How to Find Joy in Your Creative Process Again

Have you ever sat down to create something and.. where did the inspiration go? why do i feel so empty? Maybe the project you’ve been working on now feels like a chore, or the passion you had for an idea completely dulled under the weight of burnout or routine. I went through a year of constant burnout, feeling unmotivated and my creative process truly suffered. A single art piece would take me months to complete because I couldn’t find the energy.

This is a struggle many of us face in our creative journey, whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or any other kind of creator. Losing touch with the joy our craft gave us in the first place, that escape. Life gets busy, perfectionism sneaks in, and all of a sudden.. the creative process becomes a burden rather than an escape.

Let me tell you some great news! you can rekindle that joy. In this post i’ll explore some practical and actionable tips to help you find joy again, and bring back the fun and fulfilment to your journey!

Understanding the Loss of Joy

Losing joy in your creative process often creeps up on you. One day, you’re working full steam on your art, with a sparkling eye. The next? It feels like an uphill battle. This can stem from several sources:

• Burnout: The devil incarnate. Pouring endless hours into your craft without taking time to rest can leave you drained physically and emotionally.
• Perfectionism: The constant pressure to create something flawless and to the highest standard can paralyze you creatively and strip away the fun.
• Monotony: Repeating the same techniques, projects or mediums can make your craft feel stale and uninspired.

When these issues go unaddressed, your creative process transforms from a source of joy into a source of stress.

Why does it matter?

This causes a huge emotional toll, it can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and a complete loss of motivation for extended periods of time. For many creatives, their job isnt just a hobby, its part of who they are and sometimes how they sustain themselves and their families financially. Its important to keep a healthy relationship with your craft if its a core part of your daily life.

But it isnt only about how you feel, its also part of your overall well-being! Creativity isnt just work; its an outlet, a form of self-expression, and a way to connect with the world and others.

Almost every creative person experiences this loss of joy at some point to some degree. It’s a natural part of the journey, not a sign of failure or that your passion is gone forever. Recognizing that this step is normal is the first step to finding joy again!

But now, how do we rebuild your connection to your creative process?

Finding Joy at Low Energy Levels

When burnout and lack of motivation are your best friends, and you feel like your creativity is running on fumes, it can be hard to rekindle joy. But even in those moments, there are small, meaningful steps you can take to reconnect with your creative process.

Acknowledge the Struggle

First things first, give yourself permission to feel the way you do. Burnout, lack of motivation, or creative fatigue doesnt mean you’re a bad artist. Take it as a signal that you need to pause or change up your approach. Its okay to struggle, be gentle with yourself.

Revisit your why

Take a moment to reflect on why you started creating in the first place, imagine that childlike wonder you felt when you started exploring with this medium.

In the image below you can find some journaling prompts that can help you find the answer.

Simplify your approach

When you are feeling overwhelmed, focus on small, manageable tasks. Instead of aiming for your next masterpiece, try creating for just 10 minutes or working on a tiny piece of a larger project. Removing the pressure to do something grand can make creating feel less daunting and more enjoyable.

Be mindful

Incorporate mindfulness into your creative process to help you stay present and engaged with your work. Focus on the sensory experience of your craft; the texture of the paper, notice the colors blending, or listen to the sound of your tools. Slow down and discover how you can incorporate all your senses into your work, this can turn your art into a meditative, grounding experience.

Romanticize your creative work

Find small ways to make your creative time feel special. Maybe you can light a candle, play soothing music, or make yourself a cup of tea or coffee. Treat your process like a treasured ritual, and not just another task on your to-do list.

Re-Evaluate Your Boundaries

Take a step back and consider the boundaries you have set around your creative work. Are you saying yes to too many commitments? Are you letting external pressures dictate your personal process? Reflect on whats draining your energy and explore ways to create healthier boundaries. Maybe you need to set clearer limits with clients, or say no to projects that dont align with your goals. Prioritizing your well-being can make space for joy in return.

Take a break if needed

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your creativity is to step away. Rest is a vital part of any creative journey, and it’s okay to give yourself time to recharge. It can be a few hours or a few days, but stepping back can help you return to your work with fresh eyes and renewed energy.

Rekindling Joy at High Energy Levels

If you’re feeling a little spark and inspired to try new things, here’s how you can dive back into your creative process and reignite your passion!

Experiment with new techniques

Shake things up by exploring unfamiliar tools, styles or methods. You can try a new medium, do your craft in a totally new environment, or step outside of your comfort zone. Experimenting can help you rediscover the thrill of learning and growing as a creative.

Focus on What You Like

Set time aside to work on a personal project that excites you. You can rediscover the simple pleasure of creating for yourself. Set work-related tasks aside and let this be your moment to create without outside pressure or expectations.

Incorporate play into your process

Remember that creativity doesn’t always have to be super serious. You can play around with prompts and exercises to loosen up and enjoy the process without pressure. I have attached below some exercises and prompts to get started, designed to be useful regardless of your creative endeavor.

Surround yourself with inspiration

Curate your creative environment to fuel your passion

• Make a Pinterest board or a vision board with inspiring images
• Refresh your workspace with decor and organize in a way that sparks joy
• Seek out new sources of inspiration, like nature walks, books, or movies (yes, this is your sign to binge-watch that show!)

Connect with a creative community

Engaging with other creatives in your niche can be a powerful motivator! You can join online spaces, attend workshops, or collaborate on projects. Sharing your ideas and feedback can breathe new life into your process while connecting with others.

Go on a creative self-date

Dedicate time for a solo adventure to places like a museum, browse a local bookstore, or explore a new coffee shop or park with your tools in your bag. Treat this precious time as an opportunity to connect with your inner creative.

Make it personal

Reflect on your own journey and share your story. What challenges have you faced in your creative process, and how did you overcome them? Sharing the lessons you’ve learned not only deepens your connection to your work but also inspires others to find joy in their own journey.

And thats what im doing right now, coming full circle! Not too long ago, I went through a period of burnout when I wasn’t happy doing art as a job, with zero time to draw for myself. I found myself procrastinating on projects I had no motivation to complete, wishing I could spend just one or two days painting lush landscapes.

And just now, just a week past the holiday season, I felt myself slipping into burnout again. I was overwhelmed by work, barely meeting deadlines, and once again had no time to create art for myself. It became clear that I needed to re-evaluate my boundaries and set firmer rules for myself.

So, I took time off to recharge, Im adding a new medium (im a digital artist, trying out a sketchbook for the first time!) and being more mindful and preset while working, and its already making a massive difference. Its important to lean into gratitude and realize that even though you’re going through a rough patch, you have the ability to create something from just an idea, its truly amazing!

Wrapping up

If you’re feeling pessimistic and unmotivated, rediscovering joy in your creative process might seem dauting at first, but the key is to start small. You can choose 1 tip from this post and give it a try today! you now have the tools necessary to reignite your spark.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What resonates with you from this post? Do you have a favorite tip or a personal strategy for finding joy in your creative process? Share your experience in the comments below and let’s inspire each other to keep creating 🙂

If this article made things easier for you, I’d love it if you shared it with your friends and anyone who might need it!

Dont forget to follow me on social media for fun sneak peeks, behind the scenes and art! links on the sidebar.

Feeling Inspired? Here’s Some Extra Fun Stuff!

• Make Self-Improvement Fun by Gamifying Your Habits ft. Léan & Maren
• Easy Exercises to Combat Sitting All Day: Stay Active at Your Desk
• Foods for Creativity: A Multisensorial Experience

Don’t Forget to Pin This for Later!

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