What is the best way to get past a creative block?

Question

For example when you are making a story or creating artwork or designing stuff.

Answer 1

What helps me is listening to different kinds of music to see how it affects me. If times are stressful, calm yourself by having some nice warm foods and relax maybe in a tub of hot water.
Another thing you could try is watching some interesting looking movies/cartoons so that you can witness some art forms in action!
Lastly, you could surf the internet for images that people have drawn. Perhaps they'll be of help to inspire you!

~ From a fellow artist.

Answer 2

Take a walk, lose yourself in nature, watch an ant, it slows your brain from the self imposed frenzy of deadline panic, or take a nap.
If those would not inspire you, scream your most blood curdling scream, out there in the ocean shores, over the breakers where the waves are crashing down so no one can hear your maniacal raving against ... well.. not getting any inspiration.
Then, walk home, or get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a muffin.
You might get fired from your job later but for now, you are replete and content and as your mom will always say, keep that tummy warm, and dont forget that jacket.

Answer 3

What helps you be creative? A long walk, music, looking at others' artwork, being still? Try some of those. Sometimes a good idea can't be forced out of you - it has to come at its own time.

Answer 4

The best way to get past a creative block is to do something that is stimulating, but entirely unrelated to your project for a while, like working a puzzle. Exercise also helps.

Answer 5

I've collected a lot of suggestions on that topic on this page at my website:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/creativity,inspir,art.htm
(... click especially on the subcategory *Creativity and Inspiration*...)

(though my site deals mostly with polymer clay, getting past blocks is common to many creative pursuits so most things there would apply equally to other things too)


Good luck!

Diane B.

Answer 6

Start messing around with your supplies/medium or paper. Just being with my stamps, inks and paper can help me overcome a block. So can looking at trade magazines or idea books. Also, just before I go to sleep and just as I'm waking up, I try to let ideas come into my head. I repeat them to myself a couple of times and then fall asleep or get up and do it.

For writing, try writing on a 3x 5 index card. Less space may seem less intimidating.

Answer 7

Take a short break - watch a movie, read a book - think about what you liked/didn't like and let the ideas come. Especially If it's something you've never seen/read/heard of before. Think of what you enjoy and base your work of that. Chances are, if you like it, someone else at lease will too.

Answer 8

sometimes you just have to walk away for awhile....
try working on something else unrelated to the project that is creative....if you're writing a story, then try painting or drawing, or writing a poem...you're still doing something creative to get your creative juices going...soon you'll be ready to tackle your project again....