Freedom or Function

Vivian Maier, "Self-Portrait", 1954. Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy Maloof Collection.

Sometimes I think the reason so many of us end up with creative block is because we’ve become obsessed with turning our hobbies into work.

At their core, creative people aren’t usually creatures of routine. Creativity needs change, new experiences, a bit of spark. Our hobbies – the things that genuinely make us happy – do so because they pull us out of the everyday. They make us happy because we do them out of sheer joy, not duty.
And yes, being able to make a living from what you love is wonderful. But the risk of falling out of love with it is huge – and that, honestly, is heartbreaking. Because in many cases, it’s not just about liking or disliking an activity; sometimes it shapes who you are. It becomes a part of you.

So my advice for creative block is simple: protect what you love.

In this capitalist world we live in, where it feels like everything has to be monetised, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of turning your hobby into a job. Don’t do it. Protect it. Push back a little.
Find a job that makes you happy – of course – something that doesn’t drain you, something that lets you feel at peace. But above all, protect the things you love most.
And if you still find yourself stuck creatively, try new things. Look for new experiences. Be curious. Learn something. Shake up your order. Break your routine.

That’s my humble advice.