5 Ways to Break Creative Block

The blank Word document taunts me without saying a word.

Writer’s block has set in, even though my imagination is working just fine. I close my eyes and picture hurling my computer out the window. I can see the cables, mouse and keyboard trailing behind it for eight stories, then catching up after multiple thwacks on the pavement.

I can’t muster that level of detail for the piece I actually have to write, though, and deadline is looming.

Writer’s block may be the most familiar form, but creative block strikes art directors, photographers and other creative professionals, too. A healthy dose of conventional wisdom from people in these fields can help get your writing, design, coding or other project flowing again.

1. Change your outlook

I mean this literally. When you are stuck creatively, getting yourself unstuck physically can help.

Managing editor Corey Murray sums it up:

Step away from the computer. Seriously, when I can’t think of anything to write, sometimes the best way to get my brain moving is to walk away — not forever, just long enough to have a thought worth putting down on paper.

Never underestimate the power of a change of scenery.

2. Move your butt, and your brain will follow

Hunching tensely in your office chair and staring intensely at your computer won’t help, but exercise might. Take a quick walk, stand up and stretch, or, if time allows, go for a run.

Managing editor Michael McCarthy opts for the latter:

When words aren’t flowing — or the words that are flowing are laced with literary toxic waste — I usually go for a long run, which forces my mind to think about something else entirely … which, naturally, allows it to refresh and renew itself. Mind-body are wonderfully connected, of course.

Personally, I don’t run unless somebody is chasing me, so I prefer to ride my bike or swim. The idea remains the same, though: Physical exercise improves cognitive function.

3. Move along, nothing to see here

Yes, your deadline is daunting, but you probably have other items on your to-do list, too.

When designs aren’t flowing for art director Kevin Hambel, he moves on to something else, “generally a task that requires as little thought as possible.” I do the same, and I pick menial tasks. After an hour spent recycling old piles of paper or filling out a timesheet in minute detail, I’m ready for something more substantial.

4. Embrace the distractions

Counterintuitive, I know. But sometimes distractions offer inspiration.

Online content manager Ricky Ribeiro says listening to music helps him block out the noise around him and focus. I agree wholeheartedly; I have headphones on by default. I recommend instrumental music for writers and editors, though, lest catchy lyrics creep into your prose unintentionally.

McCarthy and Murray both turn to other authors for inspiration, through reading a favorite passage or browsing at the local bookstore. Marisha Tapera, quality specialist, finds motivation in the mundane:

Looking outside typically creative fields offers an extra kick: noticing the exquisite way a sandwich maker puts together and wraps a tasty and comforting sandwich for me, the unique twist a tween relative has given her trendy outfit, watching the wheels turn for a contractor as he figures out how to undo a DIY disaster — just taking the time to take in the ways people bring to life whatever they do helps get the wheels turning, helps freshen my perspective.

5. Go ahead, let it out

At some point, you have to put something on paper or on screen.

Try going analog. When production artist Tommy Dingus hits a wall, he trades InDesign for pencil and paper to create a more intimate connection to his work. Just do something, anything: a rough doodle, a design draft, an outline of the points you want to make in a story. Even if you scrap these in the end, they will give you a place to start.

Personally, I have used all five of these block-breaking techniques. And no computers were harmed in the process.

How do you beat creative block?

Dealing with Writer’s Block (featherglass.com)
If You’ve Got Writer’s Block: (west10th.wordpress.com)
Writer’s Block ? Mental Block ? (Self Development Blog) [Dr JOY Madden] (ecademy.com)
10 Ways to Combat Writer’s Block (lifehack.org)

Tom

Missing one: have a stiff drink. Other than that it’s a great list.
Matthew

I agree with all of these ideas to break the block. If I am trying to come up with something I also find it helpful to have a snack or chew gum. It is probably not scientifically accurate but I feel like it gets my brain to churn when I am stuck.
http://engage.tmgcustommedia.com Chris Blose

Thanks, Tom and Matthew. Next time I have writer’s block, I’m going to have a snack, a drink and a piece of gum at the same time and see what happens.
http://www.twitter.com/hanelly Andrew Hanelly

Great post, Chris.

When this happens to me, I start acting like a caveman. In other words, I create stuff that is so dreadfully boring (i.e. I write in a literary monotone, or play a purposefully terrible song on my guitar) that I get sick of myself and almost instinctively break out of it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s just depressing.
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