The Creative Doldrums
I’m convinced the snow will be here until April. My studio will never be warm again. I’ve forgotten how to make art that is larger than a sketchbook piece. I won’t know how to begin a new collection. All my plans to make super large pieces on the panels I’ve prepared will never come to fruition, and I’ll have to sell them all on Facebook Marketplace.
Please insert your own winter motivation problems here.
No, really, take out a notebook and write them down.
Let’s snap ourselves out of this.
Acknowledge that there is a season for your work, and winter might not be the best time for you. You can take a break from creativity without feeling guilty.
Focus on what you are motivated to work on, no matter how small the project is. I’ve been opening flat file drawers and rediscovering vintage papers that I’d forgotten I’d had.
Add a new creative practice to your day, like journaling in a Daybook.
Don’t feel pressured to take part in online challenges, like the 100 Day Project, if you don’t have the energy this year.
Make a list of art supplies you need to restock and schedule a trip to an art store. There’s not much better than wandering the aisles and trying not to buy everything.
Try an Art Playdate with a new material.
Work for a few minutes every day in your sketchbook.
Create a list of things you might like to try, so it’s there to reference when you’re feeling energetic.
Buy a new notebook and pens in the full rainbow of colors.
Take a class- online or in-person (My 30-minute class might be the jumpstart you need).
Read a book about creativity.
Take a friend to a museum or a gallery opening.
Whatever you choose from this list, remember that winter's creative slowdown is normal.
Your momentum will return. And if the weight of the world feels overwhelming, remember that creativity is an antidote to it.
What's on your list?
Share what gets you through winter's creative slumps - I'm always looking for new ideas.
