Seasons of Creativity
Creative energy ebbs and flows
Creativity has its natural cycles, like the changing seasons, but I for one find it difficult to accept periods of lower creative energy. I’m not talking about real burnout here, which is a whole different kettle of fish. I’m thinking more about those times where you still want to create, but you’re struggling to finish projects, or aren’t even sure where to begin when new ideas aren’t coming.
For me, these creative blocks come with a dose of frustration and guilt that’s hard to ignore, especially when it’s how I make my living! Taking a step back and slowing down feels a lot like self-sabotage, but these periods of dormancy can be just as valuable as the bursts of inspiration that follow. Creativity isn’t just about producing - it’s also about absorbing, processing, and letting ideas take root. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to allow yourself that space, even if it feels unproductive in the moment.
So how can we get past the block?
For me, the most important thing is not to push it too hard. There’s a balance to strike between structured creative habits like daily sketching or writing about your ideas, and doing things that will feed your creativity even when you’re not making anything. Personally, I like a nature walk - no music, just allowing my thoughts to percolate, and giving myself time to notice things around me that might inspire me.
And when inspiration does start trickling back, I focus on small, low-pressure ways to engage with it. Doodling with no expectations, shaping clay just for the feel of it, or writing down half-formed thoughts without worrying where they’ll lead. The less I try to force it, the easier it is to find my way back.
Ignore everyone else!
Just one more thing… Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. External input can be overstimulating and overwhelming, especially when they make you feel more guilty about a creative lull. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, but creativity isn’t a race. Stepping back isn’t falling behind.
Creativity is a conversation that you have with yourself, so give yourself time to listen as well as speak. Letting yourself be quiet can allow your subconscious mind to connect ideas and untangle thoughts. Trust that even in stillness, inspiration is still there, and the next season of creativity will come in its own time.
