Creativity, and the ONE Thing Holding You Back 

How do YOU tackle the creative process?

Thank you for sharing this. I’m an actor and a writer who has ADHD and I find creatively I have only 2 settings. 1. I find it impossible to sit down and work until something is finished, and procrastinate for ages, or 2. I sit down and work on something with such a hyper focus, that I forget to eat and suddenly it’s a whole half a day later and I’m now dehydrated 🙈 I find that the worst part is the blaming myself, or not being able to give myself a break when trying to get creative. Which, as you say, can just make it all that much worse, and by extension, harder. Honestly knowing that someone else sometimes has trouble, really does help. So thank you ☺️

Thank you for sharing again Ricky, as someone with creative tenancies and hobbies you're absolutely right. Sometimes you really have to be willing to just let the idea go. It's surprising what comes back to you when you do

I literally just woke up from a dream where I got to meet the band and tell you all how much the songs, especially Voices, meant to me and how much they helped me and helped start a conversation between me and my mother about mental health we were never able to have before. I get a lot of inspiration and creativity from dreams/daydreams and music I’m excited to see where this goes.

Love this reminder. Whenever I don’t feel like drawing, I just don’t. I do my best not to feel guilty and allow myself a week (or however long) of sitting on the couch after work, watching tv and turning my brain off, or rather, letting it recharge. The anticipation and motivation to continue/start projects always comes back.

Every now and then I come back to this video and it always seems to be whenever I hit a door that keeps me from going on creatively. I am also not a fan of forcing creativity, so I usually step away and go for a walk or spend some time with friends or family and then the creativity finds its way back to me. Another really helpful thing is videos like these where people have the same experiences and approaches to get over a creative block - that shows that I am not alone and even if it may be a small amount of people, some of you think the same as I do.

Fear is an Illusion, Every thing is mental. Let go and fill your self with Unconditional LOVE! Its all Perfect.

I really need this as a yearly reminder, cause college is hard when it combines tech and arts and when you also have ADHD on top of it. Every teacher has told me that I’m doing too much or not enough, be it the product being too over the top or not lacking some functionality elements. It works, but does ut look good? It looks amazing? But does it work? CAN I WORK? DO I WORK? What ELSE should I do?! Letting go of the attachment is so real, and I know it’s one of the things I have to work on.

It's different for everybody. For me, I'm not sure how I tackle the creative process. I just do it without even thinking about it. You just do you Ricky. Being creative requires being creative in how you decide to be creative. I appreciate your advice. It taught me a little today. I totally get where you're coming from. Never change who you are for anybody. Love you 🖤!

I'm a multi passionate creative who typically has my hands in a dozen projects at once; if I feel blocked in one project, I work on a different one until I either can't do anything more with it in the moment, finish it, or run into another block. Sometimes, I step away from all of my projects and give my brain time to just chill for a couple days. I often find that inspiration will come once I'm in a state of rest. On more than one occasion, I have gotten up in the middle of the night, or hopped out of my shower, to write whatever poem or lyrical composition begins flowing from my mind, as I know that if I don't write it down immediately, it will be forgotten forever. Whether I am painting, writing, stitching, or cooking- there is almost always something tugging at the edges of my mind wanting to come out into the 3D world. Sometimes it goes well, and sometimes it goes terribly. 😅 But I am always learning new ways to create

I have so much respect for Ricky horror not only for getting on a stage for a living but sharing his struggles and issues. The whole band is very down to earth and real. Like I've been listening to motionless in white since I was like 14 now I'm 28 and I still vibe and listen to them a lot. This band has helped me in so many ways throughout my teenage years and still going I'm very blessed to be able to listen and appreciate the music the love and support they have for us fans. Thanks MIW for everything

I haven't written for years. I have a psychological block. I won't go into detail. But I used to take time out and do something completely different and not push myself . I found grounding myself in nature away from people really helped.

its good to have back up ideas when one doesn't go as planned or if you're not feeling up to it.. writting things down, planning, coming back to past ideas while also gaining new ideas spontaneously each day.

