7 Practical Tips to Spark Creativity

Phuket, Thailand, 2008

It happens to all of us. Creativity ebbs and flows.

But what can you do when you’re stuck and still want to create art? Here are seven practical tips that have worked for me.

1. Change Your Medium:

If you usually shoot still photography, try shooting video for a week. Recently, I started integrating video and drone photography into my workflow. It might seem overwhelming, but it’s liberating. On a photography trip, I spend half my time on traditional photography and the rest on video and drone work.

2. Look at Other Art:

Visit galleries regularly. It doesn’t have to be a photography exhibition. Seek the emotion the art evokes in you. Art, as someone once said, is about creating emotion.

3. Set a Challenge:

Create personal projects with specific limitations—one lens, one camera, a specific subject (like the color red), only available light, or shooting candidly. Limitations often spark creativity.

4. Learn Something New:

When I started, I focused on landscapes. Then I tried architectural, sports, travel, and still life photography. Now, I’ve found my voice in street photography, which combines elements of many genres.

5. Limit Social Media:

Mindless browsing lowers your willingness to create. Uninstall Facebook and Instagram for a month or two. Occasionally check messages via the web, but avoid the time sinks. Knowing you can reinstall the apps eases any anxiety.

6. Revisit Old Work:

I’ve been revisiting my work from 15-16 years ago. Rediscovering unfinished projects with a fresh perspective has given me new ideas.

7. Listen to Music:

Music evokes emotions, which can transform into creative ideas. This always works for me.

If none of these tips work, take a break, create a mood board, collaborate with others, or photograph everyday objects within 500 meters of your home.

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Thanks for reading.