Creative Burnout

Posted on February 8, 2008 by Leah
I think every creative person suffers from burnout once in a while - days, weeks, or even longer when the urge to create something new just doesn't strike. I've been feeling burned out the last week or so, I'm sure because I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant and lacking energy, so I thought I'd make a list of things I do to get inspired again. Maybe making the list will get me excited to make some new work before my baby is born!
  • Get together with friends who are creative
  • Look at art/craft web sites
  • Clean the house - this works because I hate cleaning & eventually my mind wanders into things I'd rather be doing. Plus it's productive, so if it doesn't work, at least I feel like I accomplished something.
  • Read a magazine, or flip through articles and pictures I've torn out of magazines
  • Sort my stash of beads and other jewelry making supplies. Sometimes seeing something I've forgotten about gives me ideas.
  • Listen to some good music
  • Watch a really good movie
  • Go for a walk, or just get out into nature somewhere. The coast is always a good one for me.
  • Get some exercise, especially yoga since it helps me feel more focused
  • Just start something - sometimes making something simple, like head pins, will get me in the mood to make something more creative
  • Take apart a piece that didn't work
  • Take a nap - sometimes being tired is what is blocking me
  • Talk to my husband, who is an artist, about where we'd like our creative careers to be in five years
  • Fantasize about the perfect studio
  • Work on paperwork for the business - my least favorite thing to do - but it makes me feel productive, which sometimes gives me an energy boost once I've gotten it over with.
  • Write or sketch in a journal
What do you do to get over creative burnout? Leave me a comment, and a link to your art/craft site so I can see what you're up to.
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11 Responses to Creative Burnout

  1. Luv4sams says:
    February 9, 2008 at 10:18 am

    Those are awesome tips Michon!

  2. Annie Howes says:
    February 9, 2008 at 10:23 am

    Those are all great ideas!

    I love texture and paper, they really inspire my creative side, so when I feel in a little creative funk I turn to catalogs and fabrics for a little creative push. I think recognizing what types of things typically inspire your creativity helps immensely to relight the creative fire within.

    Annie
    http://anniehoweskeepsakes.blogspot.com

  3. New England Quilter says:
    February 9, 2008 at 10:49 am

    When I need inspiration, I go for a swim! It clears my mind and I have time to think without chasing after the babe or thinking I really should be doing … around the house. It is time for me to exercise and mentally refresh my mind. Usually by the end of doing laps for 30 minutes, I have thought of my next crafting project and can’t wait to start it. How do you guys think I came up with my Squashed Snow Globe Story? So, go for a swim or take a walk. Do something for yourself by yourself! Everyone needs a little solitude to re-energize once in a while.

    Thanks for sharing your inspirational tips!

  4. Administrator says:
    February 9, 2008 at 11:12 am

    Thanks for the comments! I love hearing about what other people do to get inspired.

  5. Made By Tammy says:
    February 9, 2008 at 11:24 am

    Great Blog! Awesome Ideas!

  6. Cate says:
    February 11, 2008 at 10:32 am

    Excellent ideas. I know when I was 8.5 months pregnant even getting dressed was a huge commitment!

  7. Administrator says:
    February 11, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    Some days getting dressed really does feel like a big thing, especially since I can no longer tie my shoes. :)

  8. jennifer says:
    February 18, 2008 at 12:33 pm

    I feel you on the creativity slump we all go through (and I’m not even pregnant!) Kudos on coming up with such a full list.

  9. amy smith says:
    February 18, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    i feel that it is nice on the creative…….and that is realy very big thing.

  10. Kinichi River says:
    February 22, 2008 at 4:35 pm

    Great list! Honestly, when I get in a creative rut, I give in to it! Sometimes I just need a couple days to ignore creativity. My creativity usually comes back with a vengence. In the meantime, I still need stuff to keep busy – reading, playing tetris (yep, its an addiction!). Oh, and its always fun to pull out a coloring book and crayons and get to work on that!