As a Washingtonian, was very nice seeing those shots. The eastern WA bits really brought back my nostalgia for when I attended uni in Ellensburg.

4:05 lmfao💀😂 Love when you share your thoughts! I do agree with you and how it’s better to let things just flow to you. Forcing it is always so stressful to me even if I know what I’m going to do and have it planned out. Most of the time I have to force anything, but when it comes freely it’s just and amazing feeling like I huge breath of fresh air, no stress and sleeping at the end of the day is amazing. Hope you can open a PO Box someday for us to send in letters of our thoughts to you and gifts🖤

So true...Well said!! Know exactly what you mean. Every time I'm trying to learn a song I'm having a hard time with I realize I need to stop forcing it and take a step back from it and when I do I surprise myself how it just flows out of me.

You and your videos are always such an inspiration🖤

Creativity is very whimsical for me. It comes and goes quickly. The tricky part for me is grabbing it and making myself hammer down and make something out of what is simply an idea. otherwise it will flit away and not come back.

It is also equally important to take a step back and be present in the moment. Yes a picking up a camera and recording can preserve a memory forever. But being present around the people who love you is what's more important. Another amazing topic to remind ourselves about. Thanks, Ricky.

thank you for such clever thoughts and wonderful words. You really inspire me and everyone who really likes to watch your videos. Your openness and advice help a lot. I REALLY appreciate it, you're a very good person.🖤🖤🖤

This helps a ton as an Art Director. Stepping away is something I have made a part of my process. Great video Ricky 🔥

Thanks for this video. Weirdly enough, how I get my creative side is actually in my lucid dream. It's inexplicable at times but I remember how magical it was to get these.

Thanks Ricky for so many years of your creativity, it's so inspirational, biggest fan from Argentina here 🖤

I really appreciate this, honestly every time I try to write, I try to force myself to come with something especially when I'm facing writer's block. I really needed to see this. It's always best to step away because I never know when the inspiration will hit when I'm not forcing myself to think creatively.

omg. yea i deffo took something out of this. somethings that’s been on my mind a while, whether im going about something the right way or just feel like im getting nothing out of it

For me I feel the most creative at night. Something about people ending their day feels like the only time we’re there is peace and you can catch a breath. That’s when I feel I produce my best work creatively

Love this!! It’s gotta be natural to gain true creativity from your subconscious! Nature always has a way of sorting things out as well 🖤

I’m in the middle of writing. I feel this to the core. I’m definitely not in the group that can sit down and finish something. Probably because I dwell in the small imperfections, or feel like it’s not good enough. Definitely I get in my own way more times than not. Walking away from it because it’s stuck in the back of your head of wanting to finish is hard. That why I took on different creative outlets like photography and editing, to then get back to work on my main project. Very interesting to see an insight as to how you deal with the dreadful writers block. Thank you for sharing!

I understand how you feel, Ricky. For me, it's not so much creativity but stress management. I've been trying new ways to cope with that, because the things I've depended on for so long aren't really cutting it for me anymore. Nowadays, I'm visiting loved ones more, go diving and I've recently gotten back into pinball. These activities make me concentrate on what I'm doing at the moment, because I have to, and I find that later on, my mind has cleared enough that I can concentrate better on other things, and the stress isn't so bad.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Lately I’ve been thinking i was the only one struggling that way, i wanna do something but don’t finish it, sometimes comes in the way or I just do not have enough ideas. We all should know the creativity is in us and we can all do it even though it might take some time to be sure about something, to make it come true or to finish whatever it is. This video helped me a lot now. Always take your time Ricky 🖤

This was really helpful. What I do when I feel totally blocked, I take a shower, have a great meal, or go for a walk. But yeah, pretty much I try to forget about what I am creating musically or visually and step away, then come back to it. Really cool you felt that way with your family that fishing day. Saludos. 🕸️

Ricky, thank you very much, the video is very motivating. That was the kind of support I needed. Thanks :)

Thank you for this. I've never looked at it from this perspective. I didn't realize until I watched this that I have a tendency to grip onto ideas so tight because I'm so afraid to lose them. But you are absolutely right. I've heard your answer before but I have a much better understanding of it now. I've had some of the most successful months of writing as of late because I finally let go and it wasn't until I saw this that I understood what had changed. I finally relaxed and let the ideas flow rather than strangling them and pinning them down. Thank you for the perspective and the clarity.

