We’ve all been there. You sit down to write, paint, plan, or sketch... and nothing happens. The ideas just won’t come. You start questioning your skills. Your confidence dips. Hello, creative block.
It’s frustrating, and it can knock you off your rhythm. But there is a way out. And we've made something to help.
What is creative block and why does it happen?
Creative block is that foggy, stuck feeling when ideas dry up. You might feel overwhelmed or frozen. Sometimes it's burnout. Sometimes it’s perfectionism. Sometimes you just need a nap.
It can be caused by overthinking, a fear of failure, lack of rest, too much pressure to perform (from yourself and others), comparing yourself to others and more. The good news is there are techniques that can help you move past it.
How do you get out of a creative block?
You need to ease back into play mode. Back into flow. That sweet spot where ideas flow freely and you feel absorbed in what you’re doing.
Getting into that state doesn’t always happen on its own, and that’s exactly why we made The Creative Unblocker Journal.
Meet your new favourite journal
The Creative Unblocker is a collaboration between Papersmiths and People I’ve Loved. It’s designed to help you reset and reconnect with your creativity.
Inside, you’ll find:
- 10 common creative blocks
- 7 exercises for each block
- Prompts to guide you through your thoughts
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Research-led activities that work
It’s not about creating a masterpiece. It’s about helping you loosen up, get playful, and explore ideas without judgement.
What kind of exercises are in the journal?
Think playful drawing, quick-fire writing, reflection and reframing. Simple but powerful activities that get you doing instead of thinking about doing.
They help shift your mindset, reframe negative self-talk and break out of perfectionism.
Try one next time you’re stuck. Pick a page at random. Follow the prompt. Notice what changes.
How do I know if I’m in a creative block?
Some signs:
- You’re avoiding your project
- You keep starting over
- You’re feeling anxious or flat
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You’re chasing the perfect idea and ignoring the messy ones
This is your sign to press pause and try a different route. Creativity isn’t linear. Sometimes it needs a nudge.
Ready to get unblocked?
Whether you’re a writer, designer, thinker, or maker, The Creative Unblocker is here to help you start again. Or start for the first time.
Come flick through it in our Brighton and Chelsea shops or shop online now and get your flow back.
