I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been really struggling lately. I don’t know what it is but most days I just don’t feel motivated to work on dolls. It’s not that I don’t love what I’m doing. I’m totally happy with how things have been going with the Dark Manor lately. I dunno, I guess I just feel a lack of inspiration as of late. Which is why I decided to write this post, for you and for me. This is a list of things I find helpful when I’m just not feeling it. You know what I mean. When you just can’t seem to get yourself to be excited to work on your art. When you feel you’re in a funk, check out these 9 tips I find really helpful in getting the inspiration wheels turning again.
1. Surround yourself with beautiful things. One of the best ways to find inspiration again is to surround yourself with it. Listen to music you love. Watch your favorite movies. Enjoy your favorite drink. And fill your walls and shelves with artwork you feel most inspired by.
2. Enjoy other people’s artwork. On a related note, spend some time enjoying other people’s artwork. Browse the internet, facebook, pinterest, or instagram. Visit a musem and simply take it all in.
3. Rest and Relax. Sometimes the reason the inspiration well has run dry is because we’re too stressed and exhausted. Especially in a day and age when it’s far too common to be overly busy sometimes it’s necessary to just take a break and have some “me time.” Take a day off. Have a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Take a nap. Read a book. And just rest.
4. Write a list. Often when I just can’t seem to come up with new ideas I find it helpful to list out anything and everything that I love, enjoy, or feel drawn to. Antique lace. Old Books. The color green. Harry Potter. Sometimes that’s all it takes to get the wheels turning again.
5. Go for a walk. It can help to just get up, move around, get outside, and gain some new perspective. Plus, if you live near the country there’s the added bonus of enjoying the beauty of nature.
6. Try something new. Challenge yourself to learn a new skill, try a new medium, explore a new theme, or make something you’ve never made before. Getting yourself out of your comfort zone can be scary but also thrilling. And once again you’ll feel full of inspiration.
7. Make something for fun. The pressure to create perfect art can sometimes become overwhelming. Take a break and just make something for yourself. Keep it loose and relaxed, remember the goal is to have fun not make something perfect.
8. Create anyway. Not always, but sometimes we need to just press onward and keep making stuff. Eventually the inspiration will return and we can’t always let ourselves be ruled by how we feel.
9. Be gentle with yourself. Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up. Some days you’re just not feeling it and maybe nothing helps. It’s important to remember that it’s ok to struggle – it’s all a part of being human and definitely a part of being an artist. So be gentle with yourself.
I know I’m not the only one who has struggled with this so I hope you find this list encouraging and helpful. I’d love to hear some of your ideas for what has helped you get out of an artistic funk!!
You’re right, sometimes I just can’t make myself sit down and sew. I’ve tried most of your methods for getting out of the funk, music really helps. Looking at other artists work starts the creative juices flowing. One thing that really helps is just sitting and looking at photos of my past dolls. Then, it’s..oh, wow..I made that..if I change that and add that. And I’m off and going again. Anyway…you are a marvelous artist and inspiration !!
Oh thank you so much!! And you’re so right. Sometimes that works for me too. Looking through pictures of my old work often reminds me how far I’ve come and some of the obstacles I’ve overcome. It definitely boosts my confidence and gets those creative juices flowing!!