Combating Creative Blocks
If you practice any sort of artistic medium, whether it be photography, painting, sculpting, writing, etc., you’re pretty much guaranteed to hit a creative roadblock every so often. Whenever you find yourself in that situation, just know that it’s extremely common amongst creatives, and not a sign of failure. Getting yourself out of a creative block can feel daunting, but there’s a few different things you can do to free yourself from that pit of doubt.
Take A Break - More often than not, when I find myself struggling to pick up my camera and make photos, it’s because I’m burnt out. Most photographers lean somewhere into the realm of hobbyists, so most of their time is consumed by the normal everyday tasks we all encounter, like a full time job and the normal chores we all have to do; cooking, cleaning, folding laundry, getting a good night's sleep, etc. So when we’re trying to get through the week on a very basic level, creativity can feel like a tall order on short notice. If you’re a hobbyist, there’s no shame in making time for yourself when the dust of life settles down for a bit. Take a break, your body and mind probably need it.
Create Anyway - To completely go against the advice I just gave you, the second most common reason I hit creative blocks is because I’m not creating something. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve told myself I didn’t feel like going out with my camera, just because. There was no real reason I didn’t, I just simply didn’t feel like I wanted to. But rather counterintuitively, there have been times I’ve fought through that state of mind, grabbed my camera, and created some of my favorite photos. The feeling of accomplishment from that kind of moment is always enough to get the creative gears turning. Don’t let an inch tall hurdle hinder a milestone moment of progress.
Network With Other Creatives - Sometimes, we have an idea in mind, but we don’t know how to execute or express it. Talking and networking with other people within the creative field can provide insight and perspective in ways you never would have thought of. Building a strong network of different folks within your niche (and even outside of your niche) isn’t simply getting to know more people, it’s a way to build a solid foundation of ideas, inspiration, and discipline within your craft.
Try Something New - If you’re a photographer and you only shoot one thing, try something that’s different to you. For example, if you only shoot landscapes, take a chance on shooting studio style portraiture. If you’re a studio portrait shooter, try street photography. If you’re a street photographer, give product photography a go. Switching up your routine is a great way to not only teach you more about how to operate different elements of your camera, but it’s an opportunity to learn new methods of things like lighting, composition, depth of field, and storytelling within your frame. There’s a ton of insight and intellect within each style of photography that you can mix and match from genre to genre. By only sticking to one thing, you’re potentially limiting your wealth of knowledge within whatever craft you practice.
Obviously, I can only really speak from a place of extensive experience with a camera. However, these tips apply to anyone who practices any sort of art medium. Whether it be painting, music, graphic design, cooking, baking, etc. The best way to overcome creative blocks of any type is to rest when needed, challenge yourself, and try new things. You’re not failing, you just need something to reset your creative mindset.
