Unblocking My Artist's Block

I have Artist’s Block. 

It’s actually a thing. 

 It’s not just about staring at a blank paper and not knowing where to start.  Sometimes it’s about just being unenthused with what you are doing.  Nothing you are working on excites you, so the “why bother” effect takes over.  Then you come up with other “things” to do, but yet you still feel unsatisfied in some way.

And I suppose it doesn’t just happen to artists and writers.  It can happen to anyone in any profession.  

 I don’t really think it is boredom.  Well, maybe a little.

 So, what am I going to do to “unblock”?

 When I feel like this, and it certainly isn’t the first time, I first come to peace with it and don’t try to fight it.  I forgive myself for not feeling or being creative.  For me, it is mostly about clearing my head.  I am a multi-tasker.  I always have about 3 or 4 different projects going on at any one given time and I am always thinking about the next 3 or 4 projects coming up.  I have ideas for all of them swimming around my head and although I love making a list, not all of those ideas make it on.  That is usually where the problem starts.  Just because the idea didn’t make it on the list, does not mean I am still not thinking about it.

 So, this past weekend, I took some time first thing in the morning (my most productive time) and sat with my coffee, my calendar and my notebook and compartmentalized my life.  I actually scheduled out the whole month of October!  Right down to ordering what I need to winterize my koi pond!  3 lists later, I was already starting to feel uncluttered.

 Now, lists may be an integral part of my unblocking process, however, this morning I decided to go for a walk.  Fresh air, for me, is the key for clearing my head and getting out of my unenthused rut.  I think it’s because I like to walk alone. I don’t have to concentrate on anything, although I usually head out thinking I am going to be able to focus and think about some of my ideas.  I mostly just look at the world around me.  Sometimes I stop and take a picture of something.  

From this morning’s walk, and yes, I had a conversation with them

 Back in my studio, I am feeling productive!  I am going through some new images I shot a couple of weeks ago, planning some promotional campaigns, updating the website and then I have to figure out why no one other than me received their mail-in voting ballot. 

 Maybe the fresh air stimulates brain cells?

 Jessica

PS- I would love to hear how you get unblocked.  Leave me a comment below for a chance to win a free 2021 planner.