If you have taken the leap into charging money for your art (whether it’s designing, photography, painting, or any other creative outlet), you have no doubt become aware of the ebb and flow of your creativity, day to day, month to month, and even year to year. At times of great output you might create something new every day and feel energised by the commitment of ideas into reality. At other moments you might feel like you are having to force your artistry simply to maintain your income, or conform to a level of output that you have been providing.

The winter months are hard for me, and I find myself increasingly weighed down by the ‘to do’ list, clients’ expectations, and my own high bar for my work. I often find myself paralysed by inaction, a sense of apathy can creep in and I feel, well… just not me…

I expect many of you feel the same perhaps at this time of year? So I thought I would share what I’ve done to prevent those invasive thoughts that might try to persuade you that designing a business based on your art was a mistake. It’s not a mistake, you just need to action some self-care.

My top tips for maintaining creative energy

1. Create when the muse strikes – regardless of whether it can be monetised for the business or not at this stage.

2. Spend time doing nothing – some of my greatest ideas have come from boredom or idleness. Avoid filling every moment of your day with your ‘to do’ list. Allow your mind to wander. Daydream a little!

3. Do at least one small thing a day simply because you enjoy it – reading a book, wandering in the garden, taking a walk (I personally prefer outdoor activities for this as it grounds me).

4. Collaborate – find your tribe and spend time with them. Bouncing ideas or creating together can give you a whole new perspective and generate ideas you might never have come up with alone.

5. Go somewhere new. Sometimes we just need a change of view. A tiny spark to our imagination to feel energised for our work again.

I hope this helps you give yourself permission to feel a little lost at times and for it not to be something that is a negative – recognising the ebb and flow of our own individual creativity is really important.

And here I’m sharing my latest personal photography project.  A visit to a stone circle with two friends for sunrise (thank you Jenny and Lucy). Capturing the dawn in this magical place with aligned souls. Something that will stay with me forever and that has given me peace, the best night’s sleep in a long time, as well as my creative spark back that’s been missing this last few weeks of winter.