Being a creative is all about finding inspiration and bringing new ideas to life, but sometimes that creative spark can be elusive. When you're feeling stuck, it can be frustrating and demotivating. In this article, we'll explore six ways for creatives to get unstuck and to break through those blocks while finding new inspiration. From changing your environment to trying a new medium, these tips will help you get back on track and create with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Techniques to Get Out of a Creative Block

Change your environment

Sometimes, the best way to find your creative spark is to change your environment. Taking a step away from your desk or usual creative space and replacing it with a new location will add beneficial sensory elements to your creative experience. Your next muse is right around the corner, and for all you know, it’ll be that little birdie chirping outside.

Painting en plein air is my preferred form of meditation

Step away

When I say step away, I don’t mean to let go. Sometimes, the best way to approach a creative roadblock is to just take the long way around it. Go for a walk, make a coffee, pet your four-legged furry friend, or just get out of your creative space for a bit and enjoy the world around you.

Consume someone else’s creations

Being inspired by other creative projects is one of the best ways to motivate yourself. Most music streaming services offer a playlist that curates music for you, based on your listening habits. Take a second to listen to a few songs on that playlist, and hopefully, feel inspired after the fact.

If music isn’t your thing, take a peek at some of the creations from other members of the life i design community. People similar to you are creating beautiful works of art, and so can you.

Collaborate with a fellow artist

Collaborating with someone else in the art community can really help elevate your own work and take you out of your creative slump. Seeing their process, both in thought and practice, can give you ideas on how to formulate your next creation. They also might be able to give you personalized ways how to get into the project that you’ve set your sights on.

Get your brain moving by being active

Fuelling your brain by getting your body moving is one of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing. For some, that might mean taking a break to go through a grueling weight-lifting session or going for a long run. While for others, that could mean yoga, going for a walk, playing a sport, or anything that takes your focus away from your project in that current moment.

Take a bit of a methodological approach

At times, your approach might just be off. Take a second to rethink your palette, medium, or image as a whole. This can be beneficial as it’ll problem-solve some of the challenges that you were facing previously. Or, use this as an opportunity to find flaws in what you’re making. Maybe you’re not in love with your choice of colour, or the way the outline came out. Revisiting these topics and ensuring you’re in love with them can turn your creative spark on. If you need help with color and composition, you can always check out one of our many art classes here.