We all struggle to do the things we love the most every once in a while. I find myself in creative slumps more often than I would like to be. Although I know that everything has it's seasons and cycles, my art practice too, sometimes you just need a little jumpstart! Here is my list that I use to get myself back in the flow. This could apply to hobby artists, seasoned professionals, crafters, or anyone trying to reignite their love and passion for their creative pursuit! 1. Know what your "flow state" trigger is. The thing that helps facilitate the creative spark. For me, it's dancing and listening to great music. Letting go into an intuitive moment brings me into the right headspace to paint or pick up the pencil to sketch. This especially works if I'm feeling anxious. But I also really value alone time. This is a big deal for my mental well-being as well as my creative well-being. 2. Feeling frustrated? Can't seem to get it right? Walk away from your project, give it a few hours or a day or two, when you come back to it you'll have fresh eyes. For example, If a portrait seems off but I just can't figure out why, It means I need to stop looking at it. When I come back the next day I can usually see the small fix and take care of it! Another tip is to take a well-lit and straight-on photo of the work and look at the photo after not seeing the piece for several hours. For some reason, it's just easier to spot issues in the photo.
3. Go for a walk through the neighborhood, the woods, the beach, or hit the trail. I love a dip in the river to soothe my nervous system. Go by yourself, no tech! Get quiet.
4. Sketch often. (This is specifically for the artists! But I think everyone should jot down their ideas on paper!) 5. Go to the studio (even if the "studio" is just a desk in your kitchen). If you haven't been in your making space for a while, just show up. No pressure.
6. Clean the fuck up. If your space is messy, your headspace will feel messy too. I am a disorganized mess but I like to keep my studio fairly organized because I can't function creatively in a space that's chaos! I like to put the paint tubes away after every session if I can. I will have weekly tidy-ups and monthly deep cleaning sessions where I organize everything.
7. If you can, have a dedicated space for your work- do it! It is great to be able to leave an in-progress piece out so that the next time you go to work, you aren't wasting time setting up and taking it down. (It's a balance to keep relatively clean, but also leave out in-progress works!)
8. Switch it up. Painting a lot of portraits in acrylic? Try still life sketches on paper or draw your dog with oil pastels. Change your medium, change your subject, change your color choices, even if it's just for today.
9. Talk to other artists. Bounce off ideas, see what they are working on, get feedback, try a collaboration, share your struggles and your wins!
10. Rearrange your workspace, add some new art, some fairy lights, anything to refresh the space and make it more "you".
11. Work on the more business-y side of your art practice. (Again, this tip is aimed more at the working artists.) Update your website or your CV. Go to entry thingy and browse the art open calls. Check out some local art markets or apply to a group show. This is great for when you want to be working on your art but can't seem to get there in the studio. 12. Know when to let go of something that isn't working. I have a stack of canvases that need to be gessoed over because they just didn't work out! It's okay to let a project die or take on a new life. 13. Try something new! Take a class or workshop. Always wanted to try spoon carving? Wanna learn about mushroom foraging? Go for it! Try a new experience, call up that acquaintance you actually want to be friends with, take that workshop you've said you wanted to sign up for! Try a new activity that has nothing to do with your creative pursuits! 14. Take care of yourself. If you're not doing well on an emotional, spiritual, and physical level it's going to be hard to create. 15. Turn off your mother fucking phone! Ditch your social media. 16. Know when you just really need a break and then allow yourself to take it! Remind yourself that it will come back to you again!
Those are my tips and tricks for when I'm not feeling as inspired and I hope they help you next time you're struggling to create!
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