Unblocking Creative Block: Steal Like An Artist
Awhile ago I read the book Steal Like An Artist and it completely transformed the way that I approach creativity. The book talks about how art is supposed to inspire and that it's ok to borrow certain aspects of art that you enjoy. It outlines the clear difference between inspiration and appropriation. This book, while short and easy to read, completely shifted my business and the way that I view creativity.
You see, I used to think that if I enjoyed someone else's art and I tried to apply certain techniques or aspects of it into my own art, I was cheating or copying. Because of this, I would avoid other's art. I tried to rely solely on my own brain to inspire me. What a load of crap!
I believe that creativity is a muscle. I absolutely reject the notion that there are creative people and uncreative people. I know that I am a creative person, which is good because a lot of my work depends on my creativity.
— Website design is all about designing and creating a new platform for someone's business
— SEO is a creative way to increase traffic
— Email marketing has a lot to do with writing which requires creativity
Even the parts of my business that I don't sell require creativity:
— Content creation for Instagram and other social media platforms
— Writing my blog
— Searching for unique ways to show up online
Having a job that requires creativity can sometimes feel like a burden if I'm feeling creatively blocked. When I have these blocks, here's what I like to do now...
When I'm feeling blocked creatively, I move from the "create" mindset to the "consume" mindset. I find things that inspire me and things I can learn about. I pick up a new book, find a new artist, or listen to music.
It's all about discovering other people's creativity. Sometimes I stay in the consume mindset for a while, but it always reinvigorates my create mindset. Another thing to note: creativity is a muscle.
Just because I'm not feeling creative, doesn't mean I can't exercise that muscle. I try to find a different avenue to be creative in. Oftentimes the block is just for the current project.
If you want to become more creative and explore artistic expression, I suggest the book Steal Like An Artist. Regardless of if you believe you're creative or not (spoiler: you are), this book will change your life.
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