Eight Ways to Overcome Creative Blocks, by Danielle Hark

Get it Down

When creative inspiration strikes, you may not be able to drop everything and get right to work on it. You may be at the bank, in the bathroom, or lying in your bed at night. Keeping a creativity journal, notebook, or word document handy, and simply writing down all of your ideas as they come, without judgment, will give you a great place to turn to when you feel a creative block. You can prioritize your list and pick one project to start with. Since the rest of your ideas have been written out, you can focus on one knowing that you can access the rest when you need a creative boost in the future. You can also make a game of it by writing your ideas on little pieces of paper and putting them in a jar. Next time you are feeling blocked, reach in and grab an idea from the jar and get creating.

Environment

The environment in which you create can affect your ability to make your art as well as what you create. Making a space specifically designated as an art space is a fun activity and will help get you in the creative zone. In addition to your inspiration board, you can decorate with colors that are soft and calming or bright and fun, depending on your preference. Add fun comfy chairs and your favorite works of art by yourself and others to surround you. Natural sunlight has been shown to improve both health and mental health, which can directly affect your creativity. Adding live houseplants not only makes the space more beautiful, but plants actually can clean and purify the air you breathe. If you have trouble tending to plants, there are varieties such as spider plants that require little care. Your art room, or even corner of a room, can represent you as an artist and inspire your future works.