When You Feel Stuck
If you feel like you’ve hit a plateau in your craft or just don’t have those creative juices flowing like you used to, just know that you’re not alone!
Burnout happens to the best of us :(
I can’t tell you how many times a year, a month, a week, or even in a day where I feel exhausted, burnt out, or just completely unfulfilled with my craft. When this happens (usually in the winter months because I suffer from seasonal depression) I feel so guilty.
I start to ask myself, am I a bad artist? Am I not good enough? Am I a FRAUD?!
Shut up, ego.
Turns out I’m a normal human! Because this happens to ALL OF US.
I’ve experienced burnout and lack of motivation so often throughout my career. In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s completely natural to not be inspired all the time.
With the winter season finally coming to an end (about damn time!) I can almost taste the creativity coming back to me! I’ve been on this rollercoaster before so I’d like to share some of my most helpful tips when it comes to reigniting that spark of creativity!
Research other artists for inspiration: Your go-to tool for this is going to be the internet **cough cough INSTAGRAM cough cough, but I really encourage you to go to a bookstore, library, or museum. This will force you to use your other senses besides sight to engage with new work. It will give you a better experience- I promise.
Attend workshops or take a class: Not only is this a great way to meet new people, but you ALWAYS learn something new no matter what skill level you’re at!
Travel and explore new locations: This is one of my favorite things to do- get in my car and drive into the woods. Nothing gets me out of a funk like a magical forest! Whatever your interests are with exploring new places- natural areas, urban environments, new foods, cultural experiences, etc, traveling is a great way to gain inspiration. (Just be safe!)
Experiment with different styles and mediums: Even when I’m hyper-focused on photography, I’m always down to experiment with different styles and techniques within the photographic realm. Maybe a different lens, different angle, new Photoshop technique- whatever feels good! Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone.
TAKE A F*CKING BREAK: Taking some time off to relax, recharge, and engage in self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, and spending time with loved ones can help you feel better and reduce stress. (Easier said than done sometimes, but do it anyway)
Seek support: Seeking support from a mentor, friends, family, or a therapist can be an excellent way to overcome burnout. A supportive community can help you feel less isolated and provide you with encouragement and motivation.
Reflect and reevaluate: Reflecting on your artistic journey and reevaluating your goals can help you regain your passion and drive. Journaling is something I’ve incorporated into my daily routine and it has helped me in my personal and professional life immensely.
Practice Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay present and focused on the moment, which can help you see things differently and come up with new ideas. Try taking a walk without your camera and observing your surroundings or practicing breathing exercises to help you clear your mind.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to help uplift you when you’re feeling stuck, tired, uninspired, or burnt out from your artistic practice.