Focus on the Art: Overcoming Creativity Blocks

I’ve found myself on numerous occasions focusing more on how to be a skilled creative rather than simply creating. I’ve noticed that this mindset is closely tied to my biggest creative blocks. The more we believe there’s a "right" way to create, the more we limit our creativity.

Don’t get me wrong, I still deeply value developing new skills and knowledge. However, sometimes we just need to jump and embrace the mindset of a child again. As children, we didn’t dwell on the skills we lacked; we simply tried. That’s how we learned and gained confidence.

It’s essential to remember our primary focus: to create. We need to overcome the fear of not being skilled enough or the fear of judgment. For artists and designers, putting your work out there can feel incredibly vulnerable, almost like running nude down the street. It’s deeply personal, and because of that, artists tend to be their own harshest critics.

This self-judgment, driven by a fear of external judgment or failure, often holds us back. That’s why I’m writing this to remind myself and others: focus on the art.

Overcoming this fear means prioritizing your work instead of seeking external validation. A helpful practice is to talk to yourself in the mirror. Tell your reflection what is blocking you from completing unfinished work or starting something new. Then, respond to yourself with rational solutions, almost as if you’re advising a friend or client. This exercise helps untangle your emotions and allows you to shift your focus back to creating rather than overthinking.

Start: Go to your local art supply store and grab some materials you’ve never used before. Experiment with something entirely new, don’t limit yourself to creating something specific. Just make something, anything, and see where it takes you. Once you’ve finished, take a moment to analyze your process. Did you notice any growth in your creativity? Did stepping outside your comfort zone spark new ideas? This simple act of exploration can be a powerful way to break free from creative blocks and reignite your passion.

I hope these tips are helpful and inspire you to push through creative blocks. If you’ve tried any of the exercises or have something you’d like to share, feel free to contact me at connect@studioninaboyo.com. I’d love to hear from you!