As a creative, the ebb and flow of inspiration can be both exciting and exhausting. Sometimes it feels like your mind is overflowing with ideas, while other times it's a struggle just to come up with something to draw or design and far too easy to get stuck in a rut. It can be challenging to keep the creative juices flowing and maintain inspiration as an artist, writer, or creator where making meaningful connections and new ideas are crucial to success and happiness. Luckily, there are several creative ways to overcome these creative blocks (a.k.a . art blocks), and unlock your imagination and passion for art.

24 Ways to Spark Creativity

1. Doodle with Your Non-Dominant Hand - It's easy to fall into familiar patterns with your art, but using your non-dominant hand can create a new challenge and push you out of your comfort zone. When you use your non-dominant hand, you’re forcing your brain to work in a new way. This can result in unique and unexpected creations. Don’t worry about making something perfect. Just let your hand flow and see what happens.

2. Do Nothing - Sometimes your brain just needs a break. Taking a break from your work and doing nothing can re-energize your brain and let it wander. Doing nothing can help you process ideas and thoughts that you wouldn't have had time for if you were busy creating. Oftentimes doing nothing will turn to daydreaming which can also ignite your creative flame. Let your mind wander and take you to different places. Daydreaming can stimulate your creativity and give you new ideas to work with.

3. Play with Different Mediums - Experiment with different art mediums and techniques that you're not used to. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can help you come up with new and exciting ideas. If you're a traditional artist, try switching to digital art for a change. If you're a graphic designer, experiment with hand lettering. Switching up your style can breathe new life into your work. Experiment with different mediums and you may discover a new passion that you never knew existed.

4. Try a New Hobby - Sometimes the easiest way to break through a creative block is to explore something outside of your usual subject matter. Take a cooking class, learn a new language, or pick up a musical instrument. The skills you learn in a new area can inform and enrich your creative work.

5. Keep a Sketchbook or Journal - Carry a small sketchbook with you wherever you go and use it to capture new ideas, doodles, and sketches. It doesn’t have to be for a specific project. The goal is to keep your creativity flowing. Your sketchbook can also be a journal to capture random thoughts, ideas, or interesting finds as you go through your day.  Personal life experiences can be a great source of inspiration for your art. Jt down notes or quick sketches of people, places, and things you interact with during the day.

6. Collaborate with Others - Connect with someone outside of your field or an artist/creator you admire. Their perspective and creative process may inspire you in ways you never thought possible. Even if you don't create something tgogether the change of pace and outside influence make spark something new.

7. Get Some "Me Time" - Creativity can be draining, and sometimes you need to take a break and focus on self-care. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, meditate or do anything that helps you recharge and refresh. Taking care of yourself both physically and mentally is essential for staying creative and avoiding burnout. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities like exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.

8. Get Uncomfortable - Sometimes we get so comfortable creating in a specific style or medium. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and work on a project outside of your norm. This could be a different art style or subject matter that you’ve never tried before.

9. Create a Mood Board - In the same way that writers create a mood board to help them develop their story, artists can create a visual mood board to help inspire their creations. Collect images, textures, colors, and patterns that speak to you and use them to help guide your art.

1. Make a Mind Map - The mind-mapping technique helps organize thoughts and enables creative brainstorming. By creating a mind map, you can develop ideas around a specific topic or project.

2. Be a Kid Again - Look to children's books for inspiration. Visit a library or bookstore if you don't happen to have kids books around and flip to a random page. Children's books are filled with imaginative illustrations and ideas. Sometimes taking a step back to simpler storytelling can help you break through a creative block.

3. Use Random Objects as Inspiration - Look around you and find objects that inspire you. It could be a leaf, a glass, a piece of fabric or anything else that catches your eye. Use that object as inspiration for your next creation.

4. Listen to a New Podcast - Listening to a podcast outside of your usual interests can provide new insights and ideas. So pop in those earbuds and go on a creative journey!

5. Read... like an actual book with pages - Reading can help you expand your knowledge and perspective, and can also spark new ideas and inspiration. So make time to read books that interest you, whether they're related to your art form or not.. Reading books especially fiction such as literature or poetry can also help you tap into your imagination and envision new worlds. Plus, it's a great break from staring at a computer screen all day.

6. Touch Grass - Sometimes the best thing you can do for your creativity is to simply step away from your work. The same four walls can get boring after a while. Sometimes, all it takes to get your creative mojo back is to change scenery. Take a trip to the beach or a park, or even just step outside your house. The new scenery and fresh air can rejuvenate and stimulate your brain. Physical activity also has many benefits, including reducing stress and increasing energy levels. Exercise can help improve your mood and self-esteem, which can lead to increased creativity. Exercise doesn't have to be intense; it can be as simple as taking a walk or doing some yoga.

7. Go to a Museum or Gallery - Visiting a museum or gallery can be a great source of inspiration and can help you see your art form in a new light. Take some time to explore and see what resonates with you. If you're not able to travel or go anywhere find a video or interactive tour of a place that interests you - like a virtual change of scenery.

8. Listen to Music - Music can be a great source of inspiration and can help you get into a creative mindset. Put on some music that you love and see where it takes you. Jazz music is known for its spontaneity and improvisation, two key factors in art creation. Listening to jazz music while you work can help you get into a free-flowing creative state. Jazz music can help you loosen up and let your creative juices flow.

9. Set a Timer - If you're having trouble getting started on a project, try setting a timer for a short period, like 10 or 15 minutes. Just start creating, and don't worry about the end result. Often, this can help you break through your mental blocks and get into a flow state.

10. Free Write - Freewriting is a technique where you write non-stop for a set amount of time. The idea is to write without thinking and without judgment. Freewriting can help clear your mind and generate new ideas that you might not have come up with otherwise.

11. Play with Color - Try playing with color in unexpected ways. Take a photograph and play with its color scheme, or experiment with different color combinations in your digital designs. You may be surprised at the new creative paths you find.

12. Give back - Sometimes the best way to spark your creativity is to give back. Try volunteering for a cause that you're passionate about, or donating your time and skills to a nonprofit organization. Giving back can be an incredibly rewarding and inspiring experience.

13. Try Meditation & Spiritual Practices - Spiritual practices have been linked with increased creativity and mindfulness. If religion is your path, then prayer can help. However, certain spiritual practices like yoga, meditation, or reiki can offer a similar effect without any religious affiliations. Meditation teaches you how to focus and clear the mind, which can help you unlock new levels of creativity. Meditation can be done through various techniques, such as guided imagery, Yoga, or just taking a few long,

14. Get Coloring - Coloring has countless health benefits for adults - especially reducing stress and anxiety and imporving focus. Feel free to color outside the lines and use different mediums to have fun and be in the moment.

15. Make a Creative Space - Building a personal creative space with inspirational posters, books, and artwork can help create an environment that encourages, motivates, and promotes creativity.

Overcome Art Block & Unleash Your Imagination

Creativity is a crucial part of many people's lives, but it's not always easy to come by. By trying out some of the techniques mentioned in this blog post, you'll be better equipped to overcome creative blocks and spark your creativity. Remember, creativity is a process, and it's okay to experience highs and lows along the way. Keep pushing yourself and trying new things, and you'll be sure to find renewed inspiration and creativity in your work. Prevent creative burnout by giving yourself permission to fail and embrace imperfection.

Happy Creating!