Struggling with a creative block? Here are some tips to help you overcome it.
Hello friends! Happy 1st of June ♡
I thought creative blocks would be the right topic to talk about in this blog post, as this is something I've been experiencing for some time.
Most of April was spent aimlessly daydreaming, mind blank at my desk but one morning I was reading through ‘Manifest’ by Annie Tarasova and came across a quote that said ‘Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it’ - Jack Canfield.
In that moment I decided that I couldn’t continue to stay stagnant, I had to make a change. May had to be more productive and that I had to take action in my life! I’m a huge believer in law of attraction and reading quotes like that always makes me think deeply.
Here’s a recap of April though - beautiful pink blossoms, lots of self love and giving myself time and space to recharge. Reminding myself that it’s ok to rest.
I made a list of things I could do to overcome this creative block (because who doesn’t love a good list)? I wanted to make this list realistic and tailored to things I love doing rather than things I think I should be doing. I didn't want it to feel forced but something that I effortlessly ticked off.
List:
Visit museums and galleries
Listen to a good positive podcast
Meet new people
Watch a binge-worthy show
Start sketching
Visit museums, galleries and exhibitions
You would think it'd be easy for me to visit art galleries since I often post about them on my Instagram, but it's been a while since I've found something truly inspiring. I've been enjoying working from home in my comfy loungewear, and the idea of going out feels like a bit of an effort, especially with the train journey into London. If you also have to deal with commuting, I'm sure you understand my pain! Anyway, I managed to visit the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and it's one of my favourite spots because of its beautiful interior, fascinating history, and amazing art. I had planned to sketch, but it was so crowded, even though I went on a weekday hoping for a quiet visit.
I was in awe by the first painting I saw (the right image above): An Allegory with Venus and Time (1754-8) by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The colour palette was so soft and delicate; lilacs, pinks and tangerines, I loved the painting of the sky too and how it brought the mood of the painting together. I stood there for a few minutes taking it all in. It's moments like these that I miss so much, just being present and feeling inspired.
I wandered around amidst the chaos of the crowds and screaming children and then realised that the gallery was closing in 15 minutes. It was at that point that I remembered I had my sketchbook with me and wanted to quickly make a drawing. In a rush, I ended up doing a quick 3-minute random portrait painting. I can't remember who it was supposed to be. Here’s my quick rushed sketch. I'd love to know which galleries are your favourites to visit.
Listen to a good positive podcast
Whenever I'm working at my desk, I usually listen to lo-fi music or a podcast. Listening to a podcast always makes me feel energised and positive as if someone is keeping me company, and I get so immersed in my work that I lose track of time. I love it when that happens!
Recently, I've been enjoying the podcast Podcrushed hosted by Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari. What a great podcast! I could listen to Penn's voice all day; he's so interesting, and I love his views on life. All of the hosts are warm and down-to-earth, which makes you feel connected. I laughed and resonated a lot with the Host AMA: Friendship episode. They discuss how making and maintaining good, healthy friendships in your 30s is challenging, and it was very relatable. It's a great listen to inspire and uplift you!
Meet new people
After taking redundancy from my full-time job, I really missed the human connection and felt quite isolated. This is also a reason why I'd been feeling so uninspired recently, the mundane routine and not doing anything that sparked my creativity. I'm someone who loves to try new things and go out of my comfort zone, so I decided to give this app called Timeleft a shot. I kept seeing it on my Tiktok foryou page so took it as a sign! I found the concept of it pretty cool - you answer a quick personality test, a particular area you'd prefer to meet and the algorithm connects you with five compatible guests. The app doesn't give too much information about the dinner guests, so it leaves you feeling intrigued.
So I received the time and place and off I went to meet a group of strangers...
Honestly, I had the most heartwarming evening. There were seven of us in total (one person is missing from the pic), all from very different backgrounds but of similar ages, ranging from 31 to 33 years old. We had so much in common and I left feeling so happy, proud that I had put myself out there. Even if I might not see this lovely group of people again, it was nice to have spent this one evening laughing, sharing delicious food, and stories about our lives.
Watch a binge-worthy show
You might be wondering how watching a binge-worthy show can help with creativity. Doesn't it take away from being productive and doing art? I find that immersing myself in a show with captivating characters, stunning sets, beautiful costumes, and a compelling script can help me see things from a different perspective and rejuvenate my creativity. Dearest gentle readers, that show has been Bridgerton! I'm absolutely obsessed.
I’m all caught up and my favourite line is from Season 3, when Colin says “These past few weeks have been full of confounding feelings. Feelings like a total inability to stop thinking about you - about that kiss. Feelings like dreaming of you when I’m asleep. And, in fact, preferring sleep because that is where I might find you. A feeling that is like torture, but one which I cannot, will not, do not want to give up.”
I can't wait to create an art journal spread of this big confession of love.
Start sketching
I'm still trying to get into the habit of taking my sketchbook with me so I can capture moments, people, buildings, and memories. Sometimes I struggle with deciding what to draw, so I end up not drawing at all. Whenever I’ve sketched on location it’s allowed me accept any mistakes and realise that it doesn't have to be perfect. I’ve gotten so used to drawing on Procreate so it’s nice to experiment and get out of my comfort zone.
I’m taking my new Talens sketchbook on my travels to India and I can’t wait to share my sketches with you!
I hope the tips I've shared have been helpful. I believe it's better to take small steps rather than overwhelm yourself. I'd love to know how you overcome creative blocks!
I'm really enjoying writing these blogs; it's like a diary entry. Please let me know if you'd like me to cover any specific topics.
Until next month, lots of love,
Janki x
