So, I've been thinking...
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 1:00AM ...that I will never have another worthwhile creative idea...ever! I know that sounds crazy but I have been feeling very uninspired lately and as a result I have been avoiding my studio. I know, I have read all the quotes, books and blogs that tell me that it is a phase and all creative people go through this. But, when you are in the middle of it logic doesn't enter into the picture.
I decided to take baby steps yesterday and just work in my journal. I usually work big and on lose pages so I switched it up and grabbed a small coil bound journal to try something different and I liked it.
So, let's share, if you are willing, your methods for getting unstuck or re-inspired. I look forward to hearing your ideas or stories about a time when you thought you might never create again! :)
Have a blessed day!
Roben-Marie Smith
Check out this terrific post called 10 Places to Get Inspired via A Beautiful Mess blog.
Reader Comments (27)
Hi, Roben-Marie. I've been reading your blog since a couple of weeks and love it very much! Well, as for me, I grab drawings of my little girl to come up with new ideas, we're going together to the public library and spend a couple of hours there, or I take my camera and sketchbook and go for a walk. Recently I wanted to start a colouring book and didn't know how to get started, with no idea at all. Than I just sketched a couple of animals, read a blog post of a friend about home nostalgie being abroad, watched something and it has worked and put all the puzzle pieces together so that the inspiration has come. Good luck!
Oh I feel creatively stuck from time to time:) I do photography first of all and when I feel a lack of ideas I try new or different things. I draw and paint, I write, I knit sometimes and as of recently I also work with clay and do mail art. That is new to me and so much fun. Maybe try something you have not done before? When I do other things than what I usually do I often find new inspiration. Many times so much that I can`t keep up with all the ideas:))
I can really relate to how you have been, and maybe still are feeling...My personal problem is, that when I am in stress , at work, on a business trip I really feel the need to create. And as soon as I have some spare time I do not know what to do, where to start, what to make...If I feel really stuck, most of the time writing in my dairy or cleaning up my room helps...
I hope you find your mojo back soon...keep it up!
XOXO - Irma
Take a break and come to Madrid!
I really like all your work. If you need fresh air (well it is not exactly "fresh" in Madrid) I offer a free room and you show me your art in live!
Madrid is calm in August.... but not in my house!
I tend to look through older stuff Ive done, spend some time looking at my collection of inspirational books -be it from quilting/textile arts or journalling/book arts. Something always sparks an idea. Of course, as you've just proved, sometimes the best thing to do is just DO something!
Love your site, have only recently found you!
Oh Robin-Marie, yes everyone goes through a dry spell sometimes. The trick is to just go with the flow. Don't try to fight it or it will just be worse. Think of it as a roller coaster, you have ups and downs, and you just have to ride the wave. Try exercising your left brain by doing things like sorting and cleaning; it may help to give your creative side a break.
The other gals gave some good suggestions too, go out of your house and look for inspiration. Find new things to get inspired from by taking a walk, going to the library, etc. It may even help to look through your old journals. Above all, just relax and don't fret about it. Take this time to catch up on other work, and just know that you will be going up that "hill" on the roller coaster again soon! :)
~Kristal
Often times I take a break. But that is a double edged sword because sometimes it inspires me to jump right in and other times if it is to long, I start to get panicky that I will never go back. Often times I find the best solution is try a different craft or get some sleep, lol. Good luck sweetie!
I have a few "warm up" exercises that I do to get started in the studio. One is making hand painted papers. Easy, just playing with colour on rice paper, very wet. Sometimes this inspires me to get going, if not, they always make great elements at some other time in collages. Another one is simply going through old glossy magazines cutting up beautiful color or pattern for future collages. Or I'll carve a new stamp.
So glad to have you back from your trip safe and sound! This is such a timely post as I've been slogging through my own slump. I'm a quote and bible verse collector. So I thought about making some type of little book with these in one place. But I wanted it to be something ongoing, not restricted to a book. I took a pack of unlined index cards and started playing with paint and backgrounds. It's been such a fun and freeing experience to work with no care to the final product, just the goal of a "background". These cards are hole punched and placed on a big binder ring. I've been doodling and writing on them and collecting quotes and verses on these.
I will post pictures on my blog later today!
You do such wonderful art & have such a generous spirit to share it on your blog. You have jump started my creativity many times. There are really great ideas here- I am going to write them down so I have them next time I am stuck!
