Brain Blocks

In this article, Rylie Revercomb will talk about various brain blocks and how they affect us.

Brain blocks

Rylie Revercomb

If you have ever written anything, then you are likely familiar with the term "writer’s block"--that stupid blockage in your brain that causes beautiful writing ideas to turn into a few poorly written sentences. However, creative blockages do not just affect writing, but other activities, as well. While struggling students mostly talk about their creative juices draining when it comes to writing, many people also have problems when it comes to drawing, making music, or even cooking. Everyone has roadblocks they must overcome in their careers or personal lives. Hopefully, this article will help readers realize what different kinds of creative blocks exist and how to overcome them.

First up, the most commonly known block of all time: writer’s block. Ever have a great story idea one day and then, as soon as pencil hits paper, your mind goes blank? Yup, that’s a universal experience, not just a you thing. According to an article by students at the University of Illinois, Springfield, “According to writing expert Mike Rose (2006), writer’s block can be defined as: “the inability to begin or continue writing for reasons other than a lack of basic skill or commitment” (p. 3).” Basically, getting hit with a bad case of writer’s block prohibits the victim from being able to make their ideas come to fruition. Recurring words and phrases associated with writer's block include being increasingly frustrated, creatively drained, having a sense of failure, and lack of inspiration.

Image by: The Writer

So, how does one overcome writer’s block? Well, it depends on the person. For some people, the cause of their block might just be stress or a lack of sleep. Maybe stepping outside to take a breather or getting a good night’s sleep is all these individuals need to continue writing the next day. For others, it is more complicated than that. Some writers need to “write through the block,” which is where a writer continues to keep writing even if what they are putting on paper is absolute crap. One sentence after another-- writers sometimes do this for hours until they regain a sense of motivation and are finally able to write a reasonable paragraph. The severity of a blockage, like many problems in life, depends on the person. It affects everyone differently, which means different people need different solutions to thrive again. As mentioned before, sleep or simply changing your environment helps, as does writing through the block. There are, however, other options: try a different writing technique; take a break from writing and come back to it after a day or two; ask teachers, parents, or friends for help; or set small, achievable goals that can help you overcome your struggle step by step. Everyone struggles, but it is important to not just give up, like a loser. There is always a solution. No matter how strange the problem may be, writer’s block is no different.

Image by: The Pointless Artist

What about the other blockages? Artist’s block or musician's block, for example, are they any different? Well… The answer is yes and no. While these kinds of blockages are different compared to writer’s block, they deal with the same underlying issue-- the struggle of bringing your passion to life. Touching on artist block first, let’s talk about some of the issues that can cause this creative rut. Bianca Vither, who runs an art blog called ‘The Pointless Artist’, says that these are the six main causes of art block, “1. You’re outcome-oriented... 2. You’re focused on drawing or painting exactly what you see... 3. You’re comparing yourself to others… 4. You lack inspiration… 5. You feel unmotivated… 6. You have too many ideas and cannot decide which one to choose.” While some of these reasons are worded differently, they are the same motivators that also cause writer’s block. Yet again, different! Artist’s block can often be more frustrating than writer’s block, as well. Imagine hitting an art block in the middle of a giant portrait-- one you have been working on for days.

While each of these creative professions is difficult in its own way, artists are taking much harder hits in their industries now due to the usage of A.I. and traditional art slowly disappearing from the media. Imagine getting hit with a block right in the middle of a tight deadline, and whoever you are making art for wants it on schedule. A lot more difficulty than writing for a class, huh? Many teachers are lenient when a student is hit with writer’s block. Artist block as an adult hits a bit harder. So, while these blockages are similar… they are not the same.

Finally, the last commonly known blockage… Musician’s blockage. This form of a creative block is actually much more broad than the other two. Writer’s block refers to… Writing. No matter what it may be. Artist’s block refers to creating art. However, Musician’s block can occur in many different ways. Whether it may impact a conductor not knowing how to conduct a piece, a student having trouble playing or singing the music they are given, or a composer having a hard time creating music, each subject is much different-- and the solutions to overcoming each are also much different. Giving a performing arts kid a problem might result in some increasingly ridiculous and often hilarious solutions. Meanwhile, some bands change instruments and try to play a song; some make groups play or sing in a bunch of different keys; and composers may just put a bunch of hokey-pokey on a music sheet and play it aloud. It gets a bit more chaotic when a profession is louder. Each block is the same problem, just in a different shape and size. This is why it is important to try the previously mentioned tactics to combat the wave of demotivation washing over your brain.

Whether it may be writer’s block, art block, musician’s block, or something else, most people experience a low point in their career or personal hobby. Sometimes, it is frustrating, even depressing, to have the thing you love so much be a source of stress and self-hatred. While it may sound dramatic, many people experiencing blockages describe them as a crisis. So, look up some solutions and don’t give up! In a time where our creativity is often pushed aside or seen as irrelevant, it is important to keep your morals up and continue to make beautiful art. Whether it may be an intricate creative story, a beautiful oil painting, or a song with romantic elements— we are all creating art, and we all have struggles. Just don’t give up!

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