Finding your creative mojo

I like to play with random photos in Photoshop to spark some creativity.  Layers, textures and random actions.  Just play.

Finding a way out of a photography/creative rut can be difficult. Ruts are going to happen.  It is just a part of the creative process.  I have been researching how to get out of creative ruts for years. I think it is different for everyone.  Knowing yourself is half of the battle.

Ask yourself some questions:

1.     What music do you listen to when you create?

2.     What famous photographer inspires you the most?

3.     What photographer on Instagram/Flickr inspires you the most?

4.     Do you like black and white or color photography?

5.     What is your favorite movie?

6.     What is your favorite place close to home?

7.     What is your favorite place in your home?

8.     What makes you the happiest?

9.     Other than photography what other hobbies do you have?

1.    What do you do to pamper yourself?

Steps I take to inspire creativity:

1.     Take care of my responsibilities first thing in the morning

2.     Exercise

3.     Plan my day include creative and pamper time

4.     Turn on music

5.     Let my creative juices flow

What do you do to get out of creative ruts?

Instagram: 

This week just post what is coming to you.  Enjoy your time this week and show us what is happening around you.

More rescores:

http://www.pikaland.com/2009/04/16/inspiring-creativity-9-tips-to-be-more-creative/

http://psychcentral.com/lib/20-ideas-from-creativity-connoisseurs-to-inspire-your-imagination/0009876

http://www.creativitypost.com/education/how_to_inspire_the_next_generation_of_creative_thinkers_and_innovators

http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/jan/02/top-artists-creative-inspiration

THIS WEEK I'VE GOT . . .

N O T H I N G

 

 

I don't know about you guys but there are some days, weeks, months that I feel like I will never take another good picture - EVER! That I have used up all of my creative juice. Sometimes the slumps end quickly, sometimes they go on for weeks. With 4 kids ranging from 16 - 5 and involved in many activities, I get wrapped up in getting them taken care of and neglect my creativity at times. I wish I could say that I always stop and enjoy the moments (because they will be gone before you know it), but it isn't always the case.

 

 

What do you do to get out of the ever-dreaded creative slump?

 

 

For me it's not always the same answer. A few different go-to things I try to get me out of the slump are new lighting techniques -

 

Or a new editing technique -

Or I buy a new set of actions that I've had my eye on for awhile -

Sometimes it takes getting away from it all and remembering the beauty that surrounds us, and taking pictures that I've wanted to take.

Many times I try to remind myself that the slump is telling me that it's time to grow a little more as an artist, or it's time to refocus, decide what's important and if I need to keep going in the same direction in my life.

I would love to hear what you guys to if you ever have this problem!