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Writer's pictureMallory Shotwell

20 Practical Ways to Stay Creative



We all strive to stay creative in our daily lives, but it's not always easy. Whether you're a student, artist, or professional, it's important to make time for creative practices. Luckily, there are plenty of simple and practical ways to do just that. In this article, we'll discuss 20 practical ways to stay creative. So if you're looking for some easy, effective tips to keep your creativity flowing, read on!


1) Brainstorm with someone

One of the best ways to stay creative is to brainstorm with someone else. Having a discussion with another person can open up your mind to new ideas and possibilities that you may not have thought of before. Collaborating with other artists is especially beneficial because it can help you see how different people approach the same art. Working with a team can also help you discover new techniques and approaches to your work.

The benefits of brainstorming with others are not limited to artistic endeavors. Working with a partner on any type of project can give you a fresh perspective and inspire new ideas for problem solving and innovation. Whether you are an artist, a business owner, or just someone looking for creative inspiration, brainstorming with another person can be extremely helpful in generating new ideas.


2) Take on a new challenge

If you’re feeling uninspired, a great way to get yourself going is to take on a new challenge. Whether it’s diving into a new art project, taking an online class, or learning a new skill, there are so many benefits to pushing yourself to take on something unfamiliar. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge and skills, but you’ll also be giving yourself the opportunity to grow creatively. Challenge yourself to create something that’s totally outside of your comfort zone. You never know what kind of creative discoveries you may make!


3) Make lists or word bubbles

Creating lists or word bubbles is a great way to stimulate your creativity and get your ideas flowing. Word bubbles, in particular, are a popular form of art that can be beneficial for brainstorming. This involves taking a word or phrase and exploring it by jotting down words, thoughts, and ideas associated with it. It’s a great way to create something visually stimulating and explore a concept from many angles. You can also take an existing list and break it up into sub-lists. This helps you to prioritize tasks and identify relationships between ideas. Making lists can also be great for helping to organize your thoughts and giving yourself a sense of accomplishment as you check off each task.


4) Set some structure for your creative endeavors

Structure is essential for staying creative and keeping your ideas organized. It's not just about having a plan, it's about having a system that works for you. Creating structure for yourself provides many benefits, such as helping you focus on the creative tasks at hand, organizing your thoughts and ideas, and enabling you to get more out of your creative efforts.


To start creating structure for your creative endeavors, make a list of tasks you want to complete. Break down each task into smaller, more manageable steps and assign due dates for each. This will help you stay focused and on track with your creative goals. Consider setting up an outline for any project you’re working on or create a checklist that covers all of the tasks involved in a particular project.


Another way to set up structure is to set aside a certain amount of time each day dedicated to your creative pursuits. Setting this kind of daily routine gives you something to look forward to and helps you maintain consistency in your creative efforts.

Finally, if you're feeling stuck in your creative process, try breaking out of the same old habits by trying something new or experimenting with different mediums. The benefit of shaking things up is that it can spark new ideas and help you approach tasks with a fresh perspective.


Creating structure is a great way to stay organized, motivated and productive. So don’t be afraid to take the time to set up a system that works for you!


5) Take risks and experiment

When it comes to staying creative, it’s important to take risks and experiment. Trying new things can help you push the boundaries of your creativity and encourage you to think outside the box. Even if your first attempts don’t turn out as planned, that’s okay! Taking risks and experimenting are essential parts of the creative process and can lead to unexpected discoveries. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it doesn’t turn out as you had imagined. You never know what amazing ideas may come out of it!


6) Be persistent

When you’re trying to stay creative, it’s important to remember that your creative efforts will take time and effort. You won’t always get the results you want right away. It’s important to be persistent and not give up when things don’t go as planned.

When it comes to creativity, you’re going to have days where you feel inspired and days when nothing seems to be working. Don’t let those days of frustration take over. Remember that with dedication and perseverance, you can make it through the dry spells and continue producing amazing work.


Take a break if you need one, but make sure you come back with the same enthusiasm and energy that you had before. Don’t let yourself become complacent or stagnant in your work. Keep pushing yourself to create new ideas and explore new avenues of expression. Being persistent is an important part of staying creative, so make sure you make it part of your routine.


