What to Do When You’re in a Creative Slump

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Welcome to Creatives Anonymous, a weekly newsletter that explores what it means to be a modern-day creative through essays, interviews, and commentary.

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Over the last six weeks, I’ve been in a creative slump. 

It hasn’t helped that all my creativity has gone toward creating content for work (which I do enjoy), completely draining my well. 

And even when I had free time, creating something was the last thing I wanted to do (or if it was, it was for work, not for fun). 

As we enter a new month and inch closer to summer, I’m working on replenishing my creative coffers.

So, it begs the question: What do you do in a creative slump, and how do you get yourself out of it?

Here’s what’s worked for me in the past and some of the tactics I’m trying this time to get back to consistently creating.  

Choose your intentions

Consider your intentions for creating and create a plan to make it happen. Are you going to make it a part of your daily routine? Will you block out evening or weekend hours to make it happen? What are you going to do? I find it helpful to list things you know you like doing, like a dopamine menu of hobbies and activities you can pull from. 

Start small 

Start with one project or one hour. Pick something low lift that you can do to re-ignite your creativity. It can be as simple as scrolling on Pinterest for 15 minutes. Think of it as an artist date to immerse yourself in your creativity to rebuild your creative muscle and that habit. 

Pick projects you know you like doing 

Instead of trying to pick up a new hobby or project, ease back into creating with projects you know you like doing. Like sketching? Do that. Like photography? Go on a photo safari. When you do something you already like, it’s easier to ease yourself back into it.  If you’re anything like me, you probably have a list of creative projects in your backlog. 

Allow yourself to play

Experiment with different things to take the pressure off of creating. Half the fun of creating is following your curiosity and going down rabbit holes. Check out a new shop. Build a Lego set. Give yourself the freedom and flexibility to see where your creativity takes you. Most importantly, make it fun so it doesn’t feel like a chore. 

Follow the vibes

The worst thing you can do is force yourself to do something you don’t want. Follow the vibes to see what you feel like doing. Listen to your inner nudges and urges. Creating takes a lot of mental capacity (it’s also a great way to rest), so ensure you’re in the right headspace for whatever you're doing. 

Incentivize yourself

Sometimes we need a little push in the form of an incentive. Pick up a new art supply. Go to a new place. Splurge on specialty ingredients. Do something that makes you excited to create again. 

Reminder: Creating doesn’t have to be making art

Creativity takes many forms, whether cooking, styling clothes, or gardening. If you want to ease back into creativity, find the form of creativity that works for you. It doesn’t have to be creating art. Choose something where you feel creative and you’re more likely to do it. 

What’s your favorite method for getting out of a creative slump? Reply to this email and let me know!

Creative Corner

• 🎞️ What I’m Consuming: I’m on a Star Wars kick. I watched Episode VI and Episode I.

• 💡 What I’m Loving: Reviving my patio garden. My dahlia is sprouting new stalks, which excites me for summer.

• 🎨 What I’m Working On: I rolled no less than a gazillion koulourakia (Greek butter cookies) for one of Seattle’s upcoming Greek festivals

• 💭 Weekly Musing:

Thank you 💕

If you liked this newsletter, I’d love it if you could forward it to someone who you think would like it, too!

I’m so grateful for all of your support!

Alexa Phillips is a writer, brand strategist, and multi-passionate creative. She is the founder of Bright Eyes Creative, a Seattle-based brand consultancy and media company that helps founder-led consumer brands and creatives design brand experiences and media.

Where to find me:

• Learn more about my services 

• Listen to my recent podcast episodes.

• Follow along as I build Culture Slant, a new magazine + podcast at the intersection of brand, marketing, media, culture, commerce, and technology.

• Join Write Club, free weekly 90-minute co-writing sessions dedicated to helping you knock out all the content you have to write for your business.