8 Powerful Strategies to Overcome Creative Block
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and Start Creating Again
Hey, creatives! Let’s talk about something every artist, designer, and creator faces at some point: creative block. That frustrating feeling when the ideas stop flowing, and everything you try just feels… stuck. Trust me, I’ve been there and I’m sure it will happen again! Creative block is a normal part of the creative journey, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to hold you back for long. Here are 8 powerful strategies to overcome creative block that help you get back to creating with passion and purpose. Let’s dive in!
1. Take a Break and Reset
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do when you hit a creative wall is to take a break. Creativity can’t always be forced, and sometimes our minds just need time to reset. Step away from your workspace, go for a walk, or indulge in something completely different that you enjoy. Fresh air, movement, and a little distance from your project can help your mind recharge, and often, inspiration will strike when you least expect it.
Remember, it’s okay to take a breather. Sometimes, the best ideas come after we give ourselves permission to relax and recharge.
2. Change Up Your Routine
Creative blocks can sometimes come from getting too comfortable or predictable in our routines. Changing things up—whether it’s where you work, what tools you use, or even the time of day you create—can bring a fresh perspective. If you usually work digitally, try sketching by hand for a while. Or if you’re always at your desk, take your work to a coffee shop or outside if possible.
The shift in your surroundings or process can open up new ways of thinking, helping you see your project from a fresh angle.
3. Do Something Completely Different
When your mind feels cluttered, stepping away to do something totally unrelated to your work can clear your thoughts and spark new ideas. Cooking, playing an instrument, gardening, or even tackling a puzzle are great ways to refresh your mind. These activities stimulate different parts of your brain, giving your creative side a much-needed rest.
I often find that focusing on something else gives my brain a break from “forcing” ideas, and suddenly, new thoughts come up naturally, almost like a spark reigniting.
4. Get Inspired by Other Creatives
Looking at work from artists and designers you admire can help you break out of a creative rut. Check out books, browse Pinterest boards, or go down a YouTube rabbit hole of creative tutorials. Inspiration can come from anywhere: the colors in a photograph, the textures in a painting, or the rhythm of a music video.
Sometimes, I revisit my own Pinterest board, Surface Pattern Design Tips & Tricks, for a fresh dose of ideas, insights, and techniques. Seeing the work of others in the creative community can remind us why we love creating in the first place, and can often spark fresh ideas of our own!
5. Try a Creative Exercise or Challenge
When your mind feels blank, sometimes all you need is a gentle push. Creative exercises, like setting a time limit to sketch as many ideas as possible or creating a pattern with just two colors, can take the pressure off “getting it perfect” and put the focus on simply creating. There are tons of design challenges online (like Inktober or 100 Days of Design) that can help you flex those creative muscles in a fun, low-stakes way.
You don’t have to do anything complicated—just pick something simple that gets you experimenting and playing again. Remember, the goal is to loosen up, not create a masterpiece.
6. Embrace Imperfection and Just Start
One of the biggest obstacles in overcoming creative block is often the fear of not getting it “right.” Perfectionism can be a huge creativity killer. Remind yourself that it’s okay to start messy. Give yourself permission to create something imperfect, experimental, or just plain different from your usual style.
Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes, and just start creating without judgment. Let go of any expectations and allow yourself to explore ideas without overthinking. Often, once you get started, the ideas start to flow naturally.
7. Connect with a Creative Community
One of the most fulfilling ways to overcome creative block is to connect with others who understand. Talk to other designers, join a creative community, or reach out to friends who are also in the arts. Hearing about others’ struggles and successes can remind you that you’re not alone in this. Plus, sharing your work and getting feedback can provide that external boost you might need to see your work from a new perspective.
This is exactly why I created Create and Live, our community where creatives can come together to support and inspire each other. When we share our challenges and victories with like-minded people, we often find the motivation we need to push through creative blocks.
8. Reconnect with Nature
Whenever I feel creatively drained, nature is my go-to for a fresh dose of inspiration. The organic shapes, colors, and textures we see outside are like a visual reset button. Whether it’s the intricate pattern of a leaf, the shifting colors of a sunset, or the sound of birds, nature has a way of sparking creativity in the most effortless way.
Grab a camera or sketchbook and take a nature walk. Observe closely, and let your surroundings inspire new ideas or patterns. The natural world is filled with beauty that can reignite your creative spark and remind you of the limitless possibilities all around us.
Creative blocks are normal, but they’re not permanent. With a bit of patience, flexibility, and willingness to try new things, you can break through that block and rediscover your creative spark. Remember, creativity is a journey—sometimes the moments we feel stuck are just what we need to move forward in a new and exciting direction.
So the next time you find yourself feeling blocked, try one (or a few) of these strategies, and give yourself permission to explore without pressure. You’ll be back to creating with passion and purpose in no time!
Join Our Community for More Inspiration
Feeling inspired? At Create & Live, we’re more than just a community—we’re a network of passionate creatives, artists, and designers committed to building balanced, fulfilling lives fueled by creativity. Here, you’ll find tips, support, and encouragement to help you stay motivated and balanced. Join us on this journey! Follow us on Instagram @create_n_live, connect in our private Facebook group, and introduce yourself! We’d love to hear fun facts about you and what drives your creativity. Let’s build a thriving, balanced life together!
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