DESIGN'S PURPOSE

Hey all,

Today, let's delve into a topic we've all danced with at some point in our creative endeavors: the infamous duo of creative block and burnout. Trust me, I've been there too, feeling like my creative well has run dry and that it's gone on an extended vacation. In this post, I want to share my personal insights on overcoming these hurdles, so we can all get back to doing what we love.

Okay, let's start by acknowledging the elephant in the room – creative block and burnout are real, and it's okay to admit when you're in their clutches. For the longest time, I used to push through, thinking I could bulldoze my way past it. Unfortunately that never worked. So, take a breath, recognize where you're at, and understand that it happens to the best of us. You might be wondering, "Aidan, if pushing through doesn't do the trick then what's the point?" fear not friend there is more than one way to start a fire. While determination is a valuable trait, pushing through creative block isn't always the best solution. Instead, consider adopting a more compassionate and holistic approach, allowing yourself the time and space needed to rejuvenate your creative spirit. Explore new environments, seek inspiration, and engage in activities that nurture your well-being – you might find that the creativity you were searching for emerges more naturally.

I'll admit, this one was a tough pill for me to swallow. I'd beat myself up for not churning out masterpiece after masterpiece. It took a moment of reflection to realize that, hey, I'm only human. So, cut yourself some slack. Treat yourself like you would your best friend going through a rough patch. You deserve that kindness. Understand that perfection is an elusive goal. Embrace the imperfections in your work as part of your unique style and voice. Recognize that mistakes and flaws are opportunities for growth and learning rather than reasons for self-criticism. Instead of focusing solely on the end result, celebrate the small victories along the way. Acknowledge the effort you put into your work, whether it's completing a challenging section, experimenting with a new technique, or simply showing up to create. Every step forward is worth acknowledging. Remember, self-compassion is an ongoing practice. By incorporating these strategies into your creative process, you'll not only enhance your ability to weather challenges but also foster a more positive and sustainable relationship with your creative pursuits.

In the numerous amounts of times that I find myself stuck in a creative rut, staring at the same four walls, in the same old room, planted on my same old chair I decide to break free from my usual workspace prison. A change of scenery worked wonders – whether it was setting up shop in a local Starbucks or taking my laptop to the library to get a new view and sense of space, it always gets me to think a bit differently. Routine also helped me out when it came to my creativity; Now, routine might sound like the antithesis of creativity, but hear me out. Creating a structure for your day doesn't mean stifling your artistic soul. It's about finding that sweet spot between productive work and essential self-care. Trust me, a well-balanced routine is a game-changer. If your a procrastinator like any other person alive, I've found that doing something hard before what I need to get done motivates me to sit down and just start my projects. For instance, go on a walk, go to the gym, take a cold shower and through that you'll realize how manageable your project or work might be.

When my creative mojo is on life support, I turned to the one thing that has never let me down: inspiration. Dive into different worlds – be it through books, art, a spontaneous road trip, or maybe as simple as a influential podcast or video. Surround yourself with creativity, and watch as the sparks begin to fly again. It worked for me; it might just work for you too. That brings me to my next point, working with others. Creation isn't a one person operation in most cases and its nice to have feedback and insight from peers around you. There's strength in numbers, sharing my struggles with fellow creators not only made me feel less alone but also opened the door to amazing collaborations. It's like a support group for creative minds. This very blog has helped me discover this idea so don't hesitate to reach out; you'll be surprised at the camaraderie you'll find.

Let's inject some fun back into our creative pursuits, shall we? Remember when you used to play with crayons as a kid, not caring about the end result? That's the vibe we're going for. Experiment, play, and revel in the joy of creating without the weight of perfection on your shoulders. Trust me; it's a game-changer.

So there you have it – a glimpse into my journey through the labyrinth of creative block and burnout. By acknowledging, embracing, and actively addressing these challenges, I found my way back to the heart of what I love.

Keep on creating and I'll see you next week.

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Favorite artwork of the week: @Vxmeee