With the new year, many of us make new years resolutions to maybe loose that stubborn 10 pounds, or make more time for family or if you are more like me, I like to make resolutions for my creative aspects of my life. Last year, I was so thankful that I grew as an artist, doubted myself, went through complete burnout and made it through with a new perspective and joy for creating. Through the struggles, we learn and grow to become better artists.
When I am in a creative rut, I do one of or all of the following to keep motivated and keep creating:
Get inspired
When you get used to the same thing every day then things can get stale and redundant. It is always a good idea to shake things up and get inspiration from little things like changing up your routine. It can be simply things like changing the route you take to and from work, reading or watching a series you would never watch before or even changing the time of day you are in your studio or the type of music you listen to when you are creating. These small things can motivate and inspire you to push you out of your comfort zone and find new creative avenues.
Take a break
Sometimes we just need a short break from creating. Creation is one of the purest forms of expression so sometimes we just need some time to center ourselves before the next project or creative stage. Listen to your body and mind, give it the time and space to rest, and recover. Only through the process of rest can you really boost your creativity and fill your emotional well back up. Now for me, rest is a combination of just being in the moment, taking time for myself through a yoga practice or bubble bath, making a cup of tea, reading a good book and trying a new art supply to see if I like it or would add it to my creative process. All of these things help me to reset, recharge and fill up my emotional well.
Find time for your own work that brings you joy
Sometimes you can be bogged down with a large project or commission and the creative process can start to lose its joy. Therefore, I always have multiple pieces on the go and do art just for me that is not recorded for social media, artwork that is not perfect as I’m experimenting and painting either in a different style (like cubism) or changing the subject matter that I paint. Through this process, I find the joy that I felt when I started painting in my teens.
Try something new
Sometimes it can be rejuvenating to try something new, something completely out of your wheelhouse. I love finding new art supplies to try or discovering a new art form through discovering a new artist or reading a new art book. In the last couple of months, I discovered my joy for collage and the different ways collage can be added to my creative process. I always thought of collage as being magazine papers or decoupage style creations or mixed media based with 3D objects glued on your piece. I did not know the variety of papers that could be used in a collage or how patterned paper could be made with transparent papers to add depth and how cut-outs of various shapes could elevate your piece. If I did not take this leap and try a new course, I would not have discovered this new art form that I love to work in.
Catch up with creative friends
It is important to have creative friends that understand the ups and downs of the creative process. This can come from other artists in your community or even your online communities through Facebook groups. I have found and made incredible friends through attending creative conferences, joining Facebook groups through art courses and attending art retreats. These are my kindred peeps that get it, encourage and inspire.
Connect with nature
If I am out of sorts, I go to nature to center myself. I love to get out in nature and either go for a walk, find a bench to sit and think, or find a spot near water and listen to the trickling sounds. I do not know what it is about nature but it grounds me in a way that nothing else does. It can be difficult to do any of these things in winter when living in Canada but sometimes listening to nature sounds or watching a nature documentary can work too.
Clean and tidy your creative space
I tend to have multiple projects on the go so I always have too many supplies open and spread out over multiple surfaces and areas within my studio. It can become overwhelming. So I try to clean, tidy and reconfigure my creative space at least 2-3 times a year. This helps reset and feel as if I can start anew with my energy levels and motivation to enter and create within the studio. There is something about having the studio tidy and all the supplies in their place that fosters creativity and allows my ideas to flow.
Eliminate distractions
I tend to create my own distractions and try to do various things simultaneously. I have multiple tabs open on my phone, too many lists of tasks in my notes app, I have 30 art pieces on the go at various stages (which is too many, as I do not know where to start) and it can all become too overwhelming if not reined in.
I used to have one space for my photography and artwork supplies and I never felt productive, as it was just too much stimulation and distractions. Middle of last year, I decided to move my photography gear out and create a separate space for it as it would give me more room in the studio for just artwork. This tiny change was life changing in my creative process. I now have a decided art space that fosters inspiration and creativity.
Refuel your creative tank by visiting art galleries
I find inspiration when I go to different art galleries and explore their collections. I see what other artists are saying with their art and what mediums they use to express themselves. Through this joyful exploration of other artist’s work, I find introspection on my work and feelings when I am creating. You can also find this type of inspiration through exploring other artists on Pinterest or Instagram but there is something special about walking around in a gallery or museum and seeing the artwork how it was meant to be experienced. I highly recommend spending time in either art galleries or museums to see what has been painted and what stories have been shared in the past and how artists are painting and sharing stories right now.
I sometimes do one of the above activities and sometimes I do all of them. Finding the right mix of activities to refuel your inspiration and creativity is key. As we look back and look forward, may your creative journey be filled with joy, exploration and new treasures this year.