My 9 Ways to Overcome Creative Crisis

Stuck in a creative slump? Fear not!

Late last year I've been not so willing to paint new projects. Kinda of waiting for fresh ideas. That feeling of being stuck in a creative slump as an artist, can be frustrating and disheartening. If you're there, fear not!  I know the proven measures I've used to go through this transitions. Not a drama, chances are we simply have exhausted the potential of our previous path. 

Be confident you'll find the next direction

Stagnation is a natural part of the creative life. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. It's how we respond to setbacks that truly defines our artist journey. You'll find the road to the next station!

Inspiration is found in the action

Tree in Basilicata ~ Watercolor by Francesco Fontana

Inspiration meant as magic is overrated. Writer Alberto Moravia -- who lived in typewriter times, said: inspiration is one page after the other thrown in the trash bin! To me inspiration is nothing but activating new connections from /to what we already know. 

Small goals and little routines

Start by setting small, achievable goals for yourself. Whether it's completing a painting within a certain time frame (I often set the timer) or experimenting with a specific technique, having a clear objective can give you a sense of purpose.

Search in you not on the net

Museums and art galleries are a great way to find ideas that resonate to me. The venue itself is often a source of meditation and self search. Drawing to study great masters is a great experience. Browsing art online is to do with caution, I do 15 min day tops: it's become overwhelming and a distraction from hearing my inner voice. Contemporary art galleries might also  trigger creative thoughts.

Let me recap and add a few pointers

1. Display on a wall old and recent paintings and find what they have in common (a color, a subject, a mood,.. ) (Jerry Saltz's totem concept)
   
2. Play Mode. Set a game with one or two simple rules (see my article) (size, medium, time)
3. Remake some of those you like in a different media. If anything you'll learn more about the peculiarities of your typical media.
4. Join a group and ask for feedback. They see what you don't see!
5. Travel, meet people, go to not art museums (aviation, design, history..).  
6. Recall what you loved to draw/paint at the very beginning. The real you may be there
7. Draw, scribble with no purpose, but a giving time and slot every day
8. Paint unfamiliar subjects, those you think you're not good at. Surprise!
9. Use the internet as a newspaper, not as an art book. Real art is in real life. 
   

Seek support from fellow artists

One of the best ways to overcome a creative slump is to connect with other artists who understand what you're going through. Join local art groups or online communities where you can share your struggles, seek advice, and receive constructive feedback. 

Hope this helps. It's only a small part of the practice I do. Talk to me and ask questions, that will pull out more inspiration. 

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