I remember the most intense times of frustration were when I hit a wall creatively. I didn’t know what to do. What did I do wrong? What “wasn’t” I doing? I realized I wasn’t blocked. I was “empty”.

It took me a long time to realize this discipline, but when I did it became one of the best creative weapons ever.

I realized that I wasn’t blocked creatively, but that I was empty or exhausted. Not physically but creatively. Here are a few tips I use:

• Solitude: I recently did a post on the power of solitude and a regular regime of practicing it. It refuels the soul: prayer, mediating on God’s word. I personally use these times like I’m meeting with my art director. Some call it “digging in the sandbox”.

• Pour yourself into others: it doesn’t sound like it works but it does. God has often revealed to me the best ideas when I’m just listening to other up and coming artists asking advice, helping others and encouraging others.

• Taking yourself on a date: In the Artist Way by Julia Cameron she talks of artist dates. I use these to explore, seek nature, ideas and getting out of the box. If you continue to expose yourself to the same stuff, it produces the same stuff. Walk through an antique store. See how you feel. Why?

• Watch Biographies: I love people. I love their stories and I love hearing how they did what they did. Personal testimony is priceless wisdom of what not to do and what to do.

I appreciate you joining me on the journey. Please leave a comment and share with others. You can sign up to receive my blog via email.