Feeling stuck? Find out which phase of creative work you're in

Power up your art with the Creative Review and Reframe Workbook

Feeling stuck? Find a path forward with the Creative Review and Reframe Workbook, free when you sign up for the Rebel Yell Creative newsletter.

When we're struggling to create because the world is on fire, it's tough to see a way forward.

While productivity culture says we're either producing or we're failing, creative reality is one of phases. Especially when the outside world is terrifying.

We move through each phase again and again. There's no right or wrong amount of time to spend in a phase. And there are no bad phases!

Which phase are you in?

Winter

The time of hibernation. Creativity is a struggle. And you're just trying to survive.

Letting go

When creative work feels impossible, it’s ok to rest. It’s ok to say no to productivity culture. It’s ok, and

potentially very healing, to let some things go. That could mean taking a break, or setting aside creative

projects permanently.

Feels wrong, doesn’t it? The sunk cost fallacy is the idea that if we’ve invested time, energy, emotion,

or money into something, we can’t stop. But setting things aside could be far more beneficial to your time, energy, emotion and money.

What can you let go of?

Adding play

When creative work feels impossible, it feel wonderful to return to simple creative play. No goals, no deadlines, no pressure - just creativity to relax and soothe.

What sounds soothing to you? What did you enjoy as a kid? What just feels fun?

Some ideas: Craft kits, free writing (rant away your stress!), playing an instrument, or paint-by-number sets.

Spring

The thaw. You might not be ready to create again, but you're feeling excited to try.

Get inspired

This phase is a great time to remember the power of art. Return to the artists and creators you love, and

remind yourself why you love them. But also look wider. Explore new artists, from the past or present. Some

places to look:

• Podcasts, like the Art of Resistance

• Used bookstores and libraries

• Substack community

• Indie music homes, like Bandcamp

• Re-curated Instagram feed, with art, artists, and joyful accounts

Rethink goals

During the winter phase, you identify things you can let go. In the spring phase, look deeper at your creative work and practice. What’s fun? What’s drudgery? What do you wish you could change? What do you want to do different?

Summer

The heat is on. The creativity is flowing. The ideas are everywhere. And work is fun. Enjoy it, while still taking care of yourself.

Process

Much is made of the artistic process. But too much is made about the aesthetics of that process. You don’t need a beautifully curated desk and office to write; you don’t need a very particular studio setup to make audio and music. You don’t need whatever TikTok tells you is needed for making art. So don’t let the lack of those things

stop you!

What actually helps you create? What habits and tools will keep you focused and energized during the summer phase?

Caring for yourself while creating

It’s easy to push yourself too hard when you’re creating. What activities keep you feeling strong and secure? Is it

therapy? Walks? Hanging with friends? What will support you during the Summer phase?

Fall

Creativity slows. A good time to think about partners, and how to protect your sensibility.

Collaboration

What would happen if you partnered with your friends and connections to create something new? How could your art become even more powerful, and act as resistance? Think about your network - what are your friends really good at? And how might you work together on something cool?

Comparison

As creatives, we can easily fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We compare up, to writers with more publications, artists with more shows, creators with more followers.

But what if we compared down? Someone is looking at your work as their inspiration. Someone is viewing your accomplishments as success. Someone has felt seen with your work. Even better: what if we compared to our past? Maybe five years ago your current achievements would have seemed impossible.

What would comparing down look like for you? How about comparing to your past?

Once you think about these phases, return to the 6 key questions and see whats changed!

Explore what else is inside the Creative Review and Reframe Workbook with these articles:

• Six questions to take stock

• Let's rethink our goals

• Let's get weird

• A creative manifesto for today's world

• When to enlist a partner

Sign up at Rebel Yell Creative to get your free copy of the Creative Review and Reframe Workbook.

The Creative Review and Reframe Workbook comes as a digital PDF. View on your device, or print to write! 

Prefer a pre-printed workbook? Get yours here!