My scariest, recurring, nightmare as a creative
The time has come to gather around the fire and tell scary stories. Halloween is here! But life as a creative is scary enough daily, next is my worst nightmares as a designer. My inspiration is completely gone, I am creatively stuck.
One of my biggest nightmares is a creative block, even when it’s not Halloween!
When it happens, it can make you feel useless. The useless feeling then evolves into self-doubt, and often ends with doomsday theories. What if I’m not good? Am I meant to be doing this? How do I get my creative juices flowing again? All these questions can ruin your day, your project, and your personal life.
Take a Break
All Halloween stories do not end sadly though, whenever I have gotten stuck, I always followed these steps. First, I stop what I am doing completely. Nothing good can come from you torturing yourself into finishing the project right that minute. Even the tightest deadlines have room for a 30-minute break.
Self Care
Secondly, I do a self-care activity. Depending on how much time I can put aside, I come up with something easy and satisfying. A short walk, cooking my favorite dish, ordering in, having a snack, or watching an episode of a comfort show are all examples of activities I have done in the past to get over the creative stump.
Re-evaluate
The last step is the most important, I re-evaluate. A lot of times I have found myself pushing to get something done that is either unnecessary or not time sensitive. Go over your motives, your schedule, and your motivation. Are you completing this project to please someone? Is the deadline tomorrow? Does it need to be perfect? Most times it is best to hand something in that is imperfect but conveys the idea in the best way. Professors, clients, and people will always have revisions and suggestions. Feedback is always expected, so why kill yourself for something that will be judged and changed and edited later?
Be Kind to Yourself, Always and not just for Halloween!
The best way to get over the creative block is through it. Creatives, like athletes, actors, and construction workers require not only their minds, but their bodies to be healthy as well. It is nearly impossible to do good work if you are not well, so please treat yourself kindly and stay safe during spooky season!
