My creativity comes in waves. I will have a week where I am constantly creating, and then next week, it feels like I have to scrape the sides of my brain with a spatula in order to get anything out. This is normal, and I find that when I force myself to create something, it never works out. My creative process never even feels like I’m writing; it feels like words and music appear in front of me. When I’m burnt out, I can feel the smoke coming out of my ears… when I approach these burnt-out weeks, there are some things that can be done to find more inspiration.
My first way to gain back some steam is to focus on something I enjoy. As an artist, I forget that making art is still work, and I will neglect self-care. When I face an art block, it’s usually a result of forgetting to take time for myself at some point. I have to make sure that in my making of music, I let it stay fun. I do other things, like watch a comfort movie, go on a walk, or have a favorite meal. In situations where you feel overwhelmed, do something that reminds you that there is more than work.
I also tend to listen back to old material. When I face burnout, sometimes I will listen back to old recordings or songs or re-read some poetry. Usually, this will light a spark and make me want to continue working. Sometimes, I’ll have something to add or to fix, so it makes me excited about my projects again. However, sometimes, this can also make the burn-out worse and send me full force back into work mode, so it’s important to do this in moderation. Too much work isn’t fixed by MORE work. Use this as an opportunity to be proud of what you’ve made so that when you want to work later, you feel excited, too.
I also like to find new forms of art. I find myself absorbing the art around me like a creative sponge. I listen to a lot of music when I am not making my own; it reminds me why I love it so much. Referencing other art is a great way to find new inspiration for techniques. Even if it’s not the same medium as you, it’s super impactful. I recently visited MoMA, and it sent me into a creative frenzy. Looking at certain paintings made me want to experiment with mixed-media music in order to replicate how the paintings made me feel. I fully advise exploring beyond your medium and appreciating the art around you.
When I experience art block at its worst, it starts to affect me beyond just the art; I start taking it as a personal hit towards myself. I start getting anxious because I feel like I am not being productive enough. I end up putting a lot of pressure on myself instead of taking the time to regenerate creatively. This adds a lot of stress and does the complete opposite. My music and writing have to be genuine. I can’t force myself to try and write something because it will never be the same. I have to remember that just because I am not actively creating, it doesn’t mean I get all of my experience as an artist. It is okay to take breaks; your entire worth is not defined by art block. You can’t let it get to you. The creative process can’t be forced, but it’s never a bad time to search for new inspiration and build more ideas.
