Blog: Seven Tips to Make Creativity Flourish
Welcome to this new summer blog! I hope you are enjoying the long days, the sun and being outside! Recently, I’ve been working on new designs, which brought me face-to-face with the reality of creative blocks and the obstacles that arise when venturing into uncharted artistic territory. Does this ever happen to you too?
For me, July and August are full of inspiration. The sun and silent walks in nature reignite my desire for innovation and artistic freedom. My busy mind is finally able to relax. It feels like a pond filled with crystal clear water; I can see what lies beneath the depth—ideas and designs I put on hold until the noise diminishes.
I believe that behind the creative impulse lies the desire to break through limitations and achieve the extraordinary. The only way to fulfil this desire is to dive into the work and bring that new design to life. But the road from an idea to a finished work is intricate and challenging. The creative mind can be flaky and restless. Like a butterfly, it flutters from one idea to the next. We need to anchor it; otherwise, it cannot grow and flourish.
How do you experience the ‘creative urge’? Do you sometimes struggle to follow through with an idea or project? Or perhaps you need some inspiration to get started? The good news is that a few simple practices and hacks can help you move forward. I am so excited to share my seven best tips on getting in the creative flow and staying there. These practices were a game-changer for me to overcome creative resistance. Here they are:
Be intentional about what you are going to do (but don't overthink it!)
Is your mind constantly filled with exciting plans, like mine? Choose ONE single idea to start with. Put everything else on hold. This sparks focused action and will make your goals more realistic and doable.
After choosing your ONE idea, think through the main steps to realise it, but avoid going into details. You don’t need to see the entire road to start the journey. Write down the first three steps you will take. Getting clear about how you will start your journey will anchor your thoughts and get you in a calm-creative mindset. As you go forward, the rest of the path gradually becomes visible.
time blocking
Go to your calendar and block off one or two hours when you will work on your ONE idea. Repeat this as many times as needed. Keep in mind: this time is SACRED and reserved ONLY FOR THAT ONE CREATIVE PROJECT.
The empty canvas
Dedicate a block of time to organizing and tidying up a segment of your workspace or studio. If you work at home, clear a corner (a wall, a table). This space will be your empty canvas and background against which your creation will emerge. Be strict with yourself and remove even the tiniest distractions, like a nail in the wall, from this space.
Clearing up physical space for a new design will create a feeling of spaciousness in your mind. Seeing the next step will be much easier when there’s no clutter and noise around the work.
Let your artwork guide you
From time to time, take physical, mental and emotional distance from what you are working on. When you return to it with ‘fresh eyes’, ask the question aloud: What next step should I take?
Limit your options
When creating new work, there are endless possibilities: colour combinations, fibres, and techniques. When crafting a new design, you will need to limit your options if you don’t want to get overwhelmed.
My recent project involved a multi-resist technique I rarely use when making hats. This technique made sculpting the hat extra challenging. To master this new technique and shape, I only used undyed wool fibres. They felted easily, and I was not distracted by colour choices. On the other hand, if I experiment with a new colour effect and shading, I use an uncomplicated, minimalistic design to test the colour. This allows me to concentrate on blending the different coloured fibres in the correct proportion to create a specific colour effect.
Have Your tools and materials ready.
List all the tools and materials you will need for your project. Check if your tools are all in good condition and ready to use. Ensure that you have enough fibre from each colour you will use. Have everything ready and at your fingertips. Distractions like running out of materials or having to search for tools will break your creative flow and cost you extra energy to get back on track.
Don't Let The Fear of not Being original Stop You.
Do you sometimes find yourself scrolling on social media to see what others are making when it is YOUR precious time to create? Or perhaps you can’t resist the urge to check if your idea has already been realised? Chances are, it likely has. Some ideas are just looping in the Common Creative Consciousness. Your personal touch, one-of-a-kind approach and unique skills are the magical components that will make your work fresh and exciting.
I hope these tips will reignite your desire to create. Rember, it’s all about taking just one step at a time. Believe in yourself and keep creating!
See you soon!
Zsófia XX