Combating Procrastination & Creative Block

Procrastinate [proh-kras-tuh­-neyt]

Verb (used with object), to put off till another day or time; defer; delay

We’ve all struggled with procrastination. If you haven’t – please share your secrets! I struggle with procrastination quite a bit. There is probably something that I’m putting off and if there isn’t it’s probably because I’ve forgotten it.

There are quite a few ways that I procrastinate. My personal favorite is watching TV/Netflix. My “to watch” list is quite long and I even procrastinate watching those shows and movies by re-watching my favorites such as The Office. I’ll read, walk my dog, or scroll endlessly through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I’ll look for new music on YouTube, do laundry or clean up my room. At least some of these are semi-productive, right?!

Now, I should probably let you know some things that I do to try and eliminate or stay away from the distractions listed above. Some of them happen to also be listed as ways that I waste time. I walk my dog to sometimes put things off but on most occasions it helps me clear my head by getting a little fresh air. I will also listen to my favorite band, twenty one pilots, to get some inspiration for my writing and photography. I’ll turn on the TV to a show/channel that can mostly act as white noise so I can concentrate on my work. I’ll make myself a nice cup of hot tea and relax for a few minutes before I get back to work.

I can use all of the things listed below to get myself out of a creative rut/artist block. On top of those, I also like to walk trails in parks near me especially when it’s nice out. Spending time outside and in nature always helps get me out of a creative rut. Another thing I like to do is sit outside and observe my environment, nature and humanity, which can help inspire my writing as well as my photography. The thing I love to do the most is spend time with my dog, Sammy whether it’s cuddling, playing, petting him or of course taking pictures of and with him.

Below is one of my photographs that I took while walking my dog to clear my head.

Have I mentioned that I like taking pictures of trees?!

© Alyssa Barnett

I did a little more research on Creative Blocks and found an article by Connor Martin who talks about twenty one pilots and their struggles with creating and connecting it to his struggle to create. Check it out!

https://writingcooperative.com/when-creating-becomes-difficult-2e8ae4fbf7ac

I also found a great tutorial video by “Overall Adventures” that I have included below to help you all overcome your creative blocks.

How I Became An Artist

1. Have you always known that you are an artist?

No. When I was younger I was more interested in English and Literature. I didn’t think that think that photography or creative writing could be considered an art.

2. Have you always known that you wanted to be a photographer?

No, when I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian, a lawyer and then a doctor or more specifically, a neurosurgeon. 

3. When did you know you wanted to become an artist/photographer?

Well, I have been interested in photography since I was little but never thought that I could make a career out of it - not until I was much older in high school. I also always loved reading, later on began writing, and never thought about turning that into a career for real until my sophomore year of college.

4. Nikon or Canon? Why?

Personally, I prefer Nikon but that is mostly because that is what I’ve been using since I started with DSLR Cameras. It’s the first one my brother let me borrow.

5. Do you have a favorite Lens?

I just recently purchased a 70mm to 300mm lens over the summer and I’m quite partial to that lens.

6. What is your favorite subject to photograph?

I really enjoy photographing landscapes and basically anything in nature. I also enjoy photographing my dog and my family. 

7. What does photography mean to you?

Recently, I haven’t been taking as many pictures as I used to because I like to live in the moment rather than through a screen. I observe now more than I capture. This has really helped me capture more meaningful moments some that can be simple but still just as powerful. It could be a small thing like a sunset or something bigger. Photography means choosing to capture the moments that mean the most to you - ones that you can relive later.

8. Who and/or what inspires you? Not necessarily another photographer.

As an artist many things/people inspire me. I am inspired by a photography named Brad Heaton who is a concert photography mainly for a band called twenty one pilots, who inspire me as well. Brad Heaton inspires my photography. Twenty One Pilots inspire me to follow my dreams of writing and photography. I am also inspired by writer John Green and poet Ashley Dun.

Photo By: Brad Heaton

9. Where does your passion come from?

My passion for photography and creative writing come from God. He gave me the gift of writing and eye for photography. God gives me the motivation to keep improving my skills and nothing beats the joy of creating a beautiful photograph or finishing something you’ve been writing.

10. What interests you most about photography?

I’ve always loved the idea of freezing specific moments in time and how differently the world can look through a lens. I love that photography can convey so many things to thousands of people.

11. How has photography influenced you as a person?

Photography has allowed me to become closer to God. I love nature photography and I specifically love photographing trees. They are so much more than just a plant or source of oxygen. They are symbols of strength and wisdom. Nature and trees have a way of healing the human spirit.

© Alyssa Barnett

12. Some photographers say that they see the world differently and that they have a different perspective on life. What is your perspective on the world and on life?

Photography has helped me see things differently than the rest of the world. You can see beauty where others don’t. The beauty in the old, seemingly broken things: like an old building or dead roses.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Me

1. I’m currently attending NKU and I’m graduating in December.

2. I’m from Northern Kentucky and I’m a Christian.

3. I’m a senior working towards a major in Creative Writing and minor in Photography.

4. I currently live with my parents and my dog, Sammy.

5. I am the middle child and only girl, I have an older and a younger brother.

6. I am learning to play guitar, ukulele and the piano.

7. I love to read, I write a lot of poetry and have written some short stories.

8. My favorite band is twenty one pilots. Their music is a huge inspiration in my life and in what I create.

9. I love photographing trees.

10. I’m a TV/Movie buff.

“A tree’s wood is also its memoir.”

-Hope Jahren

“A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.”

-Marley & Me

“Fight it, take the pain, ignite it.”

Twenty One Pilots, Holding on to You, Blurryface Tour

“When I look at my room, I see a girl who loves books.”

-John Green, Looking for Alaska