As an artist, hitting a creative block is as common as it is frustrating. I’ve encountered them frequently! Whether you're a painter, a photographer, or a writer, there are moments when the well of artistic inspiration seems to dry up. The usual advice – take a break, go for a walk, or just keep pushing through – can sometimes fall short. That’s why we’re exploring 10 unconventional methods to reignite that creative spark and get your artistic juices flowing again.

Related: What To Do When You’re In A Funk

10 Unconventional Methods to Spark Your Artistic Inspiration 

1. Swap Your Medium

One of the most effective ways to break out of a creative rut is to experiment with a different medium. If you’re a painter, try writing! If you’re a graphic designer, experiment with watercolor! 

This shift not only presents new challenges but also allows you to see your work from a fresh perspective.

2. Create in the Dark

I know this sounds odd, but creating in a dimly lit room or even in complete darkness can force you to rely on your other senses. This method can help you break free from the usual visual constraints and think more abstractly about your art. This exercise is not going to give you the best results, but the challenge is in training your brain to get after something even when you can’t see it and to get rid of the hurdle of the blank page!

3. Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

If you usually create with your right hand, switch to your left, or vice versa. This technique can lead to unexpected and surprisingly creative results, similar to the above, as it forces you to focus on the process rather than the outcome.

4. Set Unusual Constraints

Give yourself a unique set of rules or constraints. For example, paint using only one color or create a sculpture using recycled materials only. Limitations or parameters can fuel creativity as they force you to think more innovatively.

5. Collaborate with a Child

My four year old is always coming up with the most creative ideas. Like, I would never have the ideas my son has, ha! But collaborating with a child can introduce a new, uninhibited perspective to your work. Let them lead the process and be open to their whimsical ideas.

6. Reverse Your Process

If you have a set process for your art, do it in reverse. For example, if you usually sketch, paint, and then finalize, start with creating the final touches first. This reversal can unearth new insights about your creative process.

7. Explore a New Environment

Change your surroundings. If you usually work indoors, take your materials outside. Go to the park, the beach, or even a bustling city center. Different environments can inspire new ideas and approaches.

I talk about the importance of your environment for getting into Flow (an altered state where we create our best work) inside my course The Art Within. This course is for artists who are looking to deepen their practice, develop their style and create their best work and one of the main goals of the course is to help artists get out of a funk.

8. Incorporate Music or Sound

Use music or ambient sounds as a driving force in your creative process. Play a genre you’re not used to, or use the natural sounds of your environment. Respond to the rhythms, moods, and textures of the sounds in your art. Highly recommend my “FLOW” playlist on Spotify! It’s bomb.

9. Restrict Your Time

Set a timer and create something within a set time limit – say, 10 or 20 minutes. This urgency can often push you to act on your first instinct, leading to more spontaneous and authentic work.

10. Dive into a Different Culture

Explore art from cultures different from your own! This is why I LOVE teaching my art retreats abroad. We get to immerse ourselves in a different culture and history and study how creativity has been expressed in other parts of the world. You could also do this through books, documentaries, virtual museum tours, or even food! Immersing yourself in a different cultural context can provide fresh perspectives and inspiration.

Creativity is not a linear journey. It’s full of ups and downs, blocks and breakthroughs. If you’re in a slump right now with your art, don’t worry. It’s not abnormal…there’s nothing wrong with you. 

When you hit that creative wall, remember that it’s not a dead end. It’s simply a sign to try something different. These unconventional methods are not just tools to overcome creative block, but also pathways to discover new facets of your creativity. 

For even more inspiration…Every year on the first day of Spring, I host a 5-day “Creative Recovery Challenge,” it’s completely free and full of prompts and daily audios that will for sure leave you with a surge of inspiration. Join the challenge here!