Sometimes you get stuck.

It’s true we have all been stuck at one time or another. Sometimes we are physically stuck, be it due to lack of transportation, weather, or that unfortunate time you got your hand stuck in the jar trying to get that last cashew (I know I’m not alone here). Other times we are mentally stuck and we can’t get out of our own way. Be it from distraction, doubt, or any other reason.

But wait! Don’t despair, you can get past it, and you can help those you teach get past it too.

I know we have discussed this before in the “Writers Write, Painters Paint” post but we have some new tricks, and lets face it, you can NEVER have enough tricks to get around creative blocks. So here it is, my updated Top 5 ways to work through a creative block, and encourage those around you to do the same.

Read

Okay, I know this might not be everyone’s favorite thing to do, but it helps.

Personally I love to read! It could be a good book, a blog, poetry, song lyrics, the newspaper, truly it doesn’t matter. I suggest reading to jump-start your mind. I find that when I read I get inspired, I link what I’m reading to what I am working on. Reading also allows my mind to focus on another topic instead of the direct problem at hand. I have found that this often allows me to return to the creative process with a clear mind, and often a solution to the block.

Find A Quiet Place
This tip stemmed from a conversation with Vicki Davis otherwise known as @coolcatteacher.
Step away from the distraction, clear your mind, and give yourself the opportunity to focus. So much of our lives are filled with noise, both joyous and bothersome; take the opportunity to sit in silence and really be with your thoughts.

Use a Placeholder

If you or your students are stuck when creating an animation, don’t stop! Simply continue animating, even if doesn’t make sense. You can always delete frames and reanimate a section. I am a firm believer in the theory that you have to fail regularly to succeed often. Just remember to learn from your mistakes

Change Format

If you are stuck while storyboarding or using the circle story format, step away and start animating. If you are stuck while animating, go back to the drawing board. Sometimes it helps to create with a different medium to solve the problem at hand.

Always Remember Nothing is Impossible

Audrey Hepburn once said:

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m Possible”

Never loose hope, and always keep creating. In the end anything is possible

So there it is, the newly updated list of how to get unstuck from a creative block.

Now it’s your turn to let us know how you get unstuck. Leave a comment, tell us your thoughts, and stay creative!

Jason