An Artist's Guide to How to Get Over a Creative Block

I have been producing art for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I can go for months producing really great work, and a lot of it too, yet other times I feel like it would be easier to pull my own teeth. Why am I able to create massive amounts of literature, paintings and photographs one month, and the next I can't even draw a doodle? It is something that I have often asked myself, and until recently, have had a lot of trouble with. Creative block can show up at any time, and the first step is to accept that. Embrace it. Just because you are able to shake it once, it will come back. 

I find that when I am particularly stressed out or thinking too much about one particular thing, this is when my creative block rears it's ugly head. Identifying the cause of your block can help greatly, as you can do certain activities to avoid the cause. For example, If I am feeling stressed, a brisk walk through the neighborhood can not only help reduce it, but it stimulates my mind to other, more positive thoughts. But sometimes distracting your mind isn't enough. Your creative block has gotten through anyways. What do you do now? 

Well, there are a number of things that help me, and that I know will help you. The absolute first thing I do is to stop worrying about it. Stressing over it will only make it worse. An important thing to remember is that you have not lost your artistic talent, it's just being shy. The next thing that I do is look at other artist's work. Going to a museum, browsing the art section in the library, or reading my favorite novel are all great ways to begin the process. Immersing yourself in the arts will always get the creative juices flowing. If your mind is clear from worry, the inspiration should magically appear.