It's normal to be off your creative game, but it is not ok to allow it to paralyze you from doing any creative work. I've been creating and selling artwork for a few years. And if there is one thing I've learned is that if you want to become a better artist you have to create.
To make sure you are able to maintain your creative power -it begins with a jolt! Here are 3 Creative Power Boosters to get you going.
Creative Power Jolt # 1- Overcome Your Creative Block with a Change of Scenery
When you’re working on a new art piece and you get stuck, do this. Get up, walk around and sit in a different spot. Take another approach at looking at your computer screen from a different point of view. Sit in a different location and gain a new perspective.
Does this sound hokey –dokie?
Well it is not. A change in scenery, is a change in mindset. When you think new thoughts, the chemicals in your brain change. But what many people don’t know is that the opposite is also true. A change in your physiology – your body, posture, facial expressions, etc- will also change the chemistry in your mind.
Writers use exercise as a way to gain new insight or spark creativity. Body movement is an effective brain stimulator. – So get your body moving!!! Talk a walk around the neighborhood, watch and interact with a exercise video, change the location of where you create art, play some music in dance around the house (salsa music is my favorite) or just change the music in your mp3 player.
Creative Power Jolt # 2 - Track your Progress
Many people quit or never start a project because they just don’t have the creative juice needed to complete the project. Don’t let this happen to you!
Keep those creative juices flowing by using creative power jolt # 2 – Track your Progress.
Let me explain……. Tracking your progress shows you how far you’ve come. You are able to celebrate your success daily. And when you are able to see actual progress you are able to keep going. Weight Watches requires their clients to track their progress and to document what they eat and their feelings in a journal. As an artist I am asking you to track your progress in an artist journal.
You could buy a journal, or use flickr, or create a blog . Just find something to keep up with your progress as an artist. Keep track of the materials you use, include paint swatches of colors in a piece of artwork, take photos of your artwork in a step by progress, include images of items that inspire you.
What I have found about tacking my progress is that I actually can see growth in what I have done. I offer comment on my use of color in a particular art piece and I try to use those same colors in another art piece. I flip through my journal/blog to locate what I’ve documented as things that inspire me. This really gets my creative juices flowing.
Creative Power Jolt # 3 – Use Comparison to Give Yourself a Boost
I have mistaken compared myself to master collage artist. And how wondered if I will every reach that level. I would often look at my work and then theirs and say:
· I will never be able to do that?
· I can’t draw like that?
· I don’t have enough space to work that large.
This type of negative self-talk can grow like weeds in your mind and can actually paralyze you into doing nothing. The important thing is to catch yourself before this weed (negative self-talk) takes over your mind. You never want to compare yourself to someone who’s better than you – unless you’re looking for ways to improve.
If you are going to compare than look back through all things you have accomplished so far. Create a list of all the small and big accomplishments. Then take the list and update your artist resume, if you don’t have an artist resume, then this is the perfect time to create one.
