The Incredible Case of the Disappearing Creativity

​Creativity is defined as “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work”. That’s pretty powerful if you stop and think about it. Your brain can create something new, something original, something no one else has done before. There is a rush involved with creating something new. It’s something I can’t quite pinpoint, but it’s something I crave.
 
Creativity for me comes in the form of painting, social media, websites, and even this blog. I started painting wineglasses years ago, which led to painting home décor, then canvas painting and even watercolors. Social media is a simple creative outlet for me, which involves simple phrases, crafted graphics and nerdy analytics. Websites provide the same type of outlet, while keeping my brain sharp. And writing, well, it’s something I’ve loved my entire life. 

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The problem with creativity is it’s not always there. I can have an entire day to myself and experience what I call a dull brain. Or I can be standing in a grocery store with a million other things on my to-do list and have the urge to draw, write, or paint. It’s not fair, actually. We are all so busy. Sometimes it’s hard to spark that imagination. When I experience a lack of creativity, there are certain things that help me snap out of it.
 

1. Sleep. If I am sleep deprived, there is no way my creative juices are going to flow. I have tried to push through and force creative pieces so many times. But if my brain is foggy, it’s just not happening. So, I make sure I get enough sleep and even take a nap – if I have the time.
2. Research. Reading articles about the topics I love or browsing other artist’s work – whether online or in a book – always put me in a creative mood. I think there is an appreciation there for other’s who love the things you do. Something that makes you happy is always fun to research.
3. Exercise. For me, it’s yoga or a long walk. I don’t always make the time for it, but I know how beneficial it is for mental clarity and focus.
4. Silence. Sometimes when I am alone, I find that hours have passed, and I have been existing in complete silence. My job keeps me very busy – which I love, trust me - but I don’t always get a quiet break. I find that silence heals my brain, helps with anxiety and sets me straight.

 
So, now I want to know, what inspires you? What do you like to creative? And, most importantly, how do you trigger that incredible imagination?
 
- Melissa Pravlik, Social and Web Strategist