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.