OVERCOMING THE CREATIVE BLOCK AS A CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL

Aug 16, 20214 min read

I have been inactive on this blog for such as long time :( i apologise.

I hope you are doing well <3

As you can see from the title, this post is about experiencing a creative block as a "creative" individual or a person who considers themselves as such. I put the word "creative" in quotation marks because i do not believe that creativity has one definite nor stagnant meaning. I believe we are all creative beings in our own ways.

Before i go further, let me define what a creative block is. It is well described by Simplicable as a " period of time when the creative output of an individual or team falls to low levels. Unlike regular tasks such as cleaning a basement, creativity tends to have great peaks and valleys of productivity."

A creative block is susceptible to anyone, whether you are an artist, musician, chef, writer, photographer and anyone that is in the creative space.

I have also fallen victim to this. I lacked the motivation, inspiration to write posts on this blog, take aesthetic pictures for my Instagram etc. A creative block can last for hours, days, weeks, months and even years. This is why you find that some musicians take a hiatus and don't release any music.

There are numerous reasons why people get creative blocks:

Comparing yourself to other people that do the same craft
Feeling like they are under a lot of pressure/ overwhelmed
Not having motivation
Fear of being criticised and rejected
Experiencing an emotional and mental barrier
Having personal problems

Those are just some of the reasons for a creative block. Fortunately, you know your gal doesn't just bring you problems with NO solutions. In this house we provide solutions. There are solutions that may assist in getting your creative juices flowing again and they are listed below:

BE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS

Take a different approach or method in exploring your creativity. Ask for assistance from people you look up to or people that are interested in the same craft. Let people share their opinions and ideas.

2. CREATE A MOODBOARD

Gather sources such as pictures, words, articles, colours that are similar to what you want to create. This does not have to be perfect. You can draw/sketch, collect pictures on Pinterest and Tumblr. This is the method that i use the most. Find a muse!!

3. EXPLORE A NEW ENVIRONMENT

Being stuck in one place can get boring, so try and shift your work space to outside (your garden, parks, going on solo or group dates that could spark an idea. You never know what inspiration you might get in those spaces.

4. LET PEOPLE SEE/HEAR YOUR IDEA

Depending on your craft, you can get people- even strangers- to see, hear, explore what you are working on. If you are a musician let people hear that verse, if you are a painter, let people see your progress. Always allow and listen for constructive criticism. When you look/ hear something continuously and for too long you might end up believing that is SUCKS. I could make an analogy about a selfie that you take and look at for a long time, you end up noticing weird flaws.

5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

At times, we feel like the task ahead of us is impossible. Your mind tells you that you are incapable of performing well. When they say "self cav is the best cav" they were not lying. So believe in your talent, skill- YOUR IDEA IS VALID. Do not give up and most importantly, do not let anyone underestimate your abilities- even yourself.

6. DO NOT RUSH THE PROCESS

Do not think too hard about the end result, enjoy the process of it all. Rome was not built in one day, if it was, would it really be the empire that we know of right now?

7. RELAX!!

When Kit Kat said " Have a break, have a Kit Kat", they knew what they were saying chile.

8. RESEARCH

This point ties with the process of making a mood board. Research similar concepts and ideas of whatever project you are working on.

9. SLEEP!

Now would it really be A Dose of Vitamin Sli post if I did not promote sleep? Ay, i doubt.

This might appear as anti-productive but trust me sometimes you must "rest, bafwethu". There are certain ideas that need you to sleep on, so that when you wake up you have a clear idea regarding what you want to achieve.

10. DO NOT BE AFRAID

Creative blocks happen to the best of us, do not be afraid of them. I know it seems scary and frustrating but i promise you will bounce back.