What do you do when you feel creatively blocked or stuck?

Originally asked

The Creative Independent, to working artists, its interview series

A recurring Creative Independent question whose wording distinguishes a lasting block from a temporary impasse.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded Yuri Nomura said elsewhere, not written here
Yes. I try not to overdo it. I think it comes down to the people, and there are several people I take the time to talk with. Different types of friends. I also like the transportation time when I’m traveling, like on an airplane. Those times allow me to see things I was missing, when I was only looking at the outside. Perhaps I travel in seek of that.

Ryu TakahashiBrandon Stosuy, The Creative Independent, 13 April 2021 source ↗

Others on this question

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Josh Fadem American comedian
Yeah. The downside for me is, say I have something that I know is out of my comfort zone in terms of my ability, the discipline comes in where I know I have to do this thing that’s out of my comfort zone when it would be so much easier to get the immediate satisfaction from doing the thing that’s in my comfort zone and get the positive response 10 times over.
Recorded Brandon Stosuy, The Creative Independent interview source ↗
Rickie Lee Jones Singer and songwriter
I just wait. I accept that I might not write anymore. I accept that life changes and that maybe it’s not the end of the world even if it feels like it. That was a thing going on about 15 years ago with me. I don’t really feel that way anymore, but when it was happening it was hard. It feels like it might never come again, and then you just accept it.
Recorded T. Cole Rachel, The Creative Independent interview source ↗
Bill Sellanga Musician, producer and DJ, performing as Blinky Bill
I have a DJ side that I’ve developed, and so when creative blocks hit me I tend to spin a lot more than usual. Also, just trying my hand in other fields. I’m looking at sewing classes the next time I have a creative block.
Recorded Brandon Stosuy, The Creative Independent, 3 August 2017 source ↗
Cheryl Strayed Author of Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things
When it comes to getting to work, my trick is to conjure my inner-nun-with-a-ruler-in-hand and simply force myself to begin. Beginning is about three-quarters of the battle for me. Once I’m into the work, it’s so much more interesting than anything happening on Facebook.
Recorded Elissa Bassist, Creative Nonfiction source ↗

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