How to Get Out of a Creative Rut and Reignite Your Inspiration
Every artist, no matter how experienced, hits a creative wall at some point. One day, the ideas flow effortlessly, and the next, your sketchbook or canvas stares back at you, empty and uninspired. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? A creative rut is temporary, and there are ways to push through it.
Here are some tried-and-true strategies to break free and get back to creating with excitement and joy.
1. Change Your Environment
Sometimes, a lack of inspiration comes from seeing the same surroundings every day. Try switching things up—work in a different room, visit a local café, or take your sketchbook outside. A simple change of scenery can spark fresh ideas and new perspectives.
2. Try a New Medium
If you’re feeling stuck, experiment with something outside your usual creative practice. If you’re a watercolor artist, try working with ink or charcoal. If you’re a digital creator, play with traditional materials. Shifting to a new medium removes the pressure of perfection and brings back the excitement of learning.
3. Go Back to Basics
When creativity feels overwhelming, strip things down to the essentials. Grab a pencil and a sheet of paper and start with simple sketches, color swatches, or even free-flow doodling. Sometimes, removing complexity can help reset your mind and bring back your natural creative instincts.
4. Step Away and Refuel
Creativity isn’t just about producing—it’s about absorbing, too. Take a break and do something that fills your creative well. Read a book, go for a nature walk, visit a museum, or listen to music. Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it, especially when you allow yourself time to rest.
5. Set a Small, Playful Challenge
Give yourself a low-pressure creative challenge. Try:
Painting with only two colors
Sketching something in under five minutes
Creating something using only shapes or lines
Reinterpreting an old piece in a new way
By making creativity feel like play rather than work, you can bypass the mental block that’s holding you back.
6. Stop Waiting for Inspiration—Just Start
It’s easy to wait for the “perfect” idea, but sometimes the best way to get inspired is to take action. Even if you don’t feel like it, start making marks, mixing colors, or laying down shapes. The simple act of creating—even if it’s messy—can reignite your passion.
7. Connect with Other Creatives
Surrounding yourself with fellow artists can be incredibly motivating. Join an art group, take a workshop, or even engage with other creatives online. Seeing what others are working on and sharing your struggles can help you feel less alone and more inspired.
8. Revisit Old Work
Looking back at your past work can remind you of how far you’ve come. Flip through your old sketchbooks or photos and notice what used to excite you. Is there an old idea that still sparks interest? Sometimes, unfinished ideas from the past can lead to something new today.
9. Let Go of Perfection
One of the biggest creativity killers is the fear of making something “bad.” Give yourself permission to create without judgment. Not every piece has to be a masterpiece—sometimes, the process is more important than the final result.
10. Trust That This is Temporary
Creative ruts happen to everyone. The key is to keep moving, even if it’s slow. Trust that your creativity will return, and be kind to yourself in the process.
Final Thoughts
Being in a creative rut doesn’t mean you’ve lost your talent or passion—it’s just a phase. The more you experiment, explore, and allow yourself to create without pressure, the easier it will be to find your way back.
Have you ever been in a creative rut? What helped you get out of it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!