Wednesday, December 5, 2012

RE: Creative Block

Ah yes, I experience this at the beginning of every project. I find that if I keep working on something it eventually gets to a point where I like it--this isn't the most efficient approach, but it works. Putting things down on the page, seeing what I can and can't accomplish helps me see what I'm capable of and allows me to play around with different ideas.

What if there are no ideas though? That's a whole other ball game. I commute to work on the bus. Listening to music and staring out the window usually help me think of things. Just observing things in my environment helps. If I'm at the computer, I'll look on Tumblr, just to see images and designs that are pleasing. Sometimes, I just take a break, drink some wine, crochet, and watch crime procedurals. Taking my mind completely off of the project can help--I'll be sitting there and boom, something will come to me when I'm not even trying.

Personally, creative block can also come from insecurity about my ideas--that they aren't "right" for the project in some way. The best way to see if this is true is to give them a shot--waffling on an idea that could work is a waste of time I've found. Usually when I'm not confident about an idea, it works out better than expected. Trusting your judgement can really help you move forward in the creative process.

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