Getting the Creative Engine Humming Again

We’ve all had them…those days when our creativity eludes us. And it can show up in a variety of ways. We may feel like working and just not have any new ideas. Or we may have the ideas, but lack the motivation to get to work. What’s an Etsy seller to do? 

Well, how about turning to other Etsy sellers for some advice?  The NewNew Blog asked some of our very own members for tips on how to get the creative engine going again when it begins to sputter. Here’s what they had to say. 

From Erin of Harp and Thistle Stitchery

When I get stuck creatively, I will build up my stock of made-to-order pieces that are my best sellers. Inevitably, while working on an old standard, new ideas will pop into my head. Another favorite thing to do is go for a long run. The endorphin rush always seems to help get those creative ideas flowing!

Avocado Embroidery Hoop

From Aneta Hayne of Stitchinnetka
None of us likes to get stuck creatively. The moment you feel that void and lack of creative power, it seems like everything slows down and loses its meaning. I think the best thing to do is to consciously recognize this state of emptiness and acknowledge it. Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes it simply means that it's time to take a break, meet up with your friends, go jogging, take a good yoga workshop, or cook or bake something. That usually works for me; just turning my attention to something completely different does wonders.

I know that it might be frustrating if you have a certain deadline for your project, but a lot of times you can create amazing things within minutes. It all comes down to having an open mind. And sometimes our mind just has to be submerged into nothingness. After that phase, there is always some sort of inspiration that will roll into your lap. Sometimes it's a new custom order; other times it’s somebody’s birthday when you can make a special little gift. After that, new ideas can bloom.

Just remember to always start small and let yourself spread your wings again. Even doodling or making silly crafts with kids does wonders. Just be patient and kind to yourself.

Prayer Flags Party Decoration

From Paulette Brooks of Paulette Brooks All Access Art

Creativity isn't just something one can summon up. You're born with it, and it manifests itself at any time it cares to ...especially at unconventional times, like when you see some debris on the sidewalk, and it inspires you to turn that debris into a gorgeous necklace. Creative people can't help themselves...creativity will always rear its head and show its fancy face. Unfortunately, nowadays, that face gets smothered under endless distractions and duties...emails, jobs, texts, bills, and so on.

My biggest problem is not in how to summon up the creativity but how to summon the time to allow for its expression. I can't seem to stop the flow of “creativity,” it's there in abundance...it's finding more time in my life to allow for it that I'm tackling.

Amethyst Garden Magical Pendant

How about you, dear readers? Do you have any advice for the creatively stumped? What's your secret to unlocking all that gorgeous creativity inside? Let us know in the comments!

By Mary Ann (maryannfarley)

The Magical Formula to Creativity

There Are No Mistakes Just Happy Accidents mug by LennyMud

Every so often I'll receive a sweet, little note from a fellow artist or “aspiring” creative individual inquiring about my style, my technique, and how they can get started doing the same thing.  Considering the fact that I had the very same questions for my peers when I was starting out, I thought it best to share my feelings on the subject in case there are others out there with similar questions.

Is there a magical formula to creativity?  

First off, if you love creating and believe whole-heartedly that without creating, life simply would not be enjoyable, I would say that automatically makes you an artist.  Leave out the “aspiring” part and just be an artist.  If you can’t accept the fact that you’re an artist, then why should anyone else?  I don’t care if you’re six years old or 60, as far as I’m concerned, you can become an artist or designer/crafter/craftsman at any age you decide to.

As for anyone’s style -- that is extremely individual and most likely something that a person has been cultivating since they were born.  I've been working on my "style" for years -- constantly honing it, pushing myself harder, and becoming more technical with my work.  Asking someone how they came about their unique style for the purpose of mimicking them just doesn't seem like you're putting in the time or care for your own work when that should be your top priority.  Certainly we're all influenced by other artists and styles and are inspired by certain aspects of nature and life experiences, but the way a person views the world and expresses it is different from each person to the next.  

How do you view the world? 

If you close your eyes, how can you remember a beautiful place you have visited or have seen in pictures?  For example, the way you would see and remember the Eiffel Tower would be entirely different from my memory -- even if we we had seen and experienced the same thing at the same time.  The way I would portray my memory of the Eiffel Tower on paper in pen and ink would certainly be different from yours.

Technique?

My “technique” is a product of years of art classes, museum/gallery visits, extracurricular activities, travel, work experiences, internships, doodling while working and interning, interactions with people, trial and error, many mistakes, some things I happened to do right, tons of research, and hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of drawing.  If you had told me in kindergarten that when I “grew up” I would be an artist, I would have accepted the fact without question because I actually wanted to be an artist when I was five years old.  But if you had told me the same thing in tenth grade, I don’t think I would have believed you.  Somewhere along the way of “growing up," the idea of becoming a full-time artist just never seemed realistic or perhaps wasn't encouraged enough in school.  The thing is that no one can tell you that you are an artist, you can be an artist, or you will be an artist -- only you can decide that.  And I’m sure that goes for just about any occupation.  You are a product of what you want to be -- if you wish to change, then start today.  Only you can make it happen.

Well, how do you get started?

The best advice I was given was from my brother -- he told me to just walk into an art shop and explore everything there.  And yes, this is where I began.  I’m a pen and ink artist, so naturally, I perused all the pens and inks, felt every type of paper, and walked out with my first step to being the artist I wanted to be.  The thing is, I can’t tell you what paper you will like or what paint brushes are the best for what you do.  You really must try everything firsthand to see if it is right for you.  For instance, in order to find the perfect pen to use for my work, I’ve literally bought just about every pen there is on the market (and I’m still not 100% satisfied with what I use).  What feels right in my hand may not necessarily feel right in yours, so I encourage everyone to find what works for them by trial and error.

So you see, it is very personal.  There is no magical formula for creating per se, it's what you can come up with on your own that makes you happy.  You can begin your research online, in libraries, bookstores, creative communities like Etsy Teams, and local places that offer classes or offer workspace, etc.  What makes you an individual artist is all the millions of tiny details that go into deciding what to do next.  Every step is equally as exciting as the next and I hope all of you who have a hunger for being creative will begin exploring today.

Virginia Kraljevic