Finding Inspiration: Beating a Creative Block (Or at Least Trying To)

For filmmakers, writers, animators, and artists alike, falling into a creative block isn't uncommon and isn't that fun either. So, what do you do when you have brainy obstacles in the way of your flow?

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/2ade5c_adbfcc1926204f80b146b17a53134ad8/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

I'm sure you can picture it vividly...

You're in class, and you're asked to write a script for an assignment; You're given a scene and the storyboards you've come up with just don't feel right; Maybe you just want to create something new, or you started a project just to stop partway through, and nothing comes to mind; you may be thinking, "What's wrong with me?"

Absolutely nothing-- it's just a creative block. They are a pain in the ass, though.

Personally, it feels like I run into creative blocks all the time. During many of my screenwriting classes I've sat at my desk and wondered what I'm going to write about. What comes out? Something eventually, but it takes a LOT of effort, and sometimes doesn't even turn out as 'inspirational' and 'ground-breaking' like I wanted it to (thank goodness writing is my minor or I would have been eaten alive).

That's okay, though. Not every piece you make will turn out the way you want it to. It does count as learning experience though!

What's nice about creative blocks is that there are a multitude of ways to try and get out of them. Some of them are ones I personally do, some of them are ones I've heard other colleagues and professors do. Some may work for you, some may not, but the point is there are many routes you can take as a creative to get your flow back.

1. Take a Walk

A professor of mine liked this one.

This professor- a writer who specialized in animated TV scripts (short 15-minute episodes and full-length 23-minute episodes)- mentioned in a class once that his writing process would go a lot like this:

Or something like that...

He was an awesome teacher, and I agree with him, but going on walks is great for a multitude of reasons. It gets you up and active, you get to take in some Vitamin-D, and it gives your brain some space to breath. So the next time you hit a wall, a walk may be right for you.

2. Train of Thought Log

This is one that helps me out quite often.

If you've never done a train of though exercise, they really are quite fun. The first one I did was back in early middle school. The goal of a normal train of thought is to start with a word and end with the same word. After you finish writing the first word down on paper, you are supposed to write down the next word that immediately pops in your head. Here's an elementary example:

Farm

Cow

Pig

Piglets

Winnie the Pooh

Bear

Woods

Nature

Flowers

Bouquet

Shop

Small Town

Farm

Maybe this is an odd example to some, but it makes sense in my brain, and your train of thoughts will make sense in your brain too.

What I've used in the past for generating ideas for scripts was to write down some words or phrases that deal with the main components of the script (ex. your character's name, their main obstacle and goal, what they look like, etc.) and run with it. There's no need for a 'round robin' in order to end up at the first word you wrote down-- this is simply a way to get your brain thinking of ways to get out of your creative block.

3. Read, Watch, or Listen

Read a book you like. Watch a movie or TV show, whether it's something you've never seen before, or something you watch over and over again. Listen to some music. These are all classic ways to try and get out of a funk... not much to say on this one other than that.

4. Visit Local Museums

Museums can not only expose you to some amazing pieces, they can also help you out of your funk.

I visited quite a lot of museums in the Philadelphia area for my Latin classes when I was in high school. Roman and Greek artifacts, sculptures, and art are a great way to spark inspiration for all kinds of artists. It's amazing to see what sculptures have been created years ago (and how some of them were painted... I never saw any painted statues in person but I've seen them circling the net, haunting my dreams), and to hear museum tour guides tell the tales of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses depicted in the pieces.

Now living temporarily in Pittsburgh, I know I have a plethora of museums to visit-- The Andy Warhol Museum, The Mattress Factory, the Carnegie Museum of Art, even the Carnegie Science Center- are in the area for me to peruse and pull inspiration from. I highly suggest going to a museum near you, or travelling into a city to visit one.

5. My Favorite: Take Photos/Videos of Things You Like

I love taking photos of nature and parks.

Though I don't do it often, I will go out on a few nice days to do it. It makes me feel good, and when I look back at the photos later, I feel excited to work in the filmmaking/commercial industry.

Taking photographs and videos (similar to the short edit I created at the top of this post) is the closest thing I can get to video production on a personal level outside of work. It's a nice personal connection moment to have your hands on a camera, shooting things you find appealing, and throwing them into a software to compile and edit.

I purchased a really nice Canon camera over six months ago and have enjoyed getting to learn how to use it. That was about a $900 purchase, and I been knew how difficult it is to earn that money and finally press the 'Place My Order' button on Amazon. Not everyone interested in video production has access to nice cameras and equipment, but you know what you do have?

Your smartphone.

And yes, I know not all phones have the best quality, but it's a start for anyone to test out angles and shot types. Get out of that creative block!

Final Thoughts

Inspiration surrounds us each and every day in different forms. It is up to us, though, to find what inspires us to be the artists we are and create new things for generations to learn from and enjoy. I hope you find your way our of your creative block very soon.