Completely void of inspiration

[CaseyHPerez]

The past week and a half I have been completely uninspired to complete any painting ideas that I may have. I will get the idea, look through my resources, start the drawing and then lose interest in the idea and never finish it. I am having trouble finding something that I am really excited about finishing. So instead have been spending the week sketching, practicing my drawing, reading in hopes for inspiration, walking my dogs, hoping something in the environment will inspire me.

So far, no luck...

What do you do to get inspired, especially when you are in a creative slump?

[Former_Member]

Hello Cassi Jo - You are SO not alone!!

We recently moved into a condo with my brother-in-law and his kids for the next year or so. Since we've been there - between the lines read, since i lost my crafting space - I've had ZIP for inspiration. I've done some small jewelry pieces, but nothing like I did when the fire was burning strong.

During times like this, I do kind-of what you mentioned - take a break, take a walk. Since my art is jewelry, I'll often just browse online for different styles or types - look over picture ideas I've had in the past.

And you know, sometimes I just make myself do something. Something basic - like the sketching you'd mentioned - Do something very small from start to finish - maybe it's just a picture of a cloud in the sky - and when you're done, it might be simple, but it will be complete. The feeling of accomplishing something might inspire to maybe put some purple on that sketch... maybe some red on this one...

most important - if it's work, it will look like it's work. Take some time away and remember this is supposed to be fun and enjoyable.

V

[RhymeScapeSelection]

I agree with Veronica...

But then again, when excitement is lacking, as Cassi described, I sometimes do not even know where to draw the next line, or where to put the next color....
At those times I might challenge myself with something that I find intriguing but never quite knew how to accomplish. Instead of going with some obvious challenge, I go with something impossible... and even if I just take one step further in that, it liberates new energies....

On the other hand, there is a 'strategy' that results from my lifestyle: I do many kinds of things, and if I have to strain myself in something other than art, after a while inspiration just comes along when I'm not looking.....

:)

-t--

[Former_Member]

I think introducing new things in your life always help. Whether it's a new book or film, or visiting a new town or park, or even taking a community class for something you're interested in, it helps to bring in new ideas and thoughts.

[Plektra]

I find exercise and enjoying nature outdoors help me.

You are not alone, it's normal and vital for renewing energy. Hope you are in your creative mood soon!

[Former_Member]

When this happens to me, I'll just read a book, watch a movie, totally remove myself from any creative process. I a little while I usually have an idea that takes me right back to the drawing table. Doesn't take long. Of course, that's just me. I find that if I'm trying too hard, I might as well just stop because I'm pressuring myself and that never works for me.

[CaseyHPerez]

Veronica, sketching definitely helps for me. That feeling of at least accomplishing something. The feeling of not being able to finish a project seems to make it worse for me.

Talany, thats an interesting idea, perhaps I will try something "impossible" as you describe it and see where it takes me.

Colleen, I wish I had the ability to just remove myself and wait for inspiration to return. It seems to work the opposite for me. I have to remove myself only for a little bit just to ease the frustration of lack of inspiration, then force myself to do something creative, anything creative in hopes that it will start my juices again.

[Former_Member]

It happens to all of us from time to time. If you can close your eyes and visualize what a finished painting or items would look like, then picture it even better, brighter colors, more detail, whtever. Then feel the pride and joy you would feel when it is done. Then try to imagine the excitement when you sold it. Sometimes it helps to focus on the outcomes, and the feelings associated with it. Sometimes I start looking for a different technique that I had wanted to try, and just see where it takes me. I know one time I was frustrated, my room was a mess, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I got a stool and climbed up in the middle of my cutting table and just looked around. Looking at things from a different perspective might help. I know when I took an art class in college, we were supposed to do some sort of impressionist piece, half way through, the prof had use turn the picture upside down and finish the painting. I know I ended up liking mine a lot more upside down than I did right side up.

Hang in there. As my mom used to tell me and others: Go eat a cookie and it will all be fine.

[CaseyHPerez]

Cookies certainly make everything better ;)

[Former_Member]

Cassi Jo - I definitely know what you're feeling, and hope that you find something to build your motivation back up for your shop (because your shop is great!!)

This is always a challenging question to find the answer to, for sure. Things I have tried when I get into inspiration/motivation ruts (these have worked some days while not others, just depends on the rut/wall I'm facing!)
- hang out with my cats - they're really hilarious and petting their furry heads can definitely relax me (and them as well)
- step out of my studio and don't touch anything Etsy related for a day/two days/an hour/a minute - this also includes stepping away from FB, Pinterest, etc. during those times
- go outside, even just to get the mail. Fresh air is good :)
- eat lunch, sometimes I get to the end of my rope and I realize it's because I am hungry, lunch re-sets my system and I can think more clearly about what to do next
- housework! it's distracting and will let your brain process thoughts in the background while sorting, folding, etc.
- sometimes I try not to over-think about something. I distract myself, let my thoughts run in the background in my brain, and then at some point I get an "ah ha" moment. Kind of works the same as if I forget a word that's on the tip of my tongue: I force myself to stop reeling over it, and eventually the word resurfaces!
- draw/doodle/write/sketch also is helpful, I've had ideas come out from just writing a word or starting to draw a line.

This is long, sorry! Best wishes to you in finding your painting inspiration again (would you like to borrow one of my cats? =^-^=)

[Former_Member]

Have you thought about trying something new or different? I don't always feel inspired when working on my jewelry, so I'll put it away for a little while and try something else. I crochet or knit something, make something out of duct tape, paint with my kids... pretty much anything that is still creative and takes me through a different process. After finishing a new project I get the feeling that I accomplished something, and it was fun.