🖤🖤🖤 OMG. THIS! 🖤🖤🖤 You have delivered a perfect monologue expressing how I myself feel about these instances. To me it wasn't spacey at all. It is true. When you're stuck on something... the harder you try to force it, the more elusive the solution becomes. I think it's the frustration, stress and helplessness that blocks you from seeing more options. It blinds you. Whenever I'm stuck and getting agitated with the situation, I try to distance myself from it (when time permits it). Put it aside, let it rest. I often find that I come up with solutions (or sometimes even better ideas) not long after. That's what always helped me years ago, when coding actionscript or html or css. Now I'm mostly doing graphic and motion design. But I still get stuck every now and then. We all do. THANK YOU for this video! 🖤 I totally feel the same but I just could never have communicated it that well. GREAT VIDEO!!! Much love 🖤💚🖤

I totally get it. This made so much sense to me. To answer your question though, I walk away and wait for an idea to come back to me.

Thanks Ricky for another amazing video... I love how inspiring and creative you are, but also how human and humble you are in every video... And I really appreciate you trying to reassure people that it's okay not to be creative every second and that it's okay to do nothing... It calms me down a lot, because sometimes I feel a lot of remorse for not doing anything or not creating something... So thank you so much, you simply won't disappoint 😊

The hardest part of being a creative soul! Pressure is a MF also when you're expected to produce products with a moments notice from labels. I find the more i fight it the harder it is to be 'creative' after a few months of pressure I learnt to let it go and told myself that it will come when i need it and now ive been super productive its unreal, its nice to be back haha. Writers block is horrid, but looking back on where you started to where you are now helps, diving back into things other than the music you're making helps also. Very inspiring Ricky!

I feel it sooo much. I've always admired the people who can just sit there all night working: writing something, drawing - whatever, and they keep on doing it until the work is finished. It never worked for me, the harder I tried to push myself into the process of doing something creative, the more burned out I felt in the end. The only way i found for myself to create something worth of attention is to just let it go until i feel this urge to CREATE ART. So I either spend nights without sleep, drawing/writing or don't create anything for weeks. It was very important for me to hear, that someone i admire as a very creative person experiences the same feeling. Thank you for sharing, Ricky🖤

This was awesome advice, Ricky. Thank you for sharing!

That was beautifully said. Thank you. That fishing spot is AMAZING!!

Thanks bro the more you push the harder it can be sometimes that’s why I started abusing drugs and now sober because I have used it as a crutch for so long US as artist are very critical of ourselves sometimes creativiryvlooks like a vacation meeting new people at a bar etc

C'mon! We know what you're talking about! Thank you, Ricky. Such a beautiful perspective. 🖤

I do this in my work and home life when I feel out of balance. I just let it go and unwind and eventually I get to what needs to be done. Forcing anything just becomes more added stress that isn't needed. Thank you for sharing your process.

I completely indulge in hobbies to a fault. I get super burned out bc I get so obsessed with my new creative interest and I do so much that it becomes so unfun so quickly. I still can't draw or create substantial art pieces because I spent a year filling a book with art that I completely used up all of my artistic inspiration. I totally relate to that nagging in the back of the head too bc when I'm not in the middle of a project, I don't feel productive. I think I've kinda unintentionally equaled my worth to whatever artistic project I can create. It'd be a cool discussion to have with other artists because we talk about art block and burn out but I've rarely seen someone experience equating their worth to their art but I feel like it's more common than we think.

