by Carole Meisenhelter

Created on: January 20, 2009

Every now and then the best of artists in whatever field, will encounter a stopping block when creative ideas hit an all time low. You've been coasting along on a high for a period, producing lots when suddenly nothing; you might wonder why? Could it be our right brain is at an ebb, like a low tide, and creative juices are on the way out? Well yes it's highly possible of course and since we know that the tide always comes back in, so too be confident your creativity will also. So how can we rekindle some of the old artist in us, back to productivity?

Don't bother taking on a guilt trip over your lack of motivation and focus but do take a step back for a time and simply change direction. Try to spend some time away from your studio or work-room, take a drive if you have to and get out and walk some place really nice and take in the beauty of Mother Nature around you, that in itself can be inspirational. A visual exploration to free the mind for a bit. One thing though, if you can clear your work space into an orderly fashion, it will be more enticing to come back to, when you're ready that is. Now is as good a time as any while you're not focused especially on any one project, to do a tidy up, clean and re-arrange your supplies.

Take time to enjoy some reading material on the very subject matter that you're involved with; that you enjoy so much. You've probably had subscription magazines arriving and not really read them through entirely, or it's possible many have recommended or spoke about certain books on your given creative outlet that are worth seeking out, right now. Go check your local book store or library and find something to get into and soak up the content. Gain inspiration and motivation, both driving forces towards your own creativity. Jot down ideas that appeal to you, and take them with you to your work space.

Perhaps you could do with some new supplies? Now is as a good a time as any to make a date to pay a visit to stores that sell these items, splurge just a little, you deserve it; the artist in you deserves it. You have to feed that inner-artist! If you don't have supply outlets nearby, do take time to explore online, it's really a very reliable source of materials and you don't even have to leave home to do it. I always fall back on colors as a motivating energy too, when looking at new supplies try picking up colors you've admired in others work but never challenged yourself with.

Work through each of these ideas taking time totally away from your work area and doing something completely different i.e. the walk some place charming, enjoy relaxing with reading material on your subject matter and write down new ideas to try and looking for new supplies. You can be sure that after a little respite from your creativity, you will find a new direction and feel inspired to make a new start, remember your studio is waiting for you too, cleaned up and ready to go. What could be more inviting for your creative soul?

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