When the Creativity Doesn’t Flow Freely

July is National Anti-Boredom Month, and July 5, specifically, is National Workaholics Day. That’s certainly an interesting collision of concepts: staving off boredom and working too much. This is the perfect time to unpack what happens when creativity doesn’t flow freely because you’re overworked. You’ve undoubtedly heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” That 100 percent applies here. You can’t produce your best work if your creative wellspring is dry.  

It’s challenging to strike that perfect balance between our professional and personal lives, even more so when we’re drained beyond belief and cannot churn out a project we’re proud of. So, how do we move through creative blocks? What can we do to kickstart those juices again? 

Everyone has their own method to their madness, as it were. For me, stepping away from something and going for a hike or a bike ride helps put space between me and whatever I’m tackling. Then, I can return to that project with a clutter-free mind. Unfortunately, the nature of professional culture, regardless of occupation, is to go, go, go. We live in a nonstop, perpetually moving world. 

Thankfully, branding doesn’t have to be on a marketing schedule, so I can allow my mind to digest my work instead of cranking out half-formed, hollow ideas that aren’t indicative of what I can do when I’m at my best. Branding is something you really can’t rush. Everything else falls apart if you don’t get that right from the get-go.  

I always encourage my clients to leave space for ideas and concepts to flow freely. It’s important to take your time. To use a clichéd phrase, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Of course, a great way to ensure you don’t overwork yourself and deplete your resources is to manage your time better. The COVID pandemic taught me not to overstuff my schedule. Nowadays, I’ll sit down for 15-45 minutes and work on a design. After that, I’ll take a breather and let my mind rest. Then, I’ll return to that design and work on it in increments, refining it until I feel it’s complete. 

I find I need to get out of the house and out of my head before returning to work. Sometimes, when I’m not thinking about the project and out and about, inspiration strikes. For example, I could see a book cover in a bookstore window that gets the creative juices flowing or a unique flower while on a hike. 

It's also good to recognize when you’re not being productive and taking a beat to recharge. Take a breather. Your project will still be there when you come back. I’m proud to have wonderful clients like Anne LaFollette, who trust my process and give me the space to work at my own pace. That’s not always the case, and you might be stuck between a rock and a hard place if a client is hounding you to crank out something subpar. I’m grateful that’s not the case with Anne. She gives me the freedom to work without the anxiety of outside pressure. 

All in all, friends, be kind to your creative spirit. Take care of yourself and your muse. When the creativity doesn’t flow freely, step away for a while. Partake in the activities that stimulate you. Relax. Do whatever you need to do to refill your cup.