​How to Be Creative When You’ve Run Out of Creative Juice

As artists, it’s natural to go through ups and downs. And knowing this... doesn’t make the “downs” suck any less. Especially when you’re in a creative rut.

At times, the world is our oyster and masterpieces fall from our fingertips. Other times, you might as well be trying to throw rocks through a wall. The empty canvas mocking you while you stare with a blank look.

But the belief that creativity is something you’re born with is a myth. Creativity is something you can grasp, something you can touch, and something you can access.

When you find yourself in a rut, here are a couple ways you can call upon your muse.

Escape

Same old environment, same old ideas. Try leaving your usual spot for some new sights. Go out into the world and travel for a few weeks. Maybe even just a walk in the park in a new town.

Fresh perspective, imagination, and creative new ideas can flourish from getting out of your comfort zone.

Take in the fresh foods, exotic architecture, and brand new views. But don’t neglect the mundane—the old couple walking side-by-side, the trees swaying in the wind against the dimming sun. Take it all.

From the escape, you can create something unique to serve as your memorabilia from the time spent away, be it a photograph, poetry, or painting and break free from the creative rut.

Limit Your Choices

Sometimes you can find yourself getting overwhelmed by the endlessness of ideas. So much so you start doubting yourself or feeling heavy indecision.

There’s a term for this—analysis paralysis.

Turns out too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

One of the best ways to get over analysis paralysis is by imposing limits. Try starting your project by choosing only a 5 color palette. Maybe force yourself to incorporate a healthy amount of negative space in your composition.

By forcing yourself to abide by some random constriction, you can really surprise yourself with the creative solutions you come up.

Journaling

“To be creative is to create from a point of relaxation.” — Tilda Swinton

So much of creativity is bogged down by the nagging voice of perfection. Journaling helps you let that voice go and reach a state of calm.

Record anything and everything that comes to mind—doodles, haiku, drawings and small sketches. Draw your inspiration from dreams, conversations, or the mundanities of life and record it all. Expand if you like it, scrap it if you don’t. There’s no pressure.

Some of the greatest artists do this—Leonardo da Vinci probably being the most famous.

Ideas are fleeting and having a notebook in hand is useful to capture inspirations and ideas. It’s personal. Nobody needs to see it. Play around and explore. This is about the journey, not the destination.

Connect with Other Artists

There’s something about seeing other people reach into their soul and throwing whatever they can grab at a canvas that is so inspiring.

Admire from afar or strike up a conversation. But simply being in the presence of great art can be a great way of jumping out of a creative rut.

Success stories and interviews of other creators are also great. They can share valuable perspectives and little insights that can spark whole new avenues of thought. And sometimes, it’s just magical and empowering hearing the journey others take in the arduous art world.

And of course, good conversation over good wine with fellow artists is a timeless classic. From sharing ideas to sharing laughs, the importance of this cannot be overstated.

After all, we’re all humans first. And sometimes feeding the part of us that is human allows us to spark and ignite the part of us that is artist.

Conclusion

““We are all born creative. We just got it educated out of us.” – Tham Khai Meng

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise—everyone, and I mean everyone, was born with the potential to be creative. As long as we are open, willing to take risks, and always hungry for more, you can be the most creative version of yourself. When you find yourself in a rut, try these tips:

Travel, escape

• Comfort kills creation. By getting out of that zone, you embed yourself in “new.” This allows your brain to create connections as it familiaries itself with the surroundings.

Limit your choices

• Sometimes we have too many ideas. For these times, try adding a random constraint to your project. By adding a self-imposed constraint, you limit your narrow of focus and open your mind to creative solutions.

Journaling

• Good is the enemy of perfection. And perfection is the enemy of productivity. Journaling is a great way to let go and let yourself be less than perfect. By jotting down your ideas as they come, you’re not waiting for inspiration to come, you’re hunting for it.

Connect with Artists

• What better way to access creativity than by surrounding yourself with creative people? Other artists can share ideas, inspiration, laughs, and a good time.

How do you access your creativity? Share your tips in the comments below. 

Written by Emily May

Emily May Gunawan from Sally & Emily photography duo was born in Sydney and raised in Jakarta, positioning her and her sister Sally to engage with both Western and Eastern worlds. Since establishing her career in 2012, they have gone on to work with global brands including Adidas, Tim Tam, to NYLON Magazine in a wide range of capacities both for print and digital publications as photographers, creative directors, to videographers. Sally & Emily’s images are fuelled by self-discovery and contemporary femininity, taking inspirations from their diverse cultural heritage and personal stories. View their works at www.sallyemily.com and follow the journey at www.instagram.com/sally_emily