some days…
[ click for a larger view. ]
… it’s just nice to pull out my colored pencils and outlining markers. Go through all the images on my computer and just sketch.
Creativity is a funny creature. Sometimes it likes to play nice and give you oh-so-many lovely ideas and motivations. Other times it goes to hibernate and hangs a big ol’ “do not disturb” sign on it’s door. This year has been a huge growing period for me in understanding how my creativity works, that it sometimes goes into remission and that it’s okay to give it a rest to recharge. For long periods of time I’ve been uninspired by my ideas. I’m grateful to my sister especially (who is another creative soul) for encouraging me to keep doing things, even though I felt the ideas were sub-par. Not to let it go completely, but to gently cultivate it even though there wasn’t much to cultivate.
It actually wasn’t until quite recently that things started to feel less forced and more like the way I remember them. I finally finished the sketchbook I started in January (I usually go through 2-3 big sketchbooks a year). I had been picking out sewing projects that inspired me and also were useful to fill gaps in my wardrobe. I gave myself “permission” to just create something if it caught my eye (and I had the time to do so). Even seemingly mundane, daily tasks like doing my hair or makeup I tried to view through the lens of being creative in a small way. Infusing that sense of wonder and excitement back into the littlest things was important.
[ click for a larger view. ]
I know many others go through dry periods too (whether or not you are “creative” in the art sense, or your talents lie in another area!). We all hit bumps in life that throw us a bit harder than we expected and sometimes it isn’t as easy as getting back up right away and dusting ourselves off. Sometimes you just need to lie still and heal a bit. I’ve come to realize that that’s okay and not to censure myself for feeling any less than 100% creative. But to enjoy and be thankful for it when it’s there.
Have you ever been through a “creative dry spell”?
Posted on August 10th, 2009 to art, musings.
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contemplating the plan of attack »37 lovely thoughts to “some days…”
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Gemma says:
I am always going through a creative dry spell in some form or another. I think the key to getting through it is, as you said, just to relax and not push it or give yourself a hard time. Then one day I’ll just be doing something else entirely when suddenly inspiration hits, and I’m back on track again. What follows then can be weeks and weeks of solid activity. I’m lucky, I have loads of interests that I can flit between, depending on how I’m feeling on a particular day.
At the moment my creativity has led me to completely empty the wash basket of clothes and linens, so that our cupboards and wardrobes are full to bursting with freshly laundered fragrance! Who knows where it will take me tomorrow!!
Gemma x x
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Erika says:
What a wonderful sister you seem to have! And thank you for the insgiht, I hadn’t really made the connection about things that strike you down and then even the creativity disappears. I’ve recentley (this year) rediscovered my creativity, sewing, after about 4 years of doing only two dresses (for a wedding).
I had a very bad period about 4 years ago, and it took until this year before I was actually inspired to even plan sewing! The only thing I really enjoyed just doing for a long time, was practical things that was done once I stopped, that I couldn’t lay aside and then feel like it was something I ought to do. Simple things, like baking or dancing. I’m finally out of my dry spell, and I’m happy that you’re out of yours, as you do wonderfully inspiring things! -
Brook Owens says:
YES!!! Its killing me… Since I was in a bunch of craft shows crammed into 2 months ending with RENEGADE LA… I feel sssooo unmodivated to do anything that has to do with my etsy shop. I haven’t made one thing…. BUT I have managed to make myself a birdcage veil cocktail hat. And started making clothes for myself… so I guess I just channel my creativity into something that has been dormant for awhile.
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Rosie says:
You are an amazing artist!
I tend to go through creative dry spells when I have no pressure and no stress. Over summer vacation, for example. Then, when I have to be studying like mad, I suddenly have tons of ideas for projects and blog posts and outfits.
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Jessi says:
I completely understand dry spells….
It’s been…. almost 5 years since I felt the NEED to paint, my insperation just drifted away and I can’t bring myself to paint or do much of any kind of craft if I don’t feel the need… (make since?), so I spend my free time on the computer looking for insperation. hoping the need will come back…
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Nadja says:
Some how I find that my inspiration comes when I´m allready up in too much(!) I hate stress but when the inspiration comes lurking and sneeks up my back I also fint the time (drawing with a sleeping child in my lap, making dresspaterns in the middle of the night)
I belive it´s just called passion, whatever I´m inspired to do? -
Sal says:
Oh my gosh, YES. I spent several years feeling creatively zapped. It can be frightening to feel abandoned by your muse! So glad you’ve got those juices flowing, and I adore your sketches, lady.
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Lizzy says:
I have a horrible habit of getting super excited about whatever project catches my fancy for the moment and becoming obssessed with it for a month or two. However,I get distracted by something else or simply unmotivated and I end up leaving it to sit until a creative mood strikes me again.
