You’ve been staring at a blank page, or worse you’ve been creating vigorously, for what seems like ages, and though it’s hard to put your finger on it, nothing seems “right.” You’re starting to feel like a hamster stuck in a relentless loop of creative disappointment.

No matter your medium, we’ve all been there… the dreaded artistic slump. If your normal jump starter methods have fallen short, here are six sure-fire ways to ease the anxiety of impending stagnation that’s holding you back. 

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”

 - Nathaniel Branden

As with most of life’s issues, awareness and acceptance have to happen before any true change can occur. Don’t hide from your slump or let it get you down. Acknowledge its existence as part of your creative process, and take some action steps to help you return to your former days of creative grandeur. 

“People talk about escapism as though it’s something nasty, but escapism is wonderful!”

- Margaret Forster

Sometimes you just need to step away from your project and turn off your brain for a little while to get those creative juices flowing. Indulge in your latest paperback, watch an episode of your favorite guilty pleasure on Netflix, or open a bottle of wine and let Pandora whisk you away. In moderation, escaping the problem may be just what you need to relax and rejuvenate. 

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

- Albert Einstein

If mental escape doesn’t do the trick, try a more physical approach. In this day and age of constant connection to mass media, many of us are neglecting our instinctual connection to nature. Get out of the house, and be sure to leave your cellphone behind! Take a walk, commune with mother nature. You’re sure to come back to the table with fresh eyes and an unburdened soul. 

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

- Mark Twain

Does the glorious solitude of nature feel more like isolation to you? Perhaps a step in the opposite direction is what you need. Who is the most inspirational person you know? How does it feel to spend time with them? If your muse lives nearby arrange to meet for coffee, if they’re a little farther off perhaps a Skype date will do the trick. The important thing is to connect with others who bring you up and can help you break through your pesky creative block (FYI… The Art Journal Emporium is an amazing environment to help you connect with other soulful creatives just like you!). 

“You can’t wait for inspiration; you have to go after it with a club.”

- Jack London

In other words, don’t stop creating. I know, it feels like everything you’re creating right now is a steaming pile of dinosaur dung, but sometimes the best way to get through a slump is just to plug your nose and power on. But, if the same old song and dance just isn’t working for you, try a little something new… 

“To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often.”

- Winston Churchill

The more you practice a particular style, the better you get at it, the more comfortable you become doing it, which is great… until you find yourself square in the middle of a big fat slump. Just like your workout regimen, your design regimen should have some good healthy variety thrown into the mix. Break out of that creative stagnation that is your comfort zone and try something new, be it products, techniques, or topics. Your brain will thank you!

Hopefully these six steps will help you gain control of your creativity and set you on the path to beauty and ingenuity once again. What are your go-to tips for breaking out of a creative slump? Post below in the comments, we’d love to hear what’s working for you!

Pay it forward bonus tip: Once you’ve been imbued again in creative spirit – spread the love around! Be a driving force of creativity in your community, or at the very least your inner circle after all…

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.”

- Albert Einstein

To find out more about the Art Journal Emporium, visit http://shoptangiebaxter.com/pages/art-journal-emporium

[posted by Karli-Marie]