Creative block is an inevitable part of the creative journey. But, it can be scary when your business relies on your ability to dream up new creations. So, here are my top tips for overcoming creative block as a small business owner and the techniques I use when I'm faced with it.
1// Put it down - you can always come back to it!
I bought out a product a couple of years ago using yarn leftovers to create resin hair clips. These have without a doubt been the hardest things to get right. From bubbles and holes to yarn swelling up and rough surfaces, I really had to work at these. I retired the product when it started stressing me and every new order of one filled me with dread. Now that I’ve taken a break from the process and learned more about how to use resin, I think I will go back to them at some point with a much clearer head. Taking a step back from an idea can help you see it more clearly!
2// Get crafty!
Think outside the box and create something else using a different medium than what you’re used to.
3// Have a go at a DIY Kit!
Reading someone else’s instructions may give you a brain wave and that task you’ve been finding hard may suddenly click in your head!
4// Don’t give up!
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You never know what your next attempt will look like. I hated my first attempt at my Hedy Lamarr Pom Pom person, I was so upset as I’d always made them first try but something just wasn’t clicking. I put her to one side and started again. I learned what not to do from that first attempt and fell in love with my next attempt. |
You never know what your next attempt will look like. I hated my first attempt at my Hedy Lamarr Pom Pom person, I was so upset as I’d always made them first try but something just wasn’t clicking. I put her to one side and started again. I learned what not to do from that first attempt and fell in love with my next attempt.
5// Make something just for fun!
Don’t think about selling something, just have a go at something fun you’ve always thought about doing, or just get some paints out and start putting things on a page. Just making this big Pom Pom using a Pom Pom maker that was about to break would later give me the idea years down the line to create my own high-quality giant Pom Pom maker!
6// Say yes to scary things!
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When I was asked to create hundreds of Pom Poms for the windows of Whistles my first thought was that I was too small of a shop to do it and the imposter syndrome kicked in. After I’d kicked that to the curb I realised I could do it and it was also a chance for me to make my first giant Pom Pom maker prototype. We made 270 giant Pom Poms in a month to adorn Whistles windows for Christmas last year and it kickstarted my love for making Pom Poms again.