When I get stuck I try to be kind. What I have noticed about myself is if I am not doing what I expected or creating art that is the level I expect of myself I start saying unkind things to myself. That only makes it worse. Shocking that being mean to myself doesn't open me up to creativity. It is a revelation to me each time I catch it happening. You think I'd learn. As soon as I truly let go of my expectations things start to turn around. I do have to make myself go into my studio- often with the plan to make garbage just so there are NO expectations. I usually come out with something I really love.
First, I think there is a difference in being stuck and just needing a break! Sometimes it's good to step away, sometimes it gives us fresh eyes when we return. Even when I am not in my studio I am usually creative in my home, re-arranging things, creating pleasing visual spaces. But I also know there are times we feel dry and uncreative. I think just beginning something, whether it's just putting down a first layer of random marks helps things flow again.
From the looks of your page Roben, you don't look stuck to me, it's as beautiful as ever.
Me too, that has been my problem also...just starting...once I begin I am fine but it seems like there has been an invisible wall between me and my creativity and trying to get past that wall has been frustrating. I can see in my mind all the stuff I want to do, want to make, the desire is strong in my heart but as soon as I take a step forward, BAM I walk into that invisible wall, it then taunts me...see what you could be doing...I've not had much luck the last few weeks of getting past it...I've got plenty of projects started that I need to focus on but there has been a lot of stress in our lives the last couple of months and I know that interferes with my ability to create but it's also the time I need to do it the most...the one thing that has worked to get me moving is taking time to see what others have been up too...at least it keeps me moving and inspired. This little journal is fantastic. The layers are awesome.
I'm in the same (temporary) rut right now. I know it's temporary because it happens now and then and I just know it will end...it always does. I think my brain needs to regroup, so I go with it. I listen to myself. I usually come back with lots of ideas and enthusiasm. What I do in the meantime is clean and reorganize my studio. I find things that have I haven't been using and are weighing me down and get rid of them. I look back through what I have made and that tells me I am capable...I just need to percolate a while. Thrift shops really get me going. They're an adventure because you never know what you're going to find. Plus, you just got back from a big trip, give yourself a break!
I hate those days-weeks- months!!! I have been the verge of just giving up and admitting I'm a fraud so many times-and then magically the next time I start a project, I end up loving it! Seems there is no rhyme or reason. Maybe you are still recovering physically from your trip. I know when I am just tired in mind and body, I can't create no matter how hard I try. There is no way you could ever lose your amazing talent!
Roben, I hear ya, girl. I am so stuck right now that my art room has cobwebs over the doorway..LOL. I even tried buying more books, more supplies, more surfing and still when I see a blank sheet I FREEZE. I guess we will wait till it passes.
I LOVE your current piece..you have always been my favorite!
Blessings,
Sheri
I just mentioned this to a customer TODAY. I have a box of scraps of things I've stamped, backgrounds I've made samples of techniques that I did in the store and use that as my jumping point. I actually love doing this because it gets me to use my leftovers. repurpose you know.
I love your work and the little journal is new but totally your style. If I get stuck I do something different. That is the reason I do bookbinding, drawing, journaling and tatting. Especially tatting helps me to unwind and start over. I clean up my table, put everything away, a new page so to speak. I hope this makes sense.
When I'm really "stuck" I'll have a break, then tidy up a bit. Then when it's starting to get to be a serious drought, I'll pick a colour that appeals to me at that moment, pull out a scrap box with that colour and make a few cards. And try to do it without over-thinking the layout or combinations.
hi, i am suffering the same thing, i have spent days trying to get so creativity going, but blarhh nothing, iv been in my studio all day just kind of moving things around, so frustrating....
Baby steps are a good thing. I keep a stack of postcard sized water color paper on my desk for my baby steps during a creative block. From there I go to one of the many classes/workshops I've taken and just get one little idea down on the paper. Usually one thing leads to another and voila....I have an arty little piece of mail art I can send out!
I can relate to what you are feeling. I have to say though....this page is totally amazing. I truly love it, as I do all of your work.
Thank you for posting your "dilemma" and for everyone who has commented. I have had months of non-inspiration and decided to try art journaling...something totally new to me. It has been so much fun learning and creating.
I don't have any wise words for you but I'm sure this will pass...as evidenced by your little journal page...which I love. As others have said...you're just back from a mega trip...give yourself a moment to just enjoy being home. You'll be back...of that I'm sure!!
hi. i thought you might like this. my favorite is #5.
http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/07/10-places-to-get-inspired.html
I spent the first 6 months of 2011 in a slump-didn't think i would ever create anything again. I was lucky enough to "win" a spot in
an online class that really got my creative mojo jump started again. Other times simply walking around an antique mall or fabric store
can help.
Love this...so much layery goodness. Hugs & smooches!