7) Be patient

Creativity can be a difficult process, and sometimes it’s hard to stay focused and motivated. The best way to move forward is to be patient. Instead of trying to push yourself, take some time to relax and let the ideas come to you. Take regular breaks and don’t be too hard on yourself if something isn’t coming together as quickly as you’d like. It takes time for creativity to blossom, and it’s important to give yourself that time and space. Try not to rush or put too much pressure on yourself; instead, enjoy the creative process and have faith in your ideas.


8) Bring a notebook everywhere

If you're serious about staying creative, you should be sure to carry a notebook with you wherever you go. Whether it's a physical notebook or an app on your phone, having a place to jot down ideas and keep track of inspiration is essential for creative living. It's always a good idea to have a notebook on hand when you are out and about so you can write down any ideas or insights that come to mind. You can also use your notebook to track progress on projects, log your thoughts, and create checklists. Having a notebook is a great way to stay organized and to ensure that you never lose an idea or bit of inspiration that may come up during your day.


9) Get inspired by others

No matter what kind of creative work you’re doing, inspiration is key to staying creative. One great way to get inspired is to look at the work of others. Whether it’s visiting a museum or art gallery, browsing through an online portfolio, or simply reading a book or magazine article, exposing yourself to the work of other creatives can be a great source of motivation and ideas. Take some time to explore the work of people in your field and get inspired by their successes and failures. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with other creatives. Connecting with others in your field can help you stay motivated and get feedback on your own work.


10) Listen to new music

Music can be a great source of inspiration and motivation for creatives. Trying out different genres, artists, and sounds can help give you new perspectives on creative projects and invigorate your creative spirit. Don’t be afraid to listen to music from different cultures and countries to get a better idea of the range of music available. You can also try attending live music events or joining music groups in your local area, so you can meet others who share your passion for music. Taking a break and listening to something new can also provide a refreshing change of pace and help you stay productive in your work. Try to be open-minded and take the time to explore music that is outside of your usual taste. You never know, you might just find a new favorite artist!


11) Don't force it

It's easy to get caught up in the need to make something, to push yourself to produce something. But forcing yourself can be counter-productive and actually prevent you from staying creative. Instead, take a step back and allow yourself the time and space to come up with ideas and explore possibilities without feeling the pressure to create.

Take the pressure off and let the ideas flow naturally. Allow yourself the freedom to express your creativity without the expectation of creating something of value right away. There is no timeline or checklist that needs to be completed when it comes to creativity. Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not trying so hard. Embrace the creative process, stay open-minded, and trust that the creative spark will come eventually.


12) Create your ideal space for creating

Creating an ideal workspace can be a great way to help you stay creative and focused. Whether it’s a home office, a dedicated corner of your living room, or even a quiet nook in the library, having a designated area for working on creative projects can make it easier to stay inspired and motivated.


Here are just a few ideas for creating the perfect art making space:

• Declutter - Make sure your work space is clean and organized. A tidy space can help reduce distractions and keep your focus on the task at hand.

• Personalize - Decorate your space with items that inspire you – photographs, artwork, quotes, etc. This will make your workspace more enjoyable and inviting.

• Comfort - Choose furniture that is comfortable and ergonomic. Invest in an ergonomic chair or standing desk if necessary.

• Technology - Ensure that you have all of the necessary technology and equipment to help you get the job done. Consider getting a second monitor, a laptop stand, or other accessories to optimize your workflow.

• Environment - If possible, choose a space that has plenty of natural light. Keep your workspace away from noise and distractions if possible.

• Connectivity - Make sure you have strong internet connection and/or reliable access to printing and scanning services.


Creating your ideal workspace can help you stay creative and productive. Take some time to set up a comfortable, inspiring environment to help you stay focused on the tasks at hand.


13) Don't be afraid to make mistakes - in fact, welcome them!

Making mistakes is an essential part of the creative process. The act of trial and error is necessary in order to grow, develop and create something truly unique. If you are afraid to make mistakes, you will never be able to take risks and experiment with new ideas. So don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes along the way – it can be an invaluable learning experience.


Take on a project that pushes you out of your comfort zone and don’t be scared if things don’t work out as planned. Even if you make a mistake, it doesn’t mean it’s a sign of failure. Instead, take it as an opportunity to try again and learn from your mistakes. Acknowledge them, and then try to move on and use them as valuable lessons that can help you in the future.