Thank you for the video! :D Is the same for me, when the university tells me to create something in a week, I suffer because nothing comes out when I try to force myself to think about something new. It works for me to do the same as you, just live the moment and let something come to my mind. Is nice to hear you talk about a topic like this, more because you are an inspiration to me as an artist, so being able to know how you fight writer's block is very helpful. Thank you, Ricky! :D

This is exactly what i needed! I'm a painter/caregiver that writes and plays guitar and drums too. And often times, when i get too stressed out, it stops me from painting, drumming, guitar, writing and it makes me feel so empty. I will try to force myself to "be creative" but whenever i try to force it, it gets worse. This is actually a far healthier outlook on the concept of creativity. *I am* the creative process, the create process is not me.

I went through the same thing. I love photography, at one point it’s all I would do. I just love taking photos. Until one day I just stop. It’s like I got burnt out in a way, I just couldn’t be creative anymore. I knew once I had to force being creative it was time to just stop. So I put my camera down something i haven’t done. I was 18 at the time and I just stop for a while. Went on did different things until finally at age 26 I pick it back up again just to see if this was something I still had love for. And I did. I feel back in love with it. I finally learn to just let my creativity come to me and I’ve been happy since.

Thanks for being so positive and encouraging!

you speak from my soul, I never thought there would be someone who could understand how I feel almost every single day. over the time, I realised that it is okay to not have motivation to do certain things sometimes. Inspiration can also come from experiences or if you distract yourself and do something completely different, just like it happened to you. If you’re "forcing" yourself to get this done and put pressure on yourself because you can’t seem to enjoy it or even want to at the moment because you don’t feel motivated or inspired, it won’t work. But the most important is that we take our time. And so can you. We understand if you don’t feel like uploading a new video or don’t have the motivation to do it. We are and will always be thankful that you update us and post videos to keep us updated. What I want to say is, that it’s okay. Im sure everyone has the same opinion as me 🙏 Thank you for your words and for talking about it 🖤

Hoy aprendí algo nuevo gracias a ti! Escribo una novela en mis tiempos libres y tengo un mes bloqueada, cuando creo tener algo simplemente no fluye como yo lo imaginé. Espero que con este consejo retome mi novela y todo vuelva a fluir 💖 Gracias Ricky 💜🇲🇽

Just been working soo much lately, I don't feel I've done anything creative. But that's all bad maybe when I get some time for myself it'll just flow. Thanks for the vid Rick! Appreciate ya!

I totally relate to this! I write and I've found that when I'm not trying to force it, more comes to me. Even just driving I'll find my mind comes up with cool ideas. It definitely can be frustrating when you WANT to create and feel there's nothing to put on paper. Thank you for this video!

every fucking day happen bro i with you

Hi Ricky! I can't agree with you more. Sometimes when I try to create an article, I get stuck on something and can't even perfect my expressions. Later I understand that we encounter setbacks and difficulties, we can no longer give ourselves pressure, learn to put it aside, put it behind us. Over time, I can naturally come up with a solution. But the more I focus on it, the less my brain wants to send me a message. I've noticed that you've been updating your videos a lot this year, so sometimes I'm worried that you might be plagued by a lack of inspiration. Not everyone can aim to achieve their goals in a given time, which can cause a lot of psychological stress and burden. So I understand how you feel, if you suddenly don't want to update for a while, just relax and give yourself time to adjust. Your sincere monologue touched me, helped me a lot and gave me a lot of inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing this!❤️

your videos really feel like a perfect netflix documentary. I am amazed!! 🖤 thanks Ricky!

Thank you Ricky. That is something I’m trying to work on, let the creativity flow. I used to be really creative but over the last 5 years I’ve struggled being able to get myself going and let the creative juices flow. I’m hopeful to one day be back to the state I once was.

