Creative block, better known as Writer's block is the point in every Artist's career when the flow of ideas just stops and although the want is there, it just doesn't happen. Or, the idea could be there and there could be tons of them but you still end up stuck. If creative block is what is holding you back from submitting your wonderful creations to Papergirl then look no further, I've got five tips that should get you on your way to creating that glorious piece of art.
1. Meditate
My poetry professor once told me to suck on a raisin and do nothing else. This was his way of bringing me into the work of meditation. I was to sit with a raisin in mouth and wait for the texture and flavours to change. This concentration on one mundane thing really did help my writer's block and I wrote some of my best poetry following that mediation practice. Meditation has a great way of clearing your mind while simuatiously bringing out the inner power hidden within the mind. Meditation also helps to relax the body and bring the muscles and nerves into complete relaxation. This is definitely a practice and once you've mediated a few times you'll start to notice a much sharper mind and be ready to begin again on that project you abandoned. I encourage you to try the raisin method or download a mediation app on your phone.
I have a multitude of hobbies, some would say too many, I say not enough. When I'm not writing, one of the things I like to do is knitting. I will sit and knit while listening to a radio show or music. Sometimes, I'll just pop in a movie and knit for the duration. Though I have a myraid of hobbies, whenever I get inspired to pick one up again I always make sure to have a project in mind. Whether it's sewing an apron, needlepointing or knitting, I make sure that I have an end goal. When I get stuck on one project I move onto the next one for a bit and little by little projects become complete.
3. Listen to music
Personally, this method takes the cake. Nothing is better than just sitting and listening to music, you can even have your medium in front of you while the music plays in the background. Just sit and let your mind take you away. When I'm suffering from Creative Block, I find that movie scores are my way out of that block. I just find a playlist with the most epic movie scores and let it spin.
Just grab a canvas and paint! Or grab your typewriter and just start typing words and see what happens. This method is almost foolproof because you come out with a creation not matter what. Some of my favourite works have come out of creating for the sake of creating.
5. Find inspiration in your favourite things
Take a walk, go on a hike, grab a book or flip through a magazine. Whatever your medium, find your favourite thing and get inspired by it. When I have creative block, my favourite inspirations come from Shaun Tan's illustrated children's books and from Uppercase magazine. Both instances have great visual stimuli and they both juxtapose themselves in emotion. Tan's books are generally very dark and macabre whereas Uppercase is colourful and upbeat, the two opposing elements lend themselves to great inspiration.
The submission deadline for Papergirl Vancouver is approaching fast. Get your illustrations, paintings, poetry, knitting and whatever else you've created in before June 26th!
- Nav