Are you feeling stuck in an artistic rut and like your creative juices have just dried up?

Don't worry, you are not alone! We all experience this at some point, and the feeling will likely pass on its own.

If you want something to help you refocus and rejuvenate your energy, try the tips below. We're sure you'll soon be creating fabulous work again!

#1. Surround yourself with people who inspire you 

The people who you surround yourself with will influence you in one way or another. Spend time around creative people, and you will feel their energy rubbing off on you positively.

Find your crowd of creatives, and be around people who lift you up and make you feel positive. They don't even need to be directly involved in your creative field, but this can help. 

#2. Set SMART goals

Goals are a great way to retain focus and achieve something. However, setting difficult, unreachable goals is likely to be demotivating. If you are already discouraged, this will only make you feel worse and take you further from success.

A SMART goal is:

  • Specific (you know what it is you are aiming to achieve)
  • Measurable (you can tell when you have achieved it)
  • Attainable (you are capable of doing it; it's within your ability and reach)
  • Relevant (it applies to you, your work, etc)
  • Time-bound (it doesn't go on forever)

Try setting yourself SMART goals that you can realistically achieve, and you will soon be motivated again by the sweet smell of success. 

Remember, small changes can create long-lasting habits.

#3. Do what makes you happy

Don't be disheartened if others don't share your passion or appreciate your work. There is enough space in the creative world for everyone, and as long as you enjoy it, that's what counts.

Remember that you can't please everyone—it's impossible!

Focus on your goals, not what others think your goals should be. Keep moving forward at your pace.

#4. Practice and be consistent

Sometimes you'll create fantastic work, and sometimes you won't.

Learning, growing and developing a skillset takes time. Renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said, "Your first 10,000 photos are your worst".

Embrace failure; don't be afraid of it. Failure is part of the success process!

Keep going, and don't lose heart.

#5. Step outside of your comfort zone

It's natural to want to stay on familiar ground, but the unknown is where new skills and connections can be made, which helps us grow.

Expanding your comfort zone can be big or small - it's entirely up to you! You might decide to publish or exhibit your work, enter a competition or attend a networking event (all of which are great ways to get more exposure for your work!).

Go ahead and expand your horizons. You might discover something amazing!

#6. Take a break 

Sometimes, you need rest and time away to collect your thoughts. Spend time away doing something that relaxes you so you can think more clearly. 

It could be a day, a week, a month, or longer. Time and space away may help you gain a new perspective and relieve the pressures holding you back. 

Remember, we all go through creative slumps now and again!

It's natural to occasionally feel lost. Peaks and troughs are part of the natural rhythm of life. 

Be kind to yourself, and remember that we are all different. What works for one person may not work for another.

Try to remain positive and keep taking small steps in the right direction. 

What is PurplePort

PurplePort is a modelling website that brings models, photographers and other creatives together with one fantastic service. We provide the tools and help you need to get together and create amazing photos.

Established in 2010, PurplePort has grown from strength to strength and now has 40,000+ active members worldwide. With features such as integrated messaging, calendar, shoot plans, image albums, references, credited photos, busy member forums, hundreds of articles, and dedicated full-time staff to help you, it's easy finding the perfect creatives you need for your next photography project. It's a fresh, fast, and feature-rich alternative to ModelMayhem.

Join the fastest growing, most feature-rich service of its kind and start making magical photos a reality!

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