Monday
Jan072013
how do you lift yourself out of a creative slump?
Monday 01.07.13 
i'm going through a phase where i feel totally uninspired-by myself! i can't seem to take a picture that thrills me, or cook a recipe that makes me giddy, or come up with an idea that really inspires me. i'm chugging along producing work that i stand behind but i want to GET EXCITED about something, you know? any tips for getting inspired, or re-inspired? what do you do when you feel just sort of meh about your creative work? HELP!
* cat print by wesley bird
tagged cat print, creative slump, meow print
cat print, creative slump, meow print
Reader Comments (19)
I know how this feels! For me, it's about trying to get some real life inspiration, away from the computer. If I have time, I like to walk around the city or nature, do something new (try a new restaurant, strike up a conversation with a friendly stranger, check out a new exhibit). And sometimes, the best thing is to go with it - creativity fibers need a little break to come back full force! XOXO
I know how you feel and I was in one for a few weeks and thankfully it went away. BUT to answer your question you just take a break and do other things. Let it come back naturally or it wont. Thats what I had to do (I mean what choice do you have right lol).. Just enjoy a little break we all need them and sometimes our bodies tell us that in these ways.
I agree with the others. I had this feeling right before the holidays. I couldn't come up with a creative idea to save my life! But during the holiday break, I stepped away from the computer and took the time to read magazines, books and cookbooks. Its amazing how reading things on paper instead of a screen can be so inspiring. After the break, I was able to create a long list of things I wanted to blog about, so the break really helped!
Get out of your comfort zone! We all get stuck in the same way of seeing and thinking about things so you have to switch it up. My new years resolution last year was to try something new every week which was exhausting (and only lasted about 3 months) but I got inspired! Take a class (trapeze was amazing) or go see an exhibit even if you don't think you'll be interested in it. You might get inspired by something on the way!
I'm struggling with the same thing right now! I'm just trying to switch things up for inspiration...I live in Canada so instead of walking my dog I am cross county skiing with my dog. I'm also cleaning out and organizing closets and drawers which feels so good to get organized but I've also come across so many inspiring things that I had forgotten about (ticket stubs, craft supplies, old cards, etc..) that are helping to get my creativity going. Hope this helps!
I agree with the others too. Taking a break, reading, walking, decluttering. For me, I also question whether I'm looking at too many "inspiring" things and just getting overwhelmed. I've felt that with photography and cooking, so I cut back, unsubscribe etc and find that my own thoughts have more room to emerge. At the moment I'm cooking from only one recipe book on my shelf and avoiding cooking blogs! And I've taken a break from the noise of instagram. Happy new year too :)
travel :)
thanks so much for the suggestions everyone. today i'm headed to the spa to get a manicure with a friend. i will read magazines, relax, take a little break and see what comes... thank you thank you! xx