I don’t work in something strictly creative, but in my own time I write and dance, and for me it’s similar as to you. The stress of “having to write something” is like a mental block. Instead I just have to relax take a step back and it comes to me later

These were all solid points, ive been doing alot of drone videography lately and i just sit and stare at my screen not wanting to edit a video/running out of ideas but just getting outside and flying filming anything helped reignite my interest alot. Remove the expectations and pressure and just do what you enjoy without the stress

As someone in the field of constant need for creative energy (Writer/Author), I 110% understand where you're coming from. The need to at least get something down for that period of time, regardless of quality is a heavy feeling, and quite detrimental at times. I tend to lose myself sometimes, just trying to push out any creativity I have in my body. Never force creative energy, because you will loose out on special moments, and have an end result you may not be happy with. Let it come to you. Take your time

Perfect timing! I’ve been in the process of writing a blog for literally over a month now and every time I think about finishing it, I just feel so burnt out and keep pushing it off.

I think a video like this is what a lot of people, me included, needs to hear. I'm an artist (drawing, painting..) and when I get creative block it's either because I have absolutley no idea of what to create but too much motivation, or I have no motivation at all with way too many idea of what I want to do and how to do it. A lot of the times it becomes to much for me and I get overworked, especially with school going on and I haven't really found a way to tackle it.. I go to art school and I am studying graphic design so that helps but when that's over I have no idea of how to tackle my creative blocks. You're doing an amazing job with you're videos and it is okay to not post a video for one week and just take a break.

thank you for showing us that apart from being a musician you are a person like any other and your great hobbies and how is your great creative process you are the best 🖤🖤👋🤘🏻

for my highschool classes i’m taking right now, i don’t really need a ton of creativity, but i struggle with finding creativity when writing my book or lyrics, because even if i’m feeling it, i’m scared it’s done too much, thank you for this. very inspirational

he reminds me of the guitar player from motionless in white

Thank you for the talk! I'm currently a senior writing college apps; while my peers are progressing swiftly, I am constantly going back to the brainstorm board for topics. I realized trying to recount my life every second of my life just for the applications is hurting me rather than making me more creative. The horror of failing and creating something that is not good enough is terrifying. Once again, thank you Ricky for giving me the wake-up call I needed during this time in my life!

Such amazing advice and so true. I often get little flickers of creativity and then ruin them simply by having too high of expectations. Not just allowing myself to be, to flow. Maybe I’m a control freak (I am). “Get out of your own way,” is genius advice…and can be applied to most things in life I think. Beautiful video, I needed this today 🖤

I’m glad that you posted this. It’s so vulnerable, open, and more importantly, HONEST about how creative blocks can hinder you when you’re stressing yourself about creating something. When you let go of the “need” to create something, it really does just come out. To let go of attachment, to anything, it really can help you to just free-flow. With creativity, with work, with anything. To the OUTCOME.

One of my favorite videos. Thank you.

Awesome video Ricky! Very inspiring. I guess the key is understand that we have limitations and we are not machines of creativity or productivity. Taking the time to respect our processes is essential!

Was a pleasure meeting you at the airport last week brotha, really enjoyed this video looking forward to more

Ricky, I like your videos more and more, incredible that it's possible!

Thank you for your inspiration and guidance; I’ve been struggling a lot lately with many of my art projects and not knowing where to go with them. With the help and inspiration of music and the guidance from you and other artists have helped me to find my way back into creating what I love and enjoy what I do creatively.

I swear it’s like you’re in my head. I can completely relate to not putting yourself in a box. The idea for my current story felt so much bigger than the box I tried to put it in. I was intimidated by the thought of a larger project (15 pages had been my longest), but I felt my characters had so much to say. So, I opened the box, embraced the process, and now I’m 20 pages in and still going. As far as the creative process goes, I have to walk away for a few days if I feel stuck. I don’t ever try to force the ideas because I know it won’t work and then I’ll start the vicious cycle of feeling bad about being stuck to forcing the ideas to feeling bad about being stuck…you get the idea. I have also found that writing in spurts of a couple of hours a day for a day or two rather than trying to dedicate a whole day to writing helps.

This totally resonates with me and is 100% consistent with my experience of my creative process and also when I’m working with other artists.