[CaseyHPerez]

Kelly, thats great. My beagles are often a source of information. And housework is surprisingly helpful for me too. I find that not only is it a task you can do with little thought involved (allowing you to reorganize your thoughts) but I always find when there is less clutter or things to do in the house, I am able to focus on my art more than not.

Barbara, doing other creative things often helps me too. I like to write, which sometimes gets me out of slumps such as these. Sometimes though, I try to do to many things or start to many projects from so many different types of creative interests, that I have trouble focusing and finishing any of them! Thats a problem of mine in anything I do, even cleaning! I will start cleaning one room, walk into another room and do something in that room, I can never just start one project and finish it without other ones distracting me! Something I know I need to work on ;)

[Former_Member]

Cassie...I think we ALL have 'blocks' from time-to-time. And I don't know if this kind of thing can be forced...I think sometimes, it just take that *something* (whatever it is) that gets us out of the rut. It can be just about anything...like music or a great walk in the woods or seeing a beautiful baby or WHATEVER. Don't give up on yourself...just allow yourself to "be" and it will pass. Your work is WONDERFUL!! Truly gifted. So don't be hard on yourself. This too shall pass!! :)

[Former_Member]

When I'm uninspired, I look through all the patterns I've saved up for some unknown future time, and pick something small to do, a tiny cross stitch ornament, a miniature quilt, or I pick a pattern I've done over and over already, just so I can finish something and feel more accomplished.

[cushncovers]

I loose my inspiration when my house is a mess. I get distracted and can't focus on my sewing or a project. Sometimes I get tired of doing so much sewing for everyone else and nothing for my own home. If I do something for me, like finish a pillow I always wanted to do, or shop for some fabric, or even browse through the Etsy shops for inspiration, even if I add something I like to my "favorite" items, it is a goal I can reach towards. Sometimes we have to make a list or set a goal to be inspired. Sometimes we have to finally do that one thing we have always wanted to get to....just to get it off our mind. It may be the one thing that is cluttering your mind to stop the flow of creativity.

[CaseyHPerez]

Cathy, I like that- getting the one thing we've always wanted to do, just to get it off your mind.

[Former_Member]

Travel somewhere! A short trip for a couple of days or even a day trip to some place interesting will give you a burst of ideas.

A change of environment gets you to reflect and behave differently to your normal routine, maybe that will both kick start your motivation and ideas!

Good luck

[Former_Member]

Housework and getting things more organzied are great suggestions that I have done before, I too don't feel creative when things are a mess. Maybe just sorting through things you have, you will get some new ideas as you sort through things. Maybe as you sort you can figure out if you want to keep it, or sell or donate to someone else that may need some new things for inspiration themselves

[Former_Member]

Hey team -
I had the wonderful opportunity to hear Danielle LaPorte speak at a conference I attended earlier this month. Someone asked her about not being inspired and being unsure of how to find inspiration and move in this period. Her advice was the following:

"When your pilot light goes out, it's a period of ebb and flow. It is an ambiguous fluid landscape and if you don't judge yourself for being in it and feeling lost, you'll get through it sooner and get back to how you want to feel. Just feel it, don't push yourself and you'll get through it faster and more refreshed."

I know that may not be what you want to hear, especially when you may need to make money to survive and pay bills, but don't beat yourself up for feeling unmotivated. We all go through it...heck, I'm going through it!

I've been taking time to read and sleep and watch tv and do things that I normally wouldn't do. It's a tough period, but I have a feeling that when I'm done with it, I'll be at a better creative place.

Hugs!
Sara

[Former_Member]

Finding out what can trigger a slump has helped me pull out of one too. My biggest factor? Overthinking my work. Things turn out beautifully when I'm on creative autopilot; I know my brain is processing the idea, but it's like my hands work on their own to accomplish the idea. As soon as I start fussing (this fabric or that fabric? silver or gold? buttons or medallions?), I lose it and can't just grab it back.

I do yoga and play with my dogs to break out of the overthinking habit when it strikes. Especially in the winter, when my huskies are so happy to play snowball fight outside. :) The yoga is perfect for me because I often reprimand myself for not exercising enough when I'm in a creative burst. It also clears the mind. It's impossible for me to overthink after yoga, so I often go right back into my workspace when I'm done.

I love that so many of us turn to our animals when we're in a slump. That makes me happy. :)

[Former_Member]

I find often working on other projects helps stimulate a project that I'm having trouble with - writing, doodling, blogging. Looking at other blogs, other stores on etsy, and spending out time always helps me comes up with new ideas!

I completely sympathize - sometimes there seems to be no end in sight for an inspiration drought. I hope it ends for you soon! :)

[RhymeScapeSelection]

Sara, I love that image! I so often feel the same way... actually, I read something very similar in a poem years ago, and it somehow stayed with me, and really helps at the toughest times of helplessness...

[Former_Member]

That's great Talany! Ever since I heard that, it's helped me so much! I'm not fighting it. As a matter of fact, I've been knitting more and spent almost my entire day yesterday knitting. It helped recharge me to go into something smaller and not full of expectations. :)

Sara

[watermediaworks]

I once read somewhere that mindless, repetitive tasks free up creativity. Washing dishes by hand is a surefire way for me to get out of a slump, as crazy as that sounds! Another one is swimming....

[Former_Member]

Make something for someone else (It doesn't have to be a huge, expensive thing). I have a friend that get SO excited about my tutus. When I have no inspiration at all and creating just isn't so fun anymore, I make her a tutu...just a simple one. She gets so excited and calls and tells me how awesome it is and how she loves it. It gets my excitement going again (I know we all LOVE IT when someone else tells you that your creations "made their day"). Hope you find your inspiration soon.