than ever before.

Use this fact to your advantage. Observe what developments are going on in your field or specific discipline. Identify which conventions it violates. Determine which works are considered pioneering and which only trends imitate.

All of this will be able to recognize areas in which you can stand out and in which your work convinces with your 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 checked for mistakes by critics. The fear of imperfection should not prevent her from creating great things. What is sufficient for you will be impressive for 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 have reached the point where you are satisfied.

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

First of all: Of course it would be wrong to copy other artists. Nevertheless, it is not forbidden to deal with the works of the "very big", such as 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 then create a work of art that rightly bears the name "unique" .

Paths from 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.kreativfuehl.de reports in an authentic way about her creative crisis and shares reasons, solutions and your individual handling of it with us.