You wish to make art but, suddenly, you can’t. Fret not, this is quite normal and it can be overcome. One or more things could be happening that are blocking your inspiration from coming in, passing through, and expressing itself.
It can indeed be alarming, however. You’re working on that project that you wish would succeed or working at a job that expects you to deliver. But then, what would normally come effortlessly to you isn’t coming at all. And you may be at a loss as to why.
What could be happening? You must take a moment. That’s right, set aside some time to dedicate to solving this issue. You ain’t getting anywhere without doing so. So come to terms with the fact that, to be productive, you must stop producing - or attempting to, anyway.
First and foremost, how exhausted are you? Did you overwork yourself? Get the rest that you require! Once you’ve done that, you can look at the potential causes of your block(s), which may be among the following:
- Paralyzing perfectionism. Often the main culprit. Waiting for everything to be perfect or meet the conditions for it to be before doing or accepting anything.
- Irritating environment. Too messy and noisy or, alternatively, too bland and void to withstand.
- Blurred goals. How would you shoot without any clear aim?
- Stifled flow. You may have habituated yourself to strict rules and procedures that should now be revised or dropped entirely.
- Pending interruption. You just know, consciously or not, that an interruption is coming and you’d rather or ought to immerse in this.
- Apparent pointlessness. It can be discouraging if it doesn’t bring any results we personally value.
- Loneliness. You might need to collaborate with others or at least socialize for a bit with people who truly feel like company.
- Joylessness. Since when has it become a chore? Make it exciting again. Remove more of what strips the joy and/or include more of what brings it. Or simply make way for it to happen on its own.
Furthermore, it may be that you have already emptied yourself of the good, great, or relevant concepts and ideas that you could bring to life. If that is so, it is time to fill yourself up. Seek inspiration once more. Look around, in and out, and get the sparks to make your own magic.
Can you think of more potential blocks getting in the way?
CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI