How to be Productive during Creative Lows.
We all have highs and lows when it comes to creativity. There are the lucky few that do not experience this, but for the rest of us, the low points may seem like we’ve failed as artists. In reality, this simply isn’t true. We tend to critique ourselves way harsher than actual art critics, but one thing is for sure, there are ways to navigate through the downtimes. We list some ideas you could do when creativity is at a low.
Documentation ✍️
Journaling or starting a diary may be one way to pinpoint where to start. Don’t dismiss this as being “corny,” journaling your everyday activity can help you tap back into your creative wave. Yes, we know not all would like to do this, but studies have shown that documenting your emotions and activity encourages you to be more self-aware. Doing so can also trigger a memory or profound thought that could be used conceptually in a body of work. While this can be very helpful artistically, journaling may help with your mental health as well!
Networking 👥
For those who love being a hermit, it does have its flaws. Isolating yourself can pin your creativity and have an effect on your health. Socializing with people face-to-face, whether they are fellow artists or not, triggers our neurotransmitters that regulate response to stress and anxiety. In other words, socializing makes us more resilient to stress factors that we face in life. Being around others can also enhance your brainpower. Studies have shown that when you socialize, it improves memory formation and recall and protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases. So if you find yourself in a creative funk, put that pencil or paintbrush down and go out and have fun!
Exploring 🌴
Sometimes being indoors for long periods at a time can also contribute to the creative nulls. Luckily, we have this beautiful thing called “nature.” Being outdoors can ignite your creative fire just by going for a walk, exploring a trail/route that you’ve never taken before, or just simply getting some vitamin D! If outside is dangerous for you, perhaps looking for events to go to, such as local exhibitions or parks you’ve never ventured before can be a great alternative. You never know what or who you will meet while exploring that will spark an idea or two!
Reading 📚
Last, but certainly not least, reading can help you…TREMENDOUSLY! In fact, literature goes hand in hand with artists, let alone a type of art. Picking up a book, gently helps you build images in your mind, keeping your brain fitter than more passive forms of entertainment, like TV or movies. Not to mention, a great story or poem can speak to you in ways no single person can. For those of you who do not have time or loathe reading, technology has made it easy with audiobooks. You can simply browse through Amazon Audible, or any other preferred platform, download, and listen on the go. We like to think of reading as the soul’s food for living. Stories spark imagination that then fuels a creative idea.
We all go through long periods of time not producing artwork, it’s life. Know that you are not alone. Dante Alighieri said it best, ”…the path to Paradise begins in Hell.” So next time you fall into an abyss, try to do one of these four activities to get your creative juices flowing again.