Unblocking creativity: A guide for remote working creatives

Unblocking creativity: A guide for remote working creatives

Now that we’re a couple of years on from the pandemic, it’s clear that remote working isn’t going anywhere. Remote working brings a lot of positives for creatives in terms of freedom and flexibility, but it also brings about some challenges. The dreaded creative block is perhaps the most daunting hurdle, capable of striking at any given moment and paralysing even the most imaginative minds. Working home alone with no one to bounce ideas off can make this particularly difficult to overcome. This blog will delve into techniques to aid creatives in navigating creative blocks and cultivating an atmosphere that promotes innovation.

Establish a creative routine
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should abandon structure altogether. Instead, create a regular routine that embraces creativity. By sticking to a set schedule, you can gain a sense of stability, and condition your brain to get into a creative mindset at specific times. Whether it’s setting aside a dedicated time each day for brainstorming or allocating specific days for different types of creative work, a routine can keep you motivated and stave off any creative roadblocks.

Create a dedicated workspace
A well-organised and inspiring workspace can significantly impact your creative output. Set up a dedicated area for your creative endeavours, free from distractions and tailored to your personal taste. Surround yourself with things that inspire you, whether it’s artwork, plants, or your favourite tools. You by no means have to work there all the time, I think it’s healthy to work in different places. But on days where you’re struggling to focus, this designated space should signal to your brain that it’s time to get creative and minimise the risk of distractions derailing your creative flow.

Embrace breaks and downtime
Creativity thrives when you give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Schedule regular breaks throughout your day to step away from your work and clear your mind. Even taking a short walk, doing some stretches or simply enjoying a cup of tea can help to refresh your creative energy and prevent burnout.

Seek inspiration outside of the box
Sometimes, creative blocks arise from a narrow focus or overexposure to a specific genre or style. Broaden your horizons by exploring different sources of inspiration outside your usual niche. Travel, read books, watch documentaries and connect with people from different industries. Exposure to new concepts and viewpoints can spark fresh insights and ignite your imagination. You’ll be surprised by the moments your best ideas hit you.

Collaborate and communicate
Too much isolation can contribute to creative stagnation, so make an effort to collaborate with fellow creatives and maintain open lines of communication. Share your ideas, seek feedback, and meet up for a coffee from time to time. Collaborative efforts can provide new perspectives, offer solutions to creative challenges, and create a supportive community that encourages innovation.

Try some creative exercises
Especially around quieter times, incorporate creative exercises into your routine to keep your mind flexible and responsive. That journal you kept up for the first three days of the year before casting aside, the quick favour your Auntie asked for help with last summer, the passion project that you’ve been putting off for years. All of these seemingly small, unconventional projects allow you to explore different aspects of your creativity. These exercises can act as warm-ups, helping you bypass mental roadblocks and tap into your creative reservoir.

Remote working comes with its own set of challenges, but with a proactive approach, we can overcome these hurdles and cultivate a thriving creative environment. By establishing routines, creating inspiring workspaces, embracing breaks, seeking diverse inspiration, collaborating, and experimenting with creative exercises, remote working creatives can unlock their full creative potential and continue to produce innovative and impactful work.

Looking to collaborate on a project? Or even just talk an idea through? Reach out at kelly@kreativefreedom.co.uk