Ashley's Advice on Art and the City: #2 - Staying Motivated - Overcoming Creative Blocks in NYC

Living and creating in the city of New York can be both exhilarating and challenging for artists. The bustling streets, diverse cultures, and endless sources for inspiration can fuel your creativity, but the endless opportunities and pressure to get your work out there can also sometimes lead to creative blocks. Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or any other type of artist, finding ways to stay motivated and overcome these blocks is essential to thriving in NYC’s competitive artistic scene. 

I’ve come across many examples of creative block, I’ve seen artists feel the pressure to “keep up” instead of embracing their personal process. I’ve seen artists step away from styles and mediums they are naturally gifted in to pursue styles other artists are doing well in. I’ve seen artists, like myself, go through a period of overcommitment to show work they have no time to produce and not be happy with the outcome. A creative block, also known as an artist’s block, is traditionally known as a period of time when an artist experiences a lack of inspiration or motivation, making it difficult to produce new work or progress on existing projects. In the performative world of social media, creative block can also modernly include a state of sacrificing quality and originality for quantity and repetition in order to consistently produce. Artists can find themselves on either end of this spectrum, and there is no shame in hitting these very common periods of needing to reconnect with your source of inspiration and authenticity.

If you’re wondering if you have experienced or are experiencing creative block, it can be identified or characterized by feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and a sense of being creatively stuck. Are you overcommitting your time to create work for shows and have little motivation to create? Are you feeling stuck, recreating work you’ve previously come across instead of sourcing the inspiration? Do you want to create something but can’t get yourself to physically start? No matter how your creative block is manifesting, it’s helpful to identify what factors are causing it and rediscover the inspiration and motivation that fuels your artist journey. Creative block can manifest in many forms, and like many problems, identifying and healing the root cause can help you understand how to overcome it. Take some time to reflect on what might be causing your block. Are you putting too much pressure on yourself? Are you overwhelmed by the urgency to “make it”? Creative blocks can stem from various sources, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, burnout, or other external pressures and understanding the root cause can help you address your block more effectively.

In the performative world of social media, creative block can also modernly include a state of sacrificing quality and originality for quantity and repetition in order to consistently produce.

Sometimes the answer is right in front of you, stepping away from your work and living your life. Doing things you enjoy such as immersing yourself in the city can reignite your creativity. NYC is a treasure trove of restaurants, cafes, gyms, parks, galleries, museums, you name it! I personally find friend dates to be both healing and inspiring. I often brunch, lunch and explore with my friends between my massive list of to-do’s. I also take “Hot Girl Walks” which is a romanticized long-distance walk in different areas of the city, usually with an iced coffee in hand. During these walks, I stop at a cafe, I enjoy galleries I pass, take photos of street art, I put on my favorite playlists and take in the fresh air, vibrant colors, cultures and storefronts along my route. If you’re in need of a break to rediscover your inspiration, try taking walks in different neighborhoods, visit museums and galleries, attend a comedy or drag show, or simply people-watch in a park. These experiences can stimulate your mind and offer fresh perspectives that can break through your creative block, and awaken your artistic vision. 

Have you ever taken the time to reflect on how much your daily life fuels or drains your creativity? One of my best friends, Crystal Bissessar, also the Director of Art and Engagement at The Culture Candy, is so full of life. While Crystal isn’t a visual artist, I consider her to be an artist of life itself. Crystal creatively makes her life her own. As silly as it sounds, many people are on journeys others laid out for them, they work a job they hate because they need to survive, they produce what they assume people want instead of what’s on their spirit to create, they follow societal rules to be accepted, and they perform for validation instead of for their enjoyment. Crystal however creates the life she wants, and even as a non-visual artist, I watched her become more and more creative as she built a daily life that she loves. 

Creative blocks can stem from various sources, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, burnout, or other external pressures and understanding the root cause can help you address your block more effectively.

Believe it or not, living realities that do not align with your spirit, authenticity, or purpose can hinder your creativity, drain you and cause major blocks. Crystal and I met in 2015 at an investigations job that drained us, but worked to survive. We both encouraged each other to create a better reality, and overtime with hard work and a plan, we created what lately has been feeling like a life of endless possibilities and bountiful creativity. 

Sometimes all you need is a friend to encourage you to take action to improve your life and inspire your creative journey. I encouraged Crystal to apply for other jobs, she kept me motivated to finish school. During the pandemic, we both made a plan to break free from survivalism and claim our lives as our own. Crystal dedicated over a year consistently applying to remote positions, and I left the D.A.’s office and found a Creative Director position at a place I love. Crystal encouraged Zalika and I to pursue The Culture Candy, while I encouraged her to take her social media seriously. Step by step and inch by inch, we paved our paths. Crystal is now a remote marketing assistant, influencer, and is skillfully creative in content creation and social media marketing. Taking steps to shift your life in a more purposeful direction can awaken creativity in the most unlikely people, and you’re an artist! Imagine what improving the conditions of your daily life will do for your creative spark. If you find yourself in a creative rut, take a step back and analyze what in your life is draining your creative spark and what steps you can take to improve your day to day. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This can make your projection and projects feel less daunting and more achievable. Celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small, to keep yourself motivated and moving forward.

For some, consuming more art unblocks their creativity, just as a hair of the dog cures a hangover. Joining a creative community, attending events, and networking with artists, can help spark inspiration on what direction you should take. Being surrounded by other artists who understand your struggles and can offer encouragement can be incredibly motivating. If you need a more hands-on approach, don’t be afraid to try new techniques, mediums, or styles to get the creative juices flowing. Sometimes, the fear of failure can paralyze us, but experimentation is key to growth as an artist. Allow yourself to play and explore without the pressure of creating a masterpiece. You might discover new avenues for your creativity to flow.

Allow yourself to play and explore without the pressure of creating a masterpiece.

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining creativity. Between work life, family, and friends, have you taken the time to check-in with yourself? Sometimes acts of self care can help with the brain fog and mental fatigue surrounding creative blocks. Getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, pampering yourself and finding physical outlets to manage stress can give your body the ease it needs to produce more magic. At my gym, BQE Fitness where I am a creative director, I know many members who are creatives that share that their wellness routine goes hand-in-hand with their creativity. Sometimes all you need is to fuel your mind, body and spirit in order to recharge your creative spark. 

Remember, creative blocks are a natural part of the artistic process. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and exploration. By seeking inspiration, living with purpose, and nurturing your needs, you can overcome these blocks and continue to thrive in your artistic journey.