You’re lucky to have your sister to motivate you! Lovely sketches! -
Sarah says:
All too often, I hit dry spells. I grit my teeth, put my head down and bull through it to get past it when I have to. Usually, I’ve got a commission looming when it hits, though. The most inconvenient times ever! The worst was during pregnancy. That was when I gave myself permission to do nothing. I was still chomping at the bit, but not quite as bad as usual.
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Quincy says:
Wow, these are fantastic!
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Samantha says:
I keep a folder on my computer called “Inspirations”. Whenever I find a picture I think is pretty, it goes in the folder. Dresses, haircuts, embroidery, and even weddings! Whenever I feel the need to create something, I just go there to get inspired.
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Sam says:
This summer I’ve been so off-and-on… after a year of being at school and not having much time to create things, there were days where I would just sit and dream about what I could make – the possibilities were endless! But there have been many other times where I just feel so worn out, not a spark of creative juice inside me… it’s hard to embrace these dead spots as part of the creative process, but they must be just as important!
Your sketches are darling, good luck!
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Marmielu says:
You’ve done my heart good!
I like very much what Sal said when she wrote of feeling frightened when the muse can’t be found! Very good picture.
As always, I love your sketches!
Mom -
Les says:
…aw. I grinned like a fool, just so you know.
I’m glad you’re still truckin’, lady! That’s the most important thing, always.
It’s actually mildly ironic that you posted this, because I had a SUPER-INTENSE bout of creativity the other day, followed by a sudden inability to draw anything (seriously. I couldn’t draw my own characters, their faces just would not come right, and you KNOW I can draw some of those folks in my SLEEP), and I’ve been a bit frustrated. So thanks for the reminder that it’s okay, heh.
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Jennifer says:
Most of my life seems like a dry spell. And then there is the ever present problem of procrastination when I actually do get inspired to start something, it seems like it never gets finished. I’m such a harsh critic of myself, I’ll make something and everyone tells me how great it is, but because I feel like it’s inferior, I never make another one.
Oh how I wish I could illustrate like you! I even took a fashion illustration course and still can’t do it well.
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frostedmoxie says:
I know just how you feel when going through “dry spells”. Its nice to know that even though it sometimes feels like it, I’m not the only one dealing with a creative block. I’ve found that taking a trip to a town I’ve never been to and exploring its nooks and crannies can sometimes get me re-inspired.
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Amanda Nicole says:
I have been in a creative dry spell for years, it feels like, but it’s probably more like months. I’m adjusting to writing for a living, whereas for so long I only wrote creatively. I didn’t know how difficult it would be to make myself sit down and write a poem or a story after I’d been writing technical copy for hours. But, like you, I’m in a learning phase and I feel like I need to go back and rehash my old ways of feeling inspired. Also, your drawings are so lovely. There aren’t many other things that are more comforting than colouring with coloured pencils
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Solanah says:
Your sketches are amazing! Oh so very “Casey”.
I go through dry spells as well, but when I get that burst of creativity I just want to stop everything and make things all day until that creativity is drained. Luckily I can use some creativity at work, otherwise I think I would go crazy!
I also find that while I am not creative in one form, I am in another, sometimes I just have to simplify things a bit and tell myself it’s not so important to make something amazing all the time, as long as I’m keeping my fingers busy
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maria says:
Wow, your drawings are amazing. They look so professional.
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Natalie says:
Casey, you are so talented! I wish I could draw like that. And I think creativity comes and goes…you never know when inspiration is going to hit you over the head!
Natalie xx
http://chamomileteaandfeatherquills.blogspot.com/ -
Charlotte Drene says:
I couldn’t have said it better. I know just how you feel.
Creativity is so fickle!What beautiful sketches these are, though!
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jolene says:
my dry spells usually come up when i am really busy with other things in my life like work or family drama. When i stare at pictures for my scrapbooks and just go…i don’t know what to do with these! it’s a little depressing but eventually it comes back in a huge gummy lump!
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Sonia Luna says:
Oh, those dry spells! I find the only way to snap out of them is to pick up paper and pencil and draw (or sew, or whatever else …) from initially crappy ideas new ones, better ones usually follow.
Your sketches are beautiful! -
Peldyn says:
I find that I am in a dry spell when I am under stress. Now that I am in semi-retirement I hope to be able to start creating more for myself and my granddaughters. This will be less stressful
BTW, the skirt is going well and I am blogging about it on my blog and will be giving away the leftover fabric in a drawing
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Esz says:
You have such lovely clean sketches
The complete opposite of my horridly messy ones! I wish I could draw clothes as well as you.As for creativity. I completely understand. I think the trick is to always be doing something, no matter how small. Sketch something tiny. If you keep it flowing then you are more receptive to when the really good stuff strikes.
