Hello fellow Creatives!
Having a tough time coming up with an idea for your next project? Grab yourself a cappuccino and stay a while…
I can guarantee that every artist and designer has gone through some sort of creative block. I’ve had my fair share and will probably have more. Lucky for you, I have complied a list of five tips to help you get out of that little rut!
1. Take a Shower
Believe it or not, some of my greatest ideas came from taking a shower. Usually, when the deadline is quickly approaching and I’m having difficulty coming up with an idea/concept, I will take a shower late at night. Not only does it calm me down, but it also gives me a chance to concentrate and not be over-stimulated by technology. As soon as I’m done my shower, I promptly write down everything that I thought about in my Moleskine, then I’m able to branch off into more ideas. This leads me into my second tip…
2. Idea Map
This concept is not just for kids! Never underestimate the power of a simple idea. Idea maps are great for organizing your ideas and thoughts. Get yourself a piece of paper or better yet, sticky notes! I prefer the sticky notes simply because it’s easier to move my ideas around and categorize them if I need to without having to re-write anything. Start with one word or phrase in the middle, then write words and phrases that relate to that and so forth. Before you know it, you’ll be in the zone and coming up with so many new ideas!
3. Visit a New Place
I am a travel junkie and going to new places fuels my creativity. Don’t have the budget to go far? No worries! You don’t even need to go out of the country, or out of your home town. You can simply take a walk or drive to somewhere scenic. The creative mind needs to be stimulated to spark new ideas. If you are always in your studio, how do you expect your ideas to expand? Google Images and Instagram are great and extremely instant, but there is nothing like seeing something in person! Trust me.
4. Art Exhibition, Gallery, Show
There’s nothing like seeing an original right before your eyes! It is a different experience seeing art through a screen or book vs. in person. Get out of your bed and head over to your local art gallery or check online to see if there are any shows near you. Not only will you be able to see many pieces of work, and gain inspiration, but it is also a chance for you to meet fellow creatives!
5. Talk to Fellow Creatives
I know some of us artists and designers are introverts and would rather not talk to others, but I would suggest stepping out of your comfort zone. The only way we can grow is to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations. By listening and sharing ideas, you’ll be amazed by how inspired you’ll start to feel. My friends from university and I always bounce around ideas and critique each others’ work. It helps a ton! Remember to jot down these ideas in your sketchbook so that you can refer to them at a later time!
I hope that at least one of these tips will help you! Please share any further advice that you have for overcoming your creative blocks because I would love to find out and learn new ways.
Erica
Mrs. Gilmartin, my fourth grade teacher, is the person who made me fall in love with the Fine Arts. Many students were intimidated by her, including myself. She was strict, but not the kind that made kids cry, but the kind that came from a loving place, the kind that made her students feel proud of themselves after they worked hard and did well on a test. She was patient and willingly put in extra time to ensure that her students grasped the lessons she taught. Anyone who was lucky enough to be in her presence could see just how much she loved her job.
I still remember her lesson on Monet and picking his Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies for an assignment. I don’t remember much of the painting process; however, I do remember Mrs. Gilmartin giving me an “A+”. I had never been more proud of myself! After receiving that grade, Art class quickly became my favourite subject and art became “my thing“. Every time we had an art project, my aim was to get the same grade or higher.
I think of her often and how I wish that I could get in contact with her to thank her. No other elementary teacher of mine ever took the time to embrace my passion the way she did. One day with a smile on her face she handed me a book on Monet. I never asked for it, she just selflessly gave it to me and I had never been more grateful! I don’t think anyone could ever understand just how much that meant to me. Without a doubt, Mrs. Gilmartin saw potential in me.
I know that I shouldn’t compare teachers because each and every one of them are different, but I can’t help to compare them to her - she set the standards high! I believe that more teachers should care for their students like Mrs. Gilmartin did. She was able to understand and see what each of her students were drawn to or what they could excel in. She was supportive and made a positive difference in my life and probably many others’ as well!
Mrs. Gilmartin, if you ever stumble upon this I just want to thank you. Thank you for seeing my potential at a young age. Thank you for encouraging me and taking the time to do so. Thank you for believing in me. If it wasn’t for you, I doubt that I would be the person that I am today. As an Art Teacher myself, I aspire to find ways to make my students feel confident in themselves the way you made me feel. I try to share my knowledge as passionately as you did with me to them. Without even saying the words, “I believe in you” I want each of my students to sense that I do. To say that you were an amazing teacher is an understatement. You were much more than that and there are no words to describe it. Thank you for being you.
My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Gilmartin, changed my life.
Erica
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Welcome and thank you for stopping by! Please pour yourself a glass of wine, put your pens and paintbrushes down and take a little break…
As you probably already know, I’m Erica - an artist, designer, innovator and goal setter who loves to travel, but will always call “The Oaks” home. Known for consistently being on the go with a detailed daily schedule, never ending list of things to achieve with a Moleskine and pen at hand jotting down and sketching ideas, all while filming it as it happens. I adore being surrounded by genuine, kind-hearted, creative and ambitious people who challenge me to connect on a deeper level. I am hungry for success and I believe that each and every individual has the ability to achieve their dreams as long as they are willing to earn it.
I hope that I will be a positive influence, leaving you feeling empowered to fearlessly chase after your ambitions and love the life that you design.
Erica
