7 Tips for finding inspiration & overcoming creative blockS
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
In the hope to help you on your creative journey, I am doing Artist Spotlights to help share amazing tips and advise. Todays post is all about tips to help you overcome creative blocks & finding your inspiration in times where you have non or don’t know where to start.
Let me introduce..
Sheree Coleman
Sheree Coleman is a surface designer, illustrator and the creator behind the brand, Whimsy Kaleidoscope.
Her designs feature graphic cut out shapes, quirky illustrations and she loves a polka dot and the colour pink.
Sheree licences her artwork to brands to use on their products and has her own range of art prints and exclusive fabrics in her online store. The intention behind Whimsy Kaleidoscope is to celebrate uniqueness, bring joy and make you feel like a sparkly human on the inside and out.
SHEREE’S top 7 Tips
For FINDING INSPIRATION AND OVERCOMING CREATIVE BLOCKS
1
Try a creative challenge or start a passion project
Taking part in a creative challenge hosted by another creative helps me overcome creative block. Creative challenges can be a one off draw this in your style or a longer challenge, like a weekly or monthly challenge. Passion projects are another fun way to get inspired, just be sure to set constraints to work within. After I take part in a creative challenge or passion project I always end with new pieces for my portfolio.
2
Try a new medium
Give yourself the creative freedom to try a new medium. It can be a nice break from your usual routine. I create most of my work digitally and being in front of a screen can become tiring. There’s something special about creating something by hand, you never know what magic might happen and how one medium can inform and inspire another.
3
Look at old work for inspo or to re work
Looking back at old work is a great source of inspiration for new work. It’s also a nice way to reflect on your growth as a designer. Reworking an old piece can also be a great way to create something new. Often a fresh pair of eyes gives can give an old piece new life.
4
Keep a list of ideas
Sit down and create a list of all your interests and passions. This list is a great starting point to refer to when you’re feeling stuck. Also make sure you create another or add to this list whenever a new idea comes up. Having a place to compile your ideas, especially if you don’t have the time to execute them right away is helpful.
5
Pay attention & make time for play
Pay attention to what time of the day you feel most creative. I am a night owl and my creative brain comes alive in the evening. It’s important to recognise your creative habits and figure out what creative practice works best for you. Allow yourself the freedom to loosen up and play, not everything you create needs to be shared on social media.
6
Multi task and leave things unfinished
This might sound counterproductive, but I always have multiple projects on the go. When I’m feeling stuck on one project, I can switch something else. Try to work on different types of projects too – for example I’m usually working on an illustration, one or two patterns and lettering piece to keep things interesting. And my number one rule is before finishing up for the day (or night!), have at least one project unfinished. It means the following day you won’t face the pressure of a blank page.
7
Take a break
Rest is so important to creativity. Rest can look different for all of us so it’s important to recognise when you are not feeling good. Recently I’ve taken up knitting and I find it so relaxing. Take a nap, read a book, listen to music or a podcast, go for a walk, watch a film, hang out with sparkly humans that fill your cup. When we are tired, anxious or burnt out the creativity doesn’t flow and feels like it might never come back (but it will I promise!)
Give yourself permission to rest is so important.
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How amazing are these tips from Sheree?! So helpful, even I need to be reminded of these things now & then to get back on track.
Comment below if you found this helpful or if you have any more tips on this topic to help other creatives on their journey. If there are any topics you would love for me to talk about let me know below & I will endeavour to add these to my Blog.
