I’ve been asked if I’ve ever been in a creative rut before and how I get out of it. The answer is yes. It probably happens to most (if not, all) people who are constantly creating for work.
But I don’t see it as a rut. I think of it as a landing before the next set of stairs. A temporary place to take a break before continuing on.
These are a few ways that have helped me get to the next creative level:
Take a break. Just step away even for a short time (an hour, a day or longer if possible).
Do something unrelated. Visit a new place, eat new food.
Start a personal project. It can be a photography one or something different (like this custom backdrop I made).
Return to our roots. The thing that made you love what you’re doing.
Or experiment. Try a new creative technique, even if the result is terrible.
Collaborate with others. It can kickstart new ideas and grow from there.
When that creative muscle is tired, let it rest. I’ve always found that coming back fresh is when I do my best work.