With the current state of the world, I know that it has been hard to stay creative and motivated for so many of us. Whether working from home or unemployed, it can we difficult to find that spark of creativity that you once had pre-pandemic. Maybe at times, isolation didn’t bring the inspiration and creativity that you wanted to see. I have found myself in this slump often this year. If you are anything like me, sometimes the hardest thing is to get “un-stuck.” With that being said, I thought I would share some thoughts and discoveries that I have found to help me keep creative process fresh.
Consistency:
Whether you take daily walks to clear your mind or you spend time in your studio to work out new ideas; consistency is an important discipline of a creative. No matter what genre you find yourself gravitating toward, consistency in practicing your art form only produces a stronger sense of identity within one’s creative expression. The reality is… life get can get very busy. There is no denying that for any of us. Therefore, scheduling creative time for yourself will only be beneficial to developing your ideas.
Here is a practical tip that I have implemented during quarantine: Sit down every day, at the same time, and write down your thoughts. Whether they are thoughts on a future projects, dreams, or goals you have set for yourself. Learning to fall in love with the process of consistently nurturing your ideas will only support you seeing those ideas come to life.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Risk-Taking and Its Benefits:
Have you ever tried a new idea only to find out that what you thought to be genius turned out to be a flop? How did you respond? When that happens to me, I tend to be embarrassed and want to give up. But creativity doesn’t care about results. It is about process.
If we are going to strive to create authentic art, we have to learn how to embrace the failures along the way. Failures or ideas that just didn’t work out often times can lead to other thoughts that will be that genius idea that sets your work apart. If you don’t take risks in your creative work, then you limit your discovery.
When you begin to view creative risk-taking as an open door to untapped potential, why wouldn’t you step into it? The most practical advice I continually give to myself about risk taking is this… Trust yourself.
Exposure to other artistic expressions:
If we are going to continue to not only grow creatively but produce original work, it is crucial to stimulate your senses with something new. Whether that be going to the park, visiting a flea market, watching a documentary about a foreign country. The list can go on. There is almost always something new to learn and be inspired from.
It has been beneficial to me in my own creative process, to observe and study something that I am not 100% familiar with. The takeaway from these experiences can inspire you more than you might think. And you never know how it can be applied to your own body of work.
I hope that some of these thoughts help you either get unstuck or maybe think about creative process in a different light. Remember that highly creative people PRACTICE creativity. Look for those ways you can stretch yourself to cultivate and nurture your ideas. The process is worth the end result. Happy creating!
Looking for More?
Here is another article on ways to think more creatively!
