What do you do if your creative well runs dry?

If the creative well is empty, take a break from what you are focusing on. Go for a walk, take a shower, talk to someone, or visit a shop or gallery. It may require at least one night's sleep (if not more) so be patient. Whatever it is, for me it's two-fold: 1) the detachment from your work creates an opportunity to see it in a new light, 2) the seemingly unrelated things can offer new inspiration for creative ideas. It is typically not a simple linear path so go easy on yourself and reach out for help when you need it. Everyone goes through it from time to time.

Facing a creative block? Step away and take a break. Engage in different activities like walking or reading to refresh your mind. Embrace learning from new sources—books, documentaries, or podcasts on varied topics can spark unexpected inspiration. Connect with your community; sharing struggles and ideas can open new perspectives. Remember, creative dry spells are part of the process. Patience, curiosity, and stepping out of your comfort zone will refill your creative well. Creativity thrives on fresh experiences and collaborative insights. Keep exploring and stay open to the unexpected!

Don't let the creative lulls throw you off. It will come back. One of my favorite hacks to get creatively going is a good short read. Go to Barnes and Noble and browse books and magazine on the subject that you need kick-started on. Even a few hours on Pintrest will help. They have everything...I mean everything on there site. And make sure you look and explore things you don't know anything about, but would like to know more about. This can make you think a new direction, that will unblock the old thinking.

Was hilft, um seine Kreativit?t neu zu wecken: Einfach mal drauflos schreiben. Irgendetwas, was einem gerade in den Kopf kommt. Es ist erstaunlich, wie leicht und schnell da eine kleine Geschichte entsteht. Und mit dieser Geschichte kommt dann auch die Lust, sich wieder der eigentlichen Arbeit zuzuwenden. Damit l?sst sich so manche Blockade überwinden.

Add a new tool to your toolbox, whether that tool is physical, digital, or mental. Some examples would be: - a plug-in that you haven't tried - a digital paintbrush or pattern set - attending a workshop - taking a class or micro class - a reference book - a subscription to inspirational media - an actual tool (like a new stylus pen or tablet)

I prefer the flexibility brought by the general acceptance of remote working since the pandemic. However, as a creative, one of the things that I believe lag in comparison to the "old world" is the in person collaborative effort of brainstorm sessions. Even if we can come up with ideas by ourselves, nothing surpasses the benefits of sharing ideas live and bouncing back and forth concepts with other creative minds.

Just close the laptop and do an activity that grounds you in the present moment. Go for a walk and leave your phone at home. Have a conversation with the person you always walk past everyday. Have a cold shower. Share a laugh with someone you wouldn’t share a laugh with on a mundane day. In my experience creativity is enhanced by these seemingly pointless activities. They add colour to a rigid mind.

This is a good thing. I can tell you, if you don't take time for donwtime, it will happen anyway through illness, family matters, or other life interventions. Best to take charge to recharge. That way, when you are faced with enforced downtime, you can feel you've had time that is more productive for you. For brief downtime, I like to read humour, or do something silly with my family. Maybe put on old songs from my teen years and see if I can still do the dances that go with them. Think of Tom Cruise in Footloose and let loose.

If you are stuck trying to come up with a good idea, instead intentionally come up with some terrible ideas. The worse ideas you can possibly imagine. Now pat yourself on the back because "bad" ideas are not in fact garbage. They are the necessary compost we need for the good stuff to grow!

Experiment Freely by taking an art class in any interest you have. Don't worry about failure or being perfect. That creative journey you enjoy will also work in other areas of your life!

When a client (or boss) says NO to a good idea. I can't tell you how many times I've been stunned that good idea is being benched by a client. They may have totally good reasons and "you can lead a horse to water" as they say. But if you really believe in your idea, you'll do best to fully hear out your client on their idea, and with some diplomatic phrasing, you may be able to augment and make the project a hybrid of the best senarios. Worst case, pitch the idea to a more receptive client down the pike. If it's good, it will get picked up sooner or later. Or even better: Figure out a way to use that idea for yourself!

Your creativity is not a well that can run dry. It is a renewable source. Think of it as a muscle that needs use to get stronger! Then start practicing your creativity wherever you can and more will come.