Having been sort of out of artistic commission for the last few weeks, this has been on my mind. Here are a few things to try if you are also feeling a little mojo-less:

1. Quantity over quality. (Almost) Everybody knows about Morning Pages: the concept of just writing 3 pages without regard to quality or content. I think this concept can be applied to many different things and sometimes just making yourself do “something” within a set frame (be it a time frame or number of pages/drawings/whatever frame) can give you the kick you need to just do something and not worry about results.
2. Limited Resources. Sometimes too many options can paralyze us. Limit yourself to one or two tools – such as a pen and one color crayon. Trying to figure out how to work without your plethora of resources can sometimes spark ideas.
3. Work it out. As in, exercise. Not only do you get your mind off your project (or lack thereof), but you get the endorphins from exercise so you feel better when you’re done. I’m personally a fan of weight lifting or something that keeps your mind somewhat occupied (such as dance). Walking doesn’t do it for me because there is too much time for thinking.
4. Create something that you will destroy at the end. I did this recently. It’s nice because you don’t try very hard (at least I don’t) and you don’t worry very much; you just get back into the motions of making things. A lot of times a block is a result of not knowing where to start or worrying about making something cool; if you aim to make something that you will throw away a lot of that pressure is off.
5. And now for something completely different. Try an entirely new task – assuming your current craft is art journaling, you could try cooking, knitting, making model airplanes out of Popsicle sticks. You’re still getting into the swing of making things but with the added bonus (or hassle?) or trying something you don’t know how to do. Having to think in a different way is a pretty good way to jog creative ideas.
6. Immerse yourself. Museums, antique stores, galleries – go to places where you can surround yourself with beautiful things to find inspiration.
7. Pastiche. As per the wiki, which always defines things more elegantly than I can, “a work is called pastiche if it is cobbled together in imitation of several original works.” Imitate the styles of several different artists in one piece and see what happens.
8. Reverse Engineer. Similarly, pick one piece, figure out how it was made and re-create it yourself. You’ll probably learn a new technique or way of doing things that you can later incorporate into your own style.
9. Musical Inspiration. Of course the obvious is to put on music that makes you feel creative, but you can also try to illustrate songs – either the story in the song, or literally illustrating the instruments and notes for something that looks a little more abstract.
10. Numbered lists. If you have to come up with, say, 10 things, you will have to sit there until you come up with something which will force you to put down anything just for the sake of FILLING OUT THIS LIST… I mean, “the” list. Generally speaking. Of course.

What are your favorite ways to get back into the groove?

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May 9th, 2011 |