Keeping Your Creative Flame Burning

Do you ever feel so completely uninspired that you just cannot seem to "create" anything - good, bad or in between?  These dry spells can hit anyone, anywhere and at anytime.  There are days I sit down at my workspace and I just cannot muster up an ounce of inspiration.  I liken this feeling to that of writer's block.  I've had my share of that too, but that's another blog.

I have had to experiment with different methods to overcome these momentary stalls in my creative pursuits.  I have found the key is to never give into the feelings of self doubt or frustration. I know, I know, that is so much easier said than done but please believe me when I say our thoughts have such a huge impact on every facet of our being, including our "work".  If you start believing that you are not a creative person, or not good enough, or not smart enough, or your ideas suck - over time these thoughts will most definitely manifest themselves into reality.  

The key is to push through all those negative thoughts and feelings and find your way back to your artist within.  The things I have found that help me the most are as follows:

1.   I play my favourite music really loud.  I will sing along and even dance around.  It is almost impossible to remain stuck in a funk when you do this.  Music can unlock so much creativity inside of you.  I defy anyone not to feel good or motivated after jumping around to some good music!!

2.   If I find music not doing the trick (which isn't very often, but it can happen) I will pick up my journal and just start writing down whatever pops in my head.  And I mean WHATEVER.  Even if it is completely absurd or incoherent, I will just write it down.  Soon I will find myself working through all the noise in my head and I will find the clarity that I've been craving.  Journals are such a wonderful tool and something that I could not live without.  Just try it for one week!!  When you are having any strong feelings, whether they be positive or negative, just grab a pen and a journal and write until you are spent.  I promise this is an exercise you won't regret!!

3.   Okay, so I've listened to the music, wrote a few things in my journal but I am still just a little hung up and not feeling quite ready to sit down and create - this is when I need some visual stimuli.  This is when I know I need to take some time and look at the work of other's.  Whether they be famous, well known artists and designers or just someone posting their work on the web.  I have so much appreciation for the bounty of talent that is at our fingertips to admire and study.  I have a few books that I love looking through time and time again because I am just blown away by the artistry they portray.  I have a few bookmarked websites of artists that I am in complete awe of and just looking at their works can spark a fire inside me.  I love to study.  I love finding new works and new talent to learn about.  We are all students.  We never cease learning.  So find something to look at, something that blows you away, something that makes you want to be better.  

If you try these 3 steps and you still find yourself feeling uninspired.  Take a break.  Walk away for a bit.  Relax.  Breathe.  Your creative spark will ignite again.  You may just need a moment to recharge.  I like to have a cup of tea and read a book, chat with my hubby or laugh with my kids.  I know I will be back at my workspace in no time and when I am, you better stand back cause you may just get burned by my flames!!!