How do you restore your creative energy and motivation?

[aqua03]

It's not that I've been burned out from working on a big project or anything, I really want to work on something like drawing or working on Drachenseele because I've recently had some really great ideas for it and other creative things, but I just can't seem to actually be able to work on my stuff. Like I simply can't for whatever reason beyond the bare minimum. I can't tell if it's because im depressed, exhausted, or something else entirely.

how have you guys dealt with similar problems with your work? like when you're not burnt out, but you can't work on your projects even though you really want to for whatever reason?

thanks for the help.

[BreakingChalk]

I give myself a one week rest form any drawing (at least of the actual comic) and plays some games, listen to upbeat music, or just brainstorm for the story I'm doing, or other ones I have in mind.

[NickRowler]

Getting enough rest and playing a few video games.

Also taking time to work on art that is not related to your project. Like just drawing and creating for yourself for fun.

[rajillustration]

I find it helps to read stories that get me excited about making stories. Just absorbing that good ass content and enjoying it as a consumer, remembering why I like the craft in the first place. That and just getting out of the house for a while. Sometimes you need a holiday from your work so you can come back to it excited again.

[elyss]

I'm in the motivation stage right now. I just sent my whole story to an editor who absolutely tore it it apart in the most helpful way possible. The problem is, I need to organize and rewrite a lot.

I struggled with the motivation to do all that. I told myself at the end of the day, it's a story I want to write with characters I've grown fond of. I'm giving myself some time to stew in the notes. I'm not looking at the script, but I am noting things down when I get ideas. I recognize my feelings are too raw write now the approach it.

I say give yourself space and don't feel like you can't have your story on your mind. Think about aspects of it, and this is turn can stir your creativity

[gmaximin]

15min bath, or 30min run, or 1h30 bike, or weekend half day walk, and if none are working, I’ll seriously reevaluate what’s wrong... (me, the idea, or the medium).

[Legendofgenii]

I’m just sketching lately, because my kid isn’t back to school till Monday. Just drawing anything has been helpful, even though they aren’t finished things.

Researching for my project is very inspiring, as well as listening to music, watching movies, playing games, seeing what others are up to here.

If I get too meh, a day or two (or seven years) off can help too.

[AliceHoffmannArt]

Most of the time, a quick walk before starting makes it easier for me to concentrate on tasks.
If I struggle really hard to keep discipline up, I check my current lifestyle choices (e.g. if there's a sleep cycle problem, too much caffeine etc.) or work on dissolving problems that drain me emotionally or throw in meditation if needed.

Oh, and I decided to watch news less often. I find that it exhausts me after a while if I learn about too much of the bad stuff happening in the world. It fuels anxiety and distracts me from my actual priorities when I can't do much about it. ^^'

[nathanKmcwilliams]

I will myself to keep or start working, regardless of my emotions. Being creative is a conscious choice.

The only time I don't, is usually when my day job takes a physical toll on me. (Like when I work 12 or more hours in one day)
But also, I'm at a point now where I have no choice but to be creative all the time. People count on me to get stuff done. It doesn't hurt that I truly enjoy being creative, it's the third best part of my life.

[sistergirl88]

Sometimes steeping back is the best refresher. I like to get a cup of coffee and listen to music. Sometimes I listen to audiobooks too.

[pilot-obvious]

I usually like to go for a long walk or run in nature then take the rest of the day off! Reading other stories and comics is often inspirational, as is watching movies!!

[liamnaughton7]

Reading, watching movies, lots of music.
Also there's this series called "Manben" in which Naoki Urasawa interviews manga authors and films them working and watching these people draw is both super relaxing and super energizing.

[GD_Cruz]

I read some of my favorite books... they help me put things into perspective, like how much I want someone to say I'm reading my favorite book and he/she is talking about my book. That usually gets me off my ass, although it does take more than a day to read. XD Good luck!

[MeltingCORE]

I don't really get burnt out but I get Sad FeelsTM sometimes and when I do, I find it better to take a break from everything by chillin' with my fave video-games. (Namely Minecraft with my friends.)

[BrambleberrySquirrel]

When I’m feeling like this (which has basically been all week for me) I try to take aN extended break. Take a week to just play games, read, go hiking or whatever gets your mind off your project. Sometimes the best way to make good content is to stop making anything for a little while to let your brain refresh and recharge.

[Rhonder]

My other hobbies revolve mostly around consuming other media (games, shows, comics, etc.) and those are the types of things that fuel my inspiration, so whenever I'm not feeling it on the creative side of things I usually take a step back and indulge in those other things.

[nekocoa]

I usually just take a break to watch or read something that inspires me. Usually its a show or book, but I find it extremely helpful to watch something like a video of someone working on their dream projects. I think seeing other people work on something they love really helps motivate me

[borzoiteeth]

Multiple people have mentioned reading your favourite or classic works, but sometimes reading the worst your genre has to offer can also help in motivation!