How to Break Through Creative Blocks (Even When You Feel Stuck)
A creative block isn't always a dead end. Sometimes, it’s a sign that your creativity is evolving, stretching, or unlocking something new.
But when you're in the middle of it, it can feel frustrating. As if you're staring at a blank page or canvas, second-guessing every idea, and waiting for inspiration that never comes.
Below, you’ll find a video where I’m talking about some simple, practical ways to break through creative blocks and get back into your flow. You’ll also find these ideas expanded on and tailored for artivists in the text below.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Use a Sketchbook to Experiment
I think one of the biggest causes of creative blocks is the fear of making something bad.
We overthink every mark, every color choice, every brushstroke. So instead of creating, we get stuck.
This is why sketchbooks are a lifesaver. At least, they have been for me. A sketchbook isn’t for polished, perfect work, at least not for me. For me, it’s a low-pressure playground for creativity.
Here are some ways to use your sketchbook that might help you break creative blocks:
Make messy, loose marks with different tools just to fill a page
Try a medium or tool you never use
Doodle without a plan; just let your hand move across the paper
Creating art for activism and social change (artivism), it’s easy to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create art that matters and has a specific message. But, when you shift from “I have to make something good” to "I’m just going to play", you may just remove the pressure that’s blocking you.
And suddenly, ideas start flowing again. Some of which are better than others.
It might take some time and more than a few pages in your sketchbook to get there. But you will get there.
Another tip I have is to…
Change Your Environment
Have you ever noticed that you get your best ideas in the shower, on a walk, or right before bed?
That’s because our brains rest when we’re not constantly focusing on getting the answer or the solution to our block.
When you stare at the same canvas, the same tools, the same blank page, your brain gets stuck in a loop.
But the good news is that you can break free from that loop.
You can try:
Moving to a different space. Test out working in a park, a café, or even a different room.
Surrounding yourself with inspiration. Flip through art books, watch a documentary, or go to a museum.
Taking a break and doing something unrelated. Maybe exercise, cook, or take a nap (your brain will work in the background!).
Sometimes, creative blocks aren't the result of a lack of ideas. Sometimes it’s just about needing a mental rest (and often because you have too many ideas).
A change of scenery can be an easy way to reboot your creativity.
And, if you need a little challenge to get out of your comfort zone, then…
Set a Timer and Just Start
This can also be very helpful if you know that your block is caused by resistance. Because, many times, the hardest part is just starting.
So, to work around this, give yourself a time constraint to do a particular creative task.
Here are some examples:
Set a timer for 30 seconds to make as many different marks on one piece of paper as you can manage.
Set a timer for 1 minute to draw the contour of a random object without lifting the pencil from the paper.
Set a timer for 2 minutes to draw the wrinkles in your hand without looking at your paper.
Set a timer for 3 minutes to make a mind map of words you think are funny or beautiful.
Set a timer for 4 minutes to make a color palette of 5 colors you don’t usually use.
Set a timer for 5 minutes to write a poem Bout a specific topic of choice.
Set a timer for 10 minutes to make a small collage with a specific theme or topic of choice.
And so on.
When you stop waiting for inspiration and just start moving your hands, inspiration usually follows.
And when you do experiments and fun, creative exercises like these, it can lead to real breakthroughs.
Final Words
If you’re feeling creatively blocked, remember:
Use a sketchbook to play and experiment.
Change your environment to refresh your brain.
Set a timer and just start.
And remember to have fun.
Creative block isn’t a sign that you’ve lost your creativity. It’s a sign that you might just need a new approach.
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