Thank you so much for this Video, Ricky!!

a couple years ago i asked you for a tip on how to be more creative and you gave me a very simple but assertive answer which was: "just set a certain length of time to do anything you'd like everyday and then it'll come naturally." and it did. i always catch myself thinking about how that simple advice helped my creative progress and nowadays i'm so much better than when i asked you that question. i'm very grateful for that and hope this same advice can help any other person experiencing lack of creativity. thank you, ricky, it's always a pleasure to appreciate your creations! 🤍

Yep for sure, the more you force it, and the more pressure you have to 'create something', the less creativity seems to flow.

I also find that forcing my creativity has never worked. I have to allow myself the time to let go of feeling like ‘I have to do this’, and allowing my brain to catch up with itself when it’s ready. I allow my creativity to hit me when it’s time, and then give it the attention it deserves. That’s when my work is always at its’ best quality.

OMG! I need this words at this moment of my life. 💜

Brooo, as a design student and with a class that is entirely about creativity, I appreciate that people like you share these types of videos, it helps a lot 👌🏻🖤

Ricky, thank you actually for putting up this video. I tend to do distract myself from work as it gets a bit overwhelming sometimes, but I've always felt shameful for that. It's just nice to see that I am not the only one and to have time off is completely normal

We love ya Ricky. Thank you for sharing this. Really helps me understand I'm not alone within these hard mental times where I'm unable to be productive in my creative means.

I understand you well, Ricky. I have important work to do and turn in at the end of the year, but I was stuck on how to proceed. So, that's when, since last month, I decided to stay at home longer and allow myself to have leisure time. And from there I started to be more creative and have ideas on how to continue with my work.

I really appreciate that u share this with us, so many times my creativity goes to hell, and I really need it since I am a practitioner of urban painting and drawing, thank u so much for this, much luv ❤

I wish I had watched this like, one week ago, but my phone died. I watched it now from pc. It would have saved me, but it helps anyway cause I am that way too! This channel is so precious to me! Keep going but make sure to follow what you said on this video! :D No need to rush on a specific period of time. Make sure you do not pressure yourself. No matter when a video of yours will be uploaded , it honestly never disappoints ! We love you :)

Thanks Ricky, I didn't know it until now but I needed to hear this

Fairplay Ricky didn't realise I needed to hear that "Be the vessel for creativity not the try and be the creativity"

thank you for sharing this video, i really needed to hear this. i give up with out trying most of the time. it’s caused by my anxiety, it’s gotten to me lately with trying to learn how to play drums. i hit a mental block and couldn’t play without giving up or breaking down. i beat myself up over the smallest things and i’m trying to be better but i just can’t. you have really helped me through this and your videos and amazing, you are very creative and it’s so cool to see how far you’ve came. thank you for everything ricky🖤

I love you Rick. I needed this, thank you.

as someone who's a newish content creator, you're right, you have to let things flow and let it go when you' re in a lost place with creativity in order for you to revamp and create what you truly want to put out there. I appreciate your input on this subject, its interesting.

Thank you Ricky for the insightfulness. Your fishing video was so beautifully done and loved the lighting and scenery. Loved seeing how you get into the creative process and it is so true. Take care.

Thank you for sharing Ricky!♥️ Please don’t feel pressured to make a video every week!♥️ We love you Ricky!♥️

Rick, you're becoming my favourite video creator. Besides the music you make, it has been such an incredible delight listening to you, and this one came quite at the right time for me. I'll need to reflect on it a bit, but it sure opened my eyes a lot. Thank you ❤️

I always enjoy the videos you create. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but the way you incorporate your thoughts into your videography is very impassioned. It is apparent that you pay attention to detail. It's very humanizing to see somebody who is so successful in the music industry give an honest expression of how creativity can often feel forced, and how it can impact productivity. It is very honorable of you to share your experiences to your many followers who have relatable situations. Thank you for being as humble as always and sharing your thoughts. I look forward to your future videos Ricky.

I really needed to hear this. Thank you