With the second wave of COVID-19 in full swing, many cities across Canada have gone back into Phase 2 restrictions. Zoom University is thriving (can’t relate :/), and those on co-op work terms are still working remotely. Looking at the same four walls can, ironically, be draining – especially for creatives. It can be hard to keep up your creative hobbies and side hustles when every day feels like a continuation of the previous day and there’s really no pressing need to get out of bed. Here are a couple of ways to keep the creative juices flowing.
Start the day
Even if you’re not leaving the house or seeing anyone, starting the day how you regularly would – given the world wasn’t in a pandemic – is essential to sustaining that sense of normalcy. I get it. I’ve spent my fair share of days not leaving the bed since everything’s online, however, if putting effort into your regular work or school routine and wasting a little makeup means feeling energized and motivated, so be it.
Stay engaged with other creatives in your industry
Keeping up with other creatives in your industry or community is an effective way to keep your creative goals afloat. Sometimes if things don’t pan out as expected, it’s helpful to bounce ideas and stay close to conversations relevant to your passions and interests. Collaborating and seeking advice from your peers can sometimes be daunting, but odds are they’re going through the same creative process as you and bouncing ideas off one another can leave you with a fresh mindset.
Build off of your mistakes
Considering most industries have slowed down due to COVID-19 and other contingencies, take the time to reflect on those ideas that didn’t work out. This is the time to reflect on your previous creative endeavours and innovate parts of your original idea to fit your new vision. Even if you don’t have a new vision, putting in the effort to practice your craft is significant progress.
Write. Everything. Down.
Ideas that we think are absolutely genius can come to us at sporadic times. Carrying a small notebook and using your Notes or Voice memo apps can not only record that fleeting thought but holds you accountable for realizing your ideas. Writing or drawing out your potential brainchild keeps it from being denounced as a passing thought or a silly idea. This is also a productive way to track the development and growth of your ideas.
Everybody pulls inspiration differently, be it from collaborating with those in their community, exploring a new environment or having a 48-hour intensive work session. Don’t be discouraged if you’re stuck in a rut, creativity isn’t linear and comes in waves.