6 ways to spark creativity as a freelancer

6-ways-to-spark-creativity-as-a-freelancer

As a freelancer, it’s a given that you have drive. Drive to create, build, and grow your own business, whatever industry that may be in. But have you ever been in a situation where creativity wanders? You don’t know how or when it happened, but suddenly you find that you need to re-energise? Don’t worry – it happens!

Freelancers know the importance of creativity. It’s how you come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find that spark of creativity when you’re stuck in a rut. Luckily, for you, here at Bold, we’ve put together six ways you can find inspiration and get those creative juices flowing once again…

What can cause freelancers to lose their inspiration?

Believe it or not, losing that creative spark is a common occurrence amongst the freelancing community. But why?

Like any job, there are pressures and factors that can cause a blip when it comes to creativity. It might be something external like stress or lack of sleep, or something internal such as boredom or a lack of challenge in the work. Freelancers have the added pressure of ensuring they have enough client work coming in, and that stress can build to the point where it hinders productivity and interest in the job they’ve taken on.

No matter what the cause, it’s important for freelancers to find ways to re-inspire themselves, as a lapse in creativity can lead to a loss in business, motivation and productivity.

Here are some ways to spark creativity as a freelancer:

So how can you spark creativity? Here are our Bold tips for freelancers who are lacking in inspiration:

Maximise your creative intake

This doesn’t necessarily mean partaking in activities that are related to your work. Instead, find something else creative, but not related to the thing you’re struggling with. This could be something that makes you happy, such as listening to music, reading, painting, crafting or even writing short stories.

Listening to music, in particular, is said to help boost creativity – with research suggesting that listening to songs below 120bpm (beats per minute) is good for concentration, rather than distracting you from the task at hand.

Keep your workspace clean and decluttered

Your immediate surroundings can have a big impact on your mindset and creative process. Keeping your office, desk or home clean and organised helps to refresh your brain, giving you a clearer headspace to focus on your work.

This applies to your laptop or computer too – clean up your desktop files, invoice documents and emails so that it’s not a chore to work around either of these things. Plus, you’ll thank us later when it comes to filing your tax return…

Be inspired elsewhere

When your creative spark has gone out, what better way to ignite it than with someone else’s creativity? Surrounding yourself with like-minded, creative individuals, like in the Bold community, can really give you that much-needed boost to help you feel fired up about your work. Go to creative talks, get involved in workshops, visit exhibitions, or even just read a book. Listening or reading about someone else talking about their ideas and projects can help spark inspiration.

Set yourself a fitness challenge

In order to clear your head and allow for new ideas to flourish, you could set yourself a fitness goal. Whether it’s a 5K run, cycling 100 miles or even just doing 10 pull-ups a day, by giving yourself a physical challenge you can also give your brain the opportunity to focus on something else other than your lack of creativity.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be an extreme fitness challenge! Regular exercise, like yoga or walking, is good for your soul – not to mention that it reduces stress, builds confidence and helps you maintain a healthy body. But exercise also clears your mind and helps you spark new ideas in the process.

Take a break

Sometimes, a creative block can be a sign that you need a break, or rest, as a successful freelancer it’s essential. If you’ve been struggling lately, take a break, whether that’s booking a holiday getaway, or simply just taking a few days to relax at home.

Scheduling some much-needed time off not only gives you something to look forward to but also makes sure you’re giving yourself a break from the hectic world of freelancing. Taking a break can give your mind and body time to recuperate so that when you return to work you’ll feel refreshed, motivated and full of creativity.

And most importantly…keep going!

When you lack creativity, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to keep working. But sometimes, pushing through the block can actually work. More often than not, we will experience lapses in our creativity, but we will always find inspiration in some way, shape or form.

However, battling through doesn’t always work, so if you still find yourself struggling despite trying to carry on, opt for one of the above solutions to help you spark creativity. Burning yourself to the ground isn’t great for your creativity or mindset!

Looking for a place that can spark creativity and help you nail your next big project? Look no further…

Are you looking for an innovative, creative and bold community workspace to support you as you take your freelancing to the next level? At Bold, we believe in creating beautifully designed spaces that will inspire you as you grow your vision and business. If this sounds interesting to you, then check out what we have to offer freelancers in Manchester here!
Don’t forget to head over to our Instagram for more advice for freelancers, including creative insights and tips.