Hi, I’m Allie Mac, and welcome to my art blog! My mission is to help artists uncover their creative confidence, and today, I want to tackle a topic many of us face: how to get out of a creative rut.
Creative ruts are frustrating and can leave us feeling stuck, unmotivated, and disconnected from the things we love. I’ve recently experienced this myself, so I’m here to share what I’ve learned and the steps I’ve taken to find my way back to creating. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to climb out of this creative slump.
Understanding Creative Ruts
First, let’s address the reality: creativity isn’t usually the problem. Life is. When we’re overwhelmed with responsibilities, challenges, or unexpected events, the things we love—like art—often get pushed aside. This past month, I’ve been in one of the deepest creative ruts I’ve had in years. Between deadlines, health issues, and taking care of my family, I found myself completely drained.
If this sounds familiar, take heart. A creative rut doesn’t mean you’ve lost your passion or talent. It simply means you need to pause, reassess, and make space for creativity again.
Practical Steps to Overcome a Creative Rut
Here’s what I’ve done to regain my creative spark, and I hope these tips will help you too:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Before being too hard on yourself, allow yourself to feel what you’re going through. Life throws curveballs, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Recognize that your worth isn’t tied to your productivity, and give yourself grace.
2. Assess Your Environment
Sometimes, our surroundings can contribute to our creative block. Is your workspace cluttered? Does your home feel chaotic? For me, I can’t move on to the next painting until my studio is organized. Take a little time to tidy up—it can make a big difference.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
Your mental, emotional, and physical health are deeply connected to your creativity. Simple self-care practices like taking a walk, journaling, praying, or even enjoying a long bath can rejuvenate your spirit. Think of self-care as part of your artistic process, not a luxury or chore.
Reconnecting with Your Creativity
4. Start Small and Simple
When big creative projects feel intimidating, simplify. Grab a sketchbook or even a piece of paper and doodle. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about building the habit of creating again. Focus on the process, not the outcome.
5. Seek Inspiration in Everyday Life
Sometimes, inspiration isn’t found in the studio but in the world around us. Take note of small, beautiful moments—a sunrise, a conversation, or a memory. These observations can become seeds for your next creative idea.
6. Join a Community
Isolation can deepen creative blocks. Reach out to other artists, join an online group, or share your work on social media. Talking to fellow creatives can reignite your passion and provide much-needed encouragement.
Creating Structure and Goals
7. Reestablish Your Routine
Hard times often disrupt our routines, making it harder to get back on track. Start small with a morning routine. Even 15 minutes of sketching or journaling can set a positive tone for your day.
8. Set Realistic Goals
Feeling overwhelmed? Write down everything you want to accomplish, then prioritize. Focus on what truly needs to be done, and push less urgent projects to later dates. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel less daunting.
Final Thoughts
Creative ruts are challenging, but they’re also temporary. By giving yourself grace, addressing the obstacles in your life, and taking small, intentional steps, you can find your way back to creating.
Remember, even the most accomplished artists face these struggles. Sometimes, taking a break or shifting your focus is exactly what you need to reignite your creative spark.
If you’re in a rut right now, know that you’re not alone. Start small, lean on your community, and trust that this season will pass.
What do you do to overcome creative ruts? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
If you'd like to check out the original YouTube video click here.
Stay creative,
Allie Mac