Do you ever get stuck so much that it actually stops you from creating?!

Lately, I've been working on my daily art practice and gathering ideas for upcoming patterns and collections. But there's been one major problem: I get paralyzed when I actually go to create what I’ve envisioned.

Of course, life gets in the way too, all the other priorities pile up. But even when I do find a moment to start creating, or take the next step to get there... I freeze.

I end up doing "busy work". Things that need to get done, but that pull me in a different direction, while that excitement to create just sits there.

Why do we do this?!

I've asked myself this a lot. I know it's just nerves on my end at least, but why!

I still can’t fully explain it, but I think it comes down to the fear of not living up to the ideas in my head. The possibilities, the excitement that I build up. I’m almost afraid to reach them, and then have them be behind me. Then, I'm back at beginning.

It’s odd, isn’t it? I know mindset, lack of time, and even lack of sleep play into it... but still, it happens. When I talk this out with others in the community I see that it is more common then I thought. I am seeing this to be a normal process with artists/creators and the "busy" mind.

Today, I made a tiny move to get closer to a few new patterns, and maybe tomorrow, I’ll actually play with no expectations, using the newly sketched and vectorized motifs I have ready to go! But until that time comes, I am going to keep creating and know that when I am ready I have a library of things to pull from.

That oddly over-creative, “stuck” feeling is real. I wanted to share this in case you find yourself in that space too.

One little thing that has been helping me is set a timer. Lay out your tools. Take the tiniest step forward.

It might not feel like much, but when that five-minute burst of creative energy shows up, you’ll be ready.

Don’t stress the outcome, focus on gathering the love for what you’re building behind the scenes.

Some days it's play, some days it's prep. But it all counts.

As a surface designer, I’ve learned that inspiration isn't wasted just because it doesn't turn into a finished piece right away. Having your tools ready and waiting — that’s its own kind of progress.

Here’s to creating, even when it’s imperfect and trusting the rhythm to return. 🎨✨

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As a surface designer I am always gathering inspiration and putting it in site so I can pull from it when my creative energy hits me

Brushes and inspiration, ready for a creative boost.