Getting out of a creative rut

Some tips on pulling yourself out when you're feeling uninspired

Making art is my refuge. It’s a release, it’s cathartic, and it’s something I’ve relied on for most of my life to give me energy, help me process, and bring me joy. But I often can feel uninspired, bereft of enthusiasm, and struggling to find my rhythm. As a result, I’ve collected a list of things I’ve noticed that help me get out of a creative block with the hope that they may help some of you!

1). Just keep working

When you’re in a funk, it’s easy to stall out and stop working on your art. When I’m stuck, I feel that everything I make is flat and boring. I’ll spend 30 minutes working on something only to stop and look at it and feel “bleh”. I think the trick here is to resist the urge to stop working just because you don’t like what you’re making.

On the song “Work” (one of my favorite albums, Songs for Drella), Lou Reed sings:
It's work, the most important thing is work
It's work, the most important thing is work

The “work” they’re referring to is making art. They’re quoting their friend, Andy Warhol’s methodical and sometimes manic approach to making art in his factory, but I think the song can apply to any artist. When you stop making art, you don’t have any opportunity to make something wonderful. You’re stuck! Pushing through and just making the art can help you find your inspiration again and get out of your head.

Maybe the next thing you make won’t be your favorite. And that is OK- you’re not supposed to like everything you make. This brings me to the next point- think less about the final piece and more about how you get there.

2). Try to focus on the process, rather than the finished product

There is so much emphasis on the finished product; however, I think the emphasis really should be on the process. The finished piece is the result of many minutes and many hours of work; the art is the process! I’ve found with knitting in particular that I struggle to be patient; I find myself eager to finish the sweater so I can wear it. I might even feel rushed as I work, going faster until my fingers start to cramp. And then as soon as I’m done I start thinking of what to make next.

If I’m being honest, Instagram has exacerbated this issue for me; something about the rush to finish comes from the eagerness to share the piece with all of you. Forcing myself to slow down and enjoy the moments before the piece is finished is a crucial tool for finding more satisfaction and getting my ego out of the way.

3). Make an inspiration board

This one consistently works well for me. I’ve got a Pinterest board that I’ve been adding to for years and a quick 10-minute glimpse at it reminds me of what I want to make. It’s like a sigh of relief. Oh yes, the patterns, the colors, the vibes. They elicit inspiration, and enthusiasm and get me energized to pick up my materials and start making.

Some of the best hits: something about Joni Mitchell and David Hockney in a whimsecal outfit really does it for me.

4). Set the mood

I read The Art Spirit by Robert Henri in college and it had a profound effect on me. One thing Henri mentions is the importance of setting the scene before you paint.

When listing his advice to aspiring painters, he writes:

Get the full swing of your body into the [brush] stroke.

Painting should be done from the floor up, not from the seat of a comfortable chair.

Have both hands free. One for the brush and the other for reserve brushes and a rag,

Rag is just as essential as anything else. Choose it well and have plenty in stock. Have a brush cleaner. Make it yourself. Get in the habit of cleaning your brush constantly as you work.

Even though Henri’s words are specific to painting and may sound rigid (his book was written originally in 1923), the essence remains meaningful. Treat your space where you create with intention and thoughtfulness. His writing reminds me that making art is sacred the process is as important as the final piece.

Think of your environment with respect; making sure your materials are all accessible, and you’re comfortable and ready to work.

I used to paint almost every day, and setting the mood was crucial for me to be able to work. I had a specific playlist that I would play loudly that would get me in the zone (consisting of a lot of Lou Reed, Joni Mitchell, and an array of random musical soundtracks including Frozen2 and Moana- a very weird combo- I know). These days, I normally knit on the couch, with a special drink (iced coffee if it’s during Francis’ afternoon nap, hot tea if it’s after he’s gone to bed), and something comforting on TV (I re-watched “You’ve Got Mail” last week and it really hit the spot).

Maybe you make a specific playlist, maybe you light a candle… whatever it is. Taking a few steps to set your scene before you work can be a purposeful ritual while also helping you get your juices flowing again.

5). Find your community

A lot of art making is done solo but I’ve found that working with others or at least talking to others about your work is an extremely helpful tool in becoming inspired and coming up with new ideas. I host a monthly LA-based meetup, Yarn in the Park, where people from all over come to knit and crochet together in the park. It’s free and always a great time! Our next meetup will be Saturday, October 28th at 11 am. DM Yarn in the Park for the address.

If you’re not in the LA area (or even if you are!), my sister, Jasmine, is hosting a creativity workshop next month that I am *so* excited to be participating in! If you sign up, you will join a virtual community with weekly meetings on Zoom to clear your creative blocks, fine-tune your creative process, and inspire your work. These meetings will help you discuss your process, insights, and new creations in the works, along with optional readings. I’ve already signed up and can’t wait to build a greater community of like-minded people. If you’re interested, sign up here. I hope I get to see some of you there!

So those are some of my tips. How have you guys gotten yourself out of a rut? What has worked for you in the past? Do you also think Frozen 2’s soundtrack is better than Frozen 1?

Let me know, can’t wait to hear what you guys think.

Till next time :)