The Creatives’ Curse
Ore Oroge shares sure-fire tips in overcoming creative blocks.
As a creative, it is common knowledge that we go through what we call the “creative block”. If an artist tells me, a creative writer, that he’s out of ideas, I would probably nod my head in understanding and reply, “I feel your pain, bro.” Because, really, I do feel the pain of being creatively blank. Even now.
A creative is a person with the capacity for the original invention of novel ideas. Does that define you? The creative block – according to me – is a state of mental incapacitation in the construction of ideas or bringing ideas to life. I think I’m pretty much spot on. Does that define what you go through?
The question now is, how well or how often do those ideas come to life? This is where we creatives are cursed. We’re cursed with this heavy mental block in a dark space called the mind. The painful truth is that this curse may never be completely broken. Some of us have thrown in the towel and taken our lives because we felt hopeless and tired of trying to push it away. It’s normal to feel this way now and then. However, there are ways of handling this curse so it doesn’t ruin us. Remember that it is just part of the creative process – it takes a level of struggle to create something new and original.
First, don’t think too much. Don’t let your brain get in the way of your creativity and then overthink everything. You think of designing a flyer, but you’ve already done that. You think of drawing your cat, but you’ve already done that. You think of writing about your country, but you’re tired of doing that! Then you get stuck in the comfort zone of not doing anything and talking yourself out of taking risks. Here, your inner critic is hyperactive, finding fault in everything you do. Bro, sis, get out of your head. Try:
1. Going somewhere new.
Take a trip to an art museum or visit a park. Getting out of the house and being in a new environment can legit do wonders in fixing our mindsets and bringing new and fresh thoughts and ideas.
2. Reading a book.
This works for me. Read a book, skim a fav, or go to a bookstore and flip through several books. Each book is full of ideas waiting to be recreated by you. Note: this isn’t only applicable to writers, but other creatives. Find a book in your field.
3. Watch an inspiring movie
Hey! Filmmakers and photographers might find this useful. Watch something visually stimulating or something that celebrates creativity. Feel free to come back and thank me later.
4. Go for a walk or run outside your house.
Getting your blood pumping by moving your body and taking in that fresh air will clear your head and help you refocus.
What if you’re feeling too much? Your emotions and inner turmoil may also be getting in the way of your creativity. This is actually where fear comes in. You’re afraid people won’t like your drawing, you’re afraid you’re going to take unimpressive photographs, you’re afraid you’ve already made your best work and you can’t do more than that and now, you’re not even doing anything at all. It’s absolutely possible to get out of this rut – face your fears and get out of your insecurity.
Here are some ideas you can try to achieve this:
1. Remind yourself why you create in the first place.
You didn’t start because of the money, no? Or because of other people’s opinions? Remind yourself why you write, make films, draw, design graphics, take photographs, paint. Remind yourself of why you started and why you should continue.
2. Perform a repetitive non-creative task.
Okay, guys, we need this. Take a break from trying too hard to be creative and try out something else, a repetitive task you know you’re good at. Maybe things like running, mixing a bowl of dough, feeding birds, swimming. Choose something that requires some action and is repetitive so you can really get into it and even daydream, letting your mind wander. This allows your feelings to calm down.
3. Give yourself an assignment.
You can sign up for competitions or challenges to give yourself a sort of balance and accountability.
4. Create something terrible.
Yup, write all the things that comes to your head. Give yourself the permission to create something bad. Just draw something without considering the techniques for making it good. Just get it out on the page. This process helps to break down the initial barrier (block) and then gives you ideas on how to modify your work.
Now, there are more issues that block us from being creative the way we so desire, issues like routine, life changing events, doing too much, etc. But it helps when we use our creativity as a tool for healing and growth, when we can tell people no and take it easy on ourselves, form healthy habits and know the best times for us to create. Remember that we all have been cursed with this thing. It’s a beautiful curse because, like I said earlier, it’s all part of the creative process.
And, hey, I’m rooting for you!
Ore Oroge
Ore is a creative writer and poet who, as a student of Psychology, is passionate about mental health. She freelances as a writer for blogs like The Mind of an African Consumer and The Mirror. She brings her poetry to life with spoken word at various events with the purpose of touching hearts. She is the author of poetry book, To Be Human. When Ore is not writing or speaking on mental health, she can be found reading a book, watching a movie, or interacting with fellow intellectuals.
To connect with her on social media, visit her page on Instagram @oreoroge and Twitter @ore_oroge