By facing your fear of making mistakes, you can develop more confidence in your creative abilities. You will have the courage to take on bigger challenges and express yourself more freely. So go ahead and make mistakes! They will help you grow and become a better creative thinker.


14) Believe in yourself

Believing in yourself is key when it comes to staying creative. As the saying goes, “you can’t be what you can’t see.” If you don’t believe in yourself, it will be hard to stay creative and move forward with your work. Believe in your abilities and talents, even if they feel out of reach at times. Believe that you have something special to offer and that it’s worth creating. By believing in yourself, you’re able to take risks, be persistent, and make mistakes without the fear of failure. Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, and make an effort to build on both. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice if needed - you never know what you might learn or who might be able to help you out. Ultimately, believing in yourself will help you stay creative and keep pushing towards your goals.


15) Trust your instincts

When you’re feeling creatively blocked, the best thing to do is to trust your instincts. Don't be afraid to try something new and explore the unknown. Your intuition is usually a great source of inspiration, and it can point you in the right direction when you’re feeling stuck. Listen closely, trust your instinct, and take that leap of faith into the unknown. You never know where it might lead you.


16) Look to your older artwork

When you feel creatively stuck, take a look at some of your older artwork. Revisiting it can help spark new ideas and give you new perspectives on the creative process. It can also help to remind you of the progress you’ve made, which can be motivating. Looking at past work can help you reflect on where you have come from and inspire new ideas that can propel you forward. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself to go back and rework something you’ve already done, or use it as a jumping off point to explore something completely new. Allowing yourself the opportunity to draw upon your existing knowledge and experience is an invaluable way to stay creative.


17) Let go of perfectionism

Perfectionism is the belief that something must be perfect before it can be considered successful. But perfectionism can be a major obstacle to creativity and productivity. We often strive for unrealistic standards, which can lead to frustration, disappointment, and even burnout.


Instead of seeking perfection, try to focus on the process of creating something. The journey can be just as rewarding as the final product. It's important to remember that there is no such thing as perfect, so it's better to focus on the progress that you make each day.

Accepting mistakes and imperfections is a crucial part of being creative. By letting go of perfectionism, you can become more open to new ideas and explore different approaches. You'll also find that this kind of flexibility allows you to be more productive in the long run.

Finally, don't forget to reward yourself for taking risks and trying new things.


Acknowledging your accomplishments is an important part of staying motivated and inspired. Whether it's taking a break, treating yourself to something nice, or giving yourself a pat on the back, these small rewards can help you stay creative and productive.


18) Enjoy the process

Creating something can be an amazing experience. Taking the time to enjoy each and every step of the creative process can make the journey more enjoyable and rewarding. While it’s easy to become focused on the end result, try to appreciate all the little steps along the way.

Think of your creative process as a journey full of possibilities and discoveries. Slow down, take in your surroundings and give yourself permission to explore. Enjoy each moment and pay attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked. Celebrate small successes and learn from missteps. All of these moments are part of your story and contribute to the final result.

When you enjoy the process, you create an environment of exploration, experimentation, and discovery. You open yourself up to new ideas and possibilities, while also gaining greater confidence in your own creative abilities. By taking the time to enjoy the creative process, you’ll be able to create something truly unique and remarkable.


19) Be present

The key to staying creative is to be present. That means taking the time to be in the moment, instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. It’s important to enjoy each step of the creative process and recognize that everything you do is an opportunity to learn and grow. When you’re present, you’re able to respond to the moment and use your creativity in new ways. So, don’t forget to be present when you’re creating! Take a few moments to breathe, connect with your ideas, and appreciate what you’re making. Being present will help you stay focused, inspired, and motivated to make something amazing.


20) Have fun!

Having fun is an important part of staying creative. It's easy to forget that creativity isn't just about making something beautiful or functional, it's also about having fun and enjoying the process. Make time to play with your art, challenge yourself, and explore your ideas. Don't take yourself too seriously - instead, laugh at yourself, try different things, and just be open to the process. By allowing yourself to enjoy the creative journey, you'll find yourself being more productive and having more fun in the end.

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