TIPS FOR GETTING OVER A CREATIVE BLOCK

happy monday you all,

you know what they say, there is nothing new under the sun and if i have felt it, you probably have too.

Creative Block is the biggest sickness of a creative person.

i experienced it for over a year and looking back i wish i knew a few things and didn't blame myself for the not being able to do what i was born to do, CREATE.

today, I'm sharing 10 tips for getting over a creative block, whether it's a writer's block, blogger's block, Designer's block or an artist block.

Enjoy.

 
GADGET DETOX: From experience I realised that technology never really helped a creative in any other way than as a tool. Sometimes all we need as creatives' is to cut off ties from our phones, laptops, TVs and take a walk, absorb in the amazing views around us, visit gardens and appreciate nature and notice how much inspiration really exists around us.

IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM: I remember the worse case of writer’s block i ever experienced; it started sometime in between breaking up with a certain ex of mine and leaving school, since a writers / creative block is pretty psychological it took sitting down and analysing the situation to understand the problem. I realised my boyfriend at that time was my muse and my hostel and university was my inspiration as most of my topics revolved around my school life and experience. Understanding the problem made me realise what needs to change; i needed to find something new to write about and a muse.

FIND A MUSE: it’s easy as a makeup artiste or fashion designer to find a muse; it’s really about the face or body that appeals to you. For a writer it’s a different ball game entirely, it’s really about that situation or person whose story or character speaks to you. If you are experiencing any form of creative block, be open and find beauty and inspiration in every situation, look around for that person whose story, attitude, carriage, battles and even hopes and inspirations matter and minister to you.

INVEST IN GOOD MUSIC/MOVIES: So many designers and writers have gotten inspiration from lyrics and characters of music and movies respectively. I’m personally presently obsessed with the docuVideo of Beyonce’s yours and mine (clips can be seen on my IG @DEE_MAKO). It gives me the push i need to create. Sometimes it’s the right music that sets the mood for creativity and the perfect movie leads to an inspired collection or design.

TALK ABOUT IT: It used to bother me a lot that I liked to talk, well to people I’m comfortable with. It bothered and still bothers me even more that I talk about only surface issues and never about how I truly feel, my main issue as always been cautiousness and safety but I have also realised that the only way to really feel better is by telling someone the story of your heart and soul and maybe even mind. Expressing deep feelings give way to freedom and being free is really the key to being creative.

STOP TRYING & DO SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT: Just like the gadget detox, another detox is to stay off your creative process for a while and try new things. Just because you are trying to create doesn’t mean you should create anything less than magic. If you are an artist try something other than that, maybe explore photography and if you are a writer try catching up with friends and talking instead. The reward of this step would be a renewed and refreshed self  and perspective. Doing the same thing everyday can be a bore. It happens even with blogging also, i took a much needed break October last year and a lot of people i know have done the same at some point of their blogging years. The most important part of getting your creative mojo back is to stop! Breathe! Try something new and fun! Then start again! You would be shocked where you can find inspiration.

SLEEP/EAT/CRY: Simple natural factors such as lack of sleep, hunger and heavy heartiness can cause a creative block. So sometimes what you need is real simple, a peaceful uninterrupted 6 hours or more sleep, a tasty homemade family recipe and/or Entering into a corner and crying and in some cases walking to a field and screaming is a good substitute. I personally have experienced the heavy heartiness situation, i couldn’t pin point what caused it but i knew all i needed was a good scream, so I took a stroll with my friend and when we got to a bridge that was slightly deserted i gave my loudest scream, in that same moment I felt better and relieved.

SORT OUT YOUR LIFE: once you identify the problem is also very important for you to sort yourself out, this may include planning and figuring out certain things and writing out a game plan. This may also include leaving certain habits and friends behind. I have realised that creativity never strives in the midst of mess, drama or worries. So do the needful and sort yourself out.

STAY POSITIVE: staying positive is the most important step for overcoming a creative block, first you need to surround yourself with positive people, meditate often, say personalised positive quotes and bible verses that apply to what you are trying to achieve and believe in the change and the stage understand that its a normal situation and be positive about everything.

FORGIVE: This tip whether you like it or not may and most likely apply to you like it applied to me. Forgive yourself and forgive others. My creative block like i mentioned was as a result of heartbreak and even though I had moved on and started to be friends with the person, the fact that I hadn't consciously forgiven the person and freed myself of all hate and negativity held captive the part of me that is creative, that adventurous and spontaneous. The forgiveness was all I needed; I also had to forgive myself for not being creative. I had to remind myself that 'its okay that I was stuck at the beginning of every poem, prose or post. I ended up realising that ‘this too shall pass’ and it did.