It happens to us all. It’s that moment in time when you reach a point where you’re exhausted or you run out of ideas to create. Some people fall victim to becoming stagnant and they build a protective wall around themselves by avoiding anything that’s familiar.
In essence, it might seem like I’m talking about depression, but I’m talking about the artist mind. It’s a place where visions are made, brought to fruition, and then you’re back to the drawing board. The creative process is a personal one. It is a place where there’s an imaginary universe that must be created with a beginning, middle and an end.
You had a bond with your last project, but this one is different. It’s taking control of everything. You can’t seem to take a break from it, yet there is nothing on the canvass. It’s as if that planned concept, that script, that book or that production schedule just will not happen. How do you remove the cluttered thoughts so you can create?
1. Talk to someone of like mind. Let it be someone that has your back and who can honest with you, but that also knows when to be gentle.
2. Take a break. Take yourself for a walk or go see a friend who needs to see you. Have a nice day talking about everything, BUT the project (if that’s possible).
3. Finish a small project that is totally different from the one you’re working on. It helps to keep you active.
4. Ask yourself a question and try to answer it as honest as you possibly can. Why am I struggling with “this” project? What will I accomplish by completing this project? You might have a particular question in mind. Ask the questions for yourself out loud, not in your mind. You might need to hear your own voice answer you. Of course, do this part at a private time. If you know what I mean.
5. Take some down time to think about those who want to see you succeed. Take some time to breathe.
6. Now get to work.
Written by Tahiera Monique Brown
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