7 Types of Creative Block…and What To Do About Them

Whether you’re a full-time creative professional, a passionate pastime artist, or simply a dabbler, it’s gonna happen. The creative block – that blank page, empty canvas, one-line melody, uncut yard of fabric, that time where all you wanna do (or have to) is create something, and you just can’t get started…or worse, finished.

But not all creative blocks are equal. They could come from a lack of ideas, but also from your own health or emotional wellness, work habits, or even communication. So, in order to become more productive, you first gotta understand what sort of block you have. Which, to me, recalls this classic interchange from Empire Records:

Mark: Hey, Lucas. I’ve decided I’m going to start a band. 

Lucas: The first thing you need is a name. Then you’ll know what kind of band you’ve got. 
Mark: Right, right. I was thinking about, um, Marc. How does that sound? 
Lucas: Is that with a C or with a K? 
Mark: Well my name is with a [checks name tag] K, so I was thinking my band’s name could be with a C. That way it’s kind of that psychedelic, you know, trip thing. 
Lucas: Always play with their minds. 

Anyway, the 99% (referring to the inspiration v. perspiration adage, not the Occupy distinction, though they may be related) offers an explanation of seven kinds of creative blocks, and suggestions for getting over each.

Read it, go forth, and create something amazing.

(Also, how can you say no to any article that’s illustrated with Van Gogh’s head in a birdcage?)