Have you ever sat down to create and felt…nothing? When the world crowds our thoughts, where do we go to find the quiet we need to make art? And is that quiet really what we need?
Sometimes we need the noise – created by living in the moment and being with the ones we love. We forget to make time for art because we’re busy living the moments that inspire it. Even so, it’s easy to become frustrated by this – to feel like we’re not spending time doing the things we ‘should’ be doing.
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Other times we need to focus on drowning out the noise, or risk our thoughts drifting to anxiety, stress, despair at the perceived lack of ability to create.
The funny thing about finding balance is that it’s never a 50/50 cut. In fact, it’s almost counter intuitive. In order to find balance, you need to let yourself acknowledge that your creative efforts will ebb and flow. But acknowledging and embracing are two separate efforts.
So, what’s a creative to do?
Have Humor
There’s an article a friend sent me years ago, called How To Care For Your Writer. It’s filled with silly items.
Things like, toss a snack their way now and then (necessary).
Take your writer for a walk once a day – then make sure it returns (also necessary).
If it doesn’t, leave an open book and a bag of coffee grounds by the back door. Your writer will return safely.
On the days when I feel stuck or overworked, or words simply don’t make sense (“Is that really how you spell bagel?”), lighthearted humor like that article helps me remember to take a breath.
It’s a gentle reminder that constantly being in the thick of it can be just as detrimental as it can be helpful. But it also leaves space – meaning it’s written with understanding that some days your craft might be all consuming in the best of ways.
Related Post: The Truth About Being Creatively Blocked: It’s All In Your Mindset
Give Yourself Grace
Sometimes, we need to embrace the chaos that steers us away from our art in order to come back and create even better art. Find peace in the center of all the noise, because that ‘noise’ is often what fuels us.
But it’s equally as important to learn how to filter out the noise that doesn’t serve you – both external and internal.
The thoughts that fill your head during a ‘blocked’ moment are just as detrimental as watching the news before bed. Neither tend to be filled with self love and positivity.
Learning to speak kindly to yourself is just as important for your well being as it is for your art. Allow yourself the grace of being human. And as you do, realize what a detrimental word ‘should’ is. There’s no satisfying it. The should’ve, could’ve, would’ve moments are all consuming when you cave into them.
Over time you’ll begin to counter that guilt with an understanding that you are exactly where you need to be. When we send intentions into the universe, we receive the opportunity to make them a reality. Have the grace to recognize moments of frustration and blank thoughts as an opportunity to look at something in a different light. Allow yourself to indulge in your work, but remember to take a break to live as well.
Most importantly – as I was recently reminded – create because you enjoy it, not because you feel like you should.
Get Creative With Being Creative
As someone who writes best and most often at night, after a long day of deadlines, sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
That’s why, when a friend posted on Instagram that she wanted to start a daily doodle challenge and was looking for an accountability partner, I saw a rare opportunity.
One that could bring joy to the process, without the weight of responsibility, and still create a sense of consistency.
While her goal was a doodle a day, I created #TellMeAStory with the goal of writing a daily piece of dialogue, a scene, setting or vibe.
Even though I don’t join every day, I see her posts and it reminds me. Sometimes, her drawings spark new ideas. But mostly it puts my subconscious in a creative mode, so when that one line strikes, I make a point to write it down.
It’s an unexpected avenue that has helped me stay in contact with my creativity despite my focus being elsewhere at the moment. I might not post daily, but I also don’t feel any guilt. It’s a fun way for me to be creative when I have little to no time or extra energy.
Let The Present Moment Be Your Inspiration
As my focus has shifted to being present in the moment with my family, it’s moved away from maintaining a regular creative practice. If you’re in a similar position, just think – what if I could use this to my advantage?
One thing I’ve realized over the past year is that, while I don’t generally write about specific people, I do memorialize certain traits of the people I love and those I encounter.
Whether you’re visiting family for an extended period or missing their company, draw from them to spark your creativity.
What about them makes you smile the most, or laugh suddenly? How can you use that in your art? Where do your thoughts drift to when they come to mind? Use this as a starting point for your new story, a color palette to paint from, a new vantage point or perspective for your photography. Resist the urge to remain confined to the real details and let your imagination run.
Think of the joy that will spread to their faces as they see your art for the first time, and recognize a part of themselves in it as well.
As you make this part of your practice, you’ll begin to live more in the moment so you can capture every detail later. You’ll find comfort in highlighting each memory, so it’s less likely to fade over time.
And if you’re in the unique position of being the loved one of a creative, all I can say is: have patience. Leave a piece of chocolate or an apple on the counter. Know that even in our silence, as we craft new paintings and stories that only our eyes can see, we look forward to being in the moment with you. We don’t mean to bark. Chances are we forgot to eat…again.
SAMANTHA PATERNOSTER
Writing is much bigger than a career. It’s more interesting than a hobby. It’s the spark to an eternal curiosity that has led me to learn unexpected skills, treasure knowledge passed down through generations, and create a space for voices that need to speak.
I earned my B.A. in Creative Writing from Brandeis University, with a focus on long and short fiction. I have nearly a decade of experience as a copywriter and editor. But I’ve also worked as an Email Analyst and QA Analyst at Yale University, helping to launch their redesigned Giving page circa 2014.
Most recently, I’ve started my own business – Creatively You. Built for my clients, it is founded on one simple act: listening. By listening to my clients’ dreams and needs, I am able to help them develop their brands through cohesive web design and content that tells their stories.
I don’t believe in linear paths. I do believe in the magic that embracing the unknown can bring.
