Studio Friday: Drawing a Blank!

It's one of the most feared events in the life of an artist. Sometimes it can take a long time to overcome this sudden stop of the creative juices. What do you do? How do you act and react? How do you get back to splashing around in all colours? Do you fight it or work with it?

I've been away too long from Studio Friday! This is sort of a hard subject for me to verbalize, but I really wanted to give it a go - and get back into the habit of this fabulous group!

I don't really run out of ideas, per se. Working for myself, by myself most of the time, I do what I want and go where my life and inspirations lead me. But, one thing I do notice, especially during show seasons when I'm working on increasing inventory, is that I tend to burn out. Hard.

Or, sometimes (this was one of those weeks actually!) I walk into my studio, look around, and walk back out. I just start to feel tired, and stressed and unmotivated. And that's when I know I have to take a break. Yes, I go with it. I wander the antique mall, or go on an organizing spree (which usually involves a shopping spree for all the things I need to organize whatever I'm organizing!), do something else, or take a hike.

I might go through old magazines for my inspiration books, or go through all the inspiring decorating and gardening books that are crammed into my shelves. That usually helps for me!

When I'm burnt out from working and working and working, I usually just need a good show or event to bring it all back to me, and reel me in. Just being out there, meeting new people, and listening to feedback is usually enough to remind me why I do what I do, and then I'm so thankful that I can't wait to get back to work.

More Studio Friday here! Happy Birthday SF!

Comments

[Karin]

Oh my gosh....just wrote a big ol post and lost it....grrrr.

Anyway, what I was saying was that I can totally relate to what you wrote. Back when I was designing, I was a one woman show. Filling the orders could really burn me out on the design process. I, too, would walk into my garage/studio and look at my flowers/frames/materials and want to chuck it all out the window. Organizing also helps me regroup. There's something about rearranging your stuff that can kind of make it seem new or give it an entirely different perspective.

[elisa]

I am reading a book by Twyla Tharp about this. Sometimes I feel guilty that when I have a bunch of orders waiting I have to take a break and make something completely different, either a new design or a pillow for my house or a new quick quilt. That's the only way I can keep plugging along without going crazy. And it's ok. I have come to expect these "breaks". My other favorite way to solve my creative blocks- retail therapy. New fabric or new remodeling magazines. That always seems to help. If all else fails I too will organize and clean up. I have learned to ride the wave- it will come back, it always does. Have a good weekend!

[isay]

and so i thought your site is fulfilling enough to make me inspire when i am drawing blank!

nice post!

[Anke]

Thanks for commenting on my page. I know what you are talking about, before pregnancy I had that before. It's a good way to know that stressing out about it doesn't help at all and sometimes taking a break is necessary. Even in other jobs you need breaks sometimes to recharge. I hope you have great time recharging and developing new ideas for the next creative energy ;)

[kelly]

first off, i have visited your site many times [shop]. i love your stuff. and this is so true.
i walk into my studio many days and want to leave....i've gotnothing attitude. but i can go out and about, come back with a wealth of ideas and feel rejuvenated. i do know that for me, freelance is the best piece of the pie. i love being able to come and go as i need and want!

[Dena Simoneaux]

I as well have days that i walk into my studio.... and turn around and walk back out! yup, i know what those days are like! and then there are other days i am in there o much my family cannot get me out! :)

what a wonderful post!
Denasimoneaux

[Tine]

Thank you for all your good wishes! Great party times! ;-)
Gorgeous fabrics, so inspiring just to look at them!