How to get your mojo back

Creativity can take a nose dive when we are overworked, so here's a check list of great ways for you to recharge your creativity and kick start those little grey cells! 

1. ​Change perspective

This may sound obvious, but start with whatever is in front of you. Take your pick of the every day objects around you and put it somewhere different. Change the light and composition around it, and see what happens. It’s amazing how interesting an old teaspoon can look in the right light. Change the view. What happens? Can you get a shine on it? Does it cast a long or shapely shadow? Is there a way to view it so that it doesn’t look like a teaspoon any more? What happens if you pair it with something odd? Can you create meaning? You might surprise yourself and find something really cool without even leaving the room, just by changing the way you look at something.
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2. Challenge yourself

Challenge yourself to work within different parameters. Decide to do something different from your usual approach and stick to it, even if it’s tricky. Change the scale of your work, try creating something enormous, or something tiny. How does that alter your approach and what would feel interesting to try in that space? Be proud of the things you master and take the opportunity to grow your skill in areas you want to explore.
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3. ​Limit Your Toolkit

Perhaps you could try a limited palette - it’s amazing how lovely a face can look in all blues, does it alter the mood? How can you capture the light and shadow? How does a blush look? Perhaps ignore Colour altogether. What happens if you can only work with solid shapes? Can you still create light and shadow? Can you create depth and perspective? You could even try working to a really tight deadline. Speed painting can be an excellent way to get into a flow of producing work, and limited time helps you to focus on the most important features. It’s amazing what a break from your usual routine can show you about your ability.
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4. ​Get sociable!

Get outside, hang out with friends or just go to an event and get involved! Make an effort to talk to people and listen too - even us shy creatures flourish in good company, and there is no better way to gain a fresh perspective than hearing someone else’s views. The more you socialise the more food for thought you gather, so ask questions and don’t be afraid to share your ideas too! You might even collaborate with someone and that’s sure to push your boundaries and open up new ideas. And if nothing else you’ll have a good giggle and that alone makes it worthwhile.

5. ​Feed your mind

You don’t even have to travel to see inspiring artwork any more. So many artists & galleries share everything online now and there’s an endless pool of creative curators sifting through the best of the rest to bring you new & exciting ideas. You also have a wealth of things to read at your fingertips, so seek out what interests you, go and discover some new artists, new writers and new music. Pinterest is a great way to collect ideas so if you find yourself overwhelmed with inspiration you can curate those finds onto different digital mood boards. Or you can just go old school and print things to stick on a physical mood board, whatever works for you. Just be sure to feed that creative engine regularly, and you’ll never run dry again!

6. Just Do It!

​Sometimes you just need to kickstart the engine. Much like any other work, creative work takes time and effort so it’s important to be aware that procrastination is not your friend. Get yourself in front of the job and just get it done. It may not be a masterpiece just yet, but if you give it time and effort, you’ll get there. I believe in you! 

Emma x