When I Lose My Creative Mojo: 3 Simple Ways I Get Back into Making

We all go through moments where creativity feels a bit stuck. Ideas don’t flow the same way, projects feel harder to start, and even sitting down to make something can feel like effort rather than enjoyment.

Over time, I’ve realised this is a normal part of making — not a sign that something is wrong or that ideas have run out. For me, it’s usually a signal that I need to change how I’m approaching my work, not force myself harder.

In this post, I’m sharing a few simple ways I turn back to making when I feel like I’ve lost my creative mojo. These aren’t complicated projects or pressure-filled ideas — just gentle ways to get moving again. 

1. Start with something simple and low-pressure

When I feel stuck, I don’t try to start with something “important” or finished-looking. I go back to simple, low-pressure making — often starting with quick card ideas that help me just get moving again.

The aim isn’t perfection, it’s movement. Just making something without overthinking it often helps shift things back into flow.

 👉 Mojo Stuck – 3 Easy Card Ideas When You’re Feeling Stuck Creatively

2. Work with patterns and repetition

One thing I often come back to is pattern-based making, especially mandala-style designs. There’s something about repetition and structure that removes pressure from decision-making.

Instead of asking “what should I make?”, I focus on rhythm, shape, and balance. It becomes more about the process than the outcome.

I’ve shared more about this in my mandala and pattern-based making here:

👉 Pattern Building with Mandalas: A simple way to create calm ideas

3. Go back to what you’ve already made

Another way I reset creatively is by revisiting older backgrounds, pages, or unfinished pieces. Instead of starting again, I look at what’s already there and ask what else it could become.

Sometimes a background that didn’t feel quite right can be reworked into something completely different just by cutting, layering, or adding new elements.

I’ve explored this idea more here:

👉 When finished isn't quite finished: rethinking creative projects

Finding your way back into making

For me, getting back into creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration to return. It’s more about lowering the pressure, changing the approach, and giving myself permission to just begin again in a different way.

Sometimes that means starting small. Sometimes it means working with structure. And sometimes it means looking at what I’ve already made with fresh eyes.

All of these approaches sit together in how I work now — less about forcing ideas, and more about finding different ways back into the process.

I hope this post sparks your creativity again and reminds you that feeling stuck is often just a gentle pause in the process.

Until next time, take care,

Lou
xxx