5 Refreshing Tips to Overcome a Creative Rut

As an artist, hitting a creative dry spell can feel frustrating and disheartening. But don’t worry, these lulls are a normal part of the artistic journey. They might even be a sign that you need a little break to refill your creative well. The good news is there are plenty of ways to reignite your creative spark. Here are five tips I use to help you overcome dry spells and get back to creating with joy, enthusiasm and excitement.

1. Take a Rest

Sometimes, the best way to overcome a creative block is to step away from your work and take a break. When I notice I’m not feeling creative, it’s usually because I’m tired and just need some rest. Forcing inspiration can leave you feeling even more stuck. Think of your creativity like a battery that needs to be charged regularly. If you don’t look after it, it goes flat!

Allow yourself some downtime to recharge. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, like taking a walk in nature (my favourite way to start and end my day), reading a book, or spending time with loved ones. A short rest can provide a fresh perspective and give you the energy you need to dive back into your art.

2. Revisit Older Work

Looking back at your previous artworks can be incredibly inspiring. Dig out some of your older pieces and try to replicate them, or experiment with a new color scheme or technique on a familiar subject. Revisiting your past work can remind you of your growth and progress as an artist and reassure you that if you painted something great before, you can do it again!

It might also spark new ideas and directions you hadn’t considered before. Sometimes, a simple change in color or medium can breathe new life into an old piece and reignite your creativity.

3. Get Your Sketchbook Out

I love my sketchbooks and find working in them to be one of the best ways to break out of an artistic dry spell. Grab your sketchbook and start drawing without any pressure or expectations. Sketching allows you to experiment freely, play with new ideas, and explore different mediums. The act of sketching can be incredibly liberating and fun, and when something is fun, that’s when creativity flows.

It helps you reconnect with the joy of creating and can lead to unexpected discoveries. Whether you’re doodling or trying out new techniques, your sketchbook can be a freeing space for experimentation and play.

4. Colour Swatch Your Paints

Exploring new color combinations can be a fantastic way to spark your creativity. Spend some time color swatching your paints. Mix different hues and create a palette of colors that excite you. This process can open your eyes to new possibilities and inspire you to try out fresh ideas in your work. Color swatching can also help you understand your paints better, leading to more confident and inspired use of color in your art.

5. Try an Art Tutorial or Class

Sometimes, all you need to reignite your creative fire is to learn something new. Taking an art tutorial or joining a class can provide fresh inspiration and new techniques to incorporate into your work. Whether you’re learning online or in person, being guided through a new process can help you break out of your routine and approach your art from a different angle. I love to learn and often take art classes from various teachers to keep my art practice fresh. If you're interested, you can check out my art courses [here].

Being in a class can offer a sense of community and support, which can help motivate you. The structured learning experience can push you to try new things and reignite your passion for creating.

Final thoughts

Creative dry spells are a natural part of being an artist. Embrace them as opportunities to rest, reflect, and explore new directions in your work. By taking a break, revisiting older pieces, sketching, experimenting with colors, and learning new techniques, you can overcome these blocks and emerge even more inspired and motivated.

Remember, creativity is a journey with its ebbs and flows. Be kind to yourself during the dry spells and trust that inspiration will return. So, next time you find yourself in a creative slump maybe you could incorporate some of these tips and watch how they help you rediscover the joy and excitement of making art again. Happy creating!