I feel I’ve had major setbacks with my skills and I’m only just getting back into the swing of things. My ex had a really bad effect on me and this was years ago. But I was pondering it last night and thinking that the reason I completely lost EVERYTHING is because I am an introvert and while I was with him I never had the time alone to recharge. And so my creativity suffered dramatically along with many other things.
It’s great now to be in a productive environment and surrounded by people who support me. Your sister is spot on the money with her wise words and you too must understand how special it is that she is there to support you So yes, creativity is a funny thing. And it must be nurtured so that it is always there no matter it’s ebb and flow
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Kitten says:
Creative dry spells? – Definetly had those. Mine seem to come and go quite frequently, all depending on mood, weather, work, amount of time spent with boyfriend and so on. The hardest thing though always seems to be the getting started bit. Once I begin, it’s usually quite easy to carry on. Short projects seem to work better for me as I can loose inspiration if something just keeps dragging on and on…I need to be able to see the end of it.
Love your sketches!
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Andi B. Goode says:
Oh, gosh, yes – I’m going through one, right now! It’s OK to have them, that’s for sure, but when you need to be creative for your course? Not so OK.
-Andi x
PS Your sketches are wonderful. They’re such lovely illustrations within themselves. -
Nancy says:
I have creative dryspells, for sure. One of my strategies for pushing past them is to have several creative outlets. If I’m uninspired in the sewing room, I’ll sit down and make some jewelry to go with the latest dresses, or I’ll go play in the clay studio. OR I’ll come read blogs like this one, and get super inspired!
Sometimes you do have to just stop and breathe for a while, though, and trust that the creativity will come flowing back to you. If you make a living with your art, that’s obviously harder to do. When that happens to my husband (a potter), he does all the OTHER parts of the business that have to happen, like bookwork, graphics, heavy duty cleaning, making new tools, photographing pieces for our portfolio, etc. There’s always something that needs to be done!
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Josie says:
Bizarrely, I tend to go through ‘dry spells’ when I’m on holidays and have loads of time on my hands. Then, al my energy and inspiration from during semester when my mind was more active seems to vanish, and the projects I was looking forward to having time for end up taking forever! Very frustrating.
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Dusky Ledoux says:
Oh yes i totally get this! The key is not to beat yourself up about it. Creativity tends to come when stress and anxiety have disappeared. Like you said, i think its good to just recharge. And again, creativity comes in all shapes and sizes.. I look to small things such as tidying the kitchen as a tiny bit of creative opportunity. x
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Dusky Ledoux says:
Oh… and i want to wear Amelia to a summer Barbeque, and Miriah to my friends wedding! Your sketches are the epitemy of creativity Casey! x
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Sara says:
Ever? Always! I keep waiting to make some sort of a tremendous breakthrough…maybe after school is finished. Or the craft room is organized…
Do you have a craft room, Casey? A craft/sewing area? I’d love to see it! It’d make a great blog post.
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Mocha Momma says:
Sorry I haven’t been by in a while. I was just enjoying some of your posts for this week. I really enjoy your creativity. A bad day for you is like one of my good days, LOL!!
I think you’ll come back soon with even greater ideas than what you have going on now. I love the pictures of you looking like you just walked out of a 1940′s or 50′s magazine, yet you fit in today.
Take care,
Nannette from Life: be-in-it -
Gertie says:
Great post, Casey! (I’m just catching up on my reading for the week.
A creative dry spell is pretty much what inspired my entire blog project. I used to sew without patterns all the time, and design my own stuff. But then I went through a drectionless, uninspired period where I wanted guidance, something to follow. And hence, the VoNBBS project was started! Now I’m learning so much from working within a certain set of guidelines. Don’t know if this makes any sense. -
Meredith says:
You’re sketches are absolutely beautiful!
It is very hard to find Vintage style clothing, if you were ever start a clothing line I would most definitely be a customer!
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maddy says:
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
“…go through all the images on my computer and just sketch.”
story of my life…that’s exactly what i do for hours on end all the time, particularly when i have work to do… -
Another Nancy says:
September 10th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Oh yes, I know dry spells well. Sometimes my muse seams to whisper too quietly to be heard. I find it helps if you are aware if you are a process or a product type of person. Do you make things because you want the finished product or do you do it because you enjoy the doing. I used to be a process person with lots of unfinished projects, but over the years I have become more of a product person; I think due to some flack from my other half about the clutter.
Thank you ever so much for taking time to share your comment! Although I try to answer questions, I am not always able to respond to each comment individually. But please know that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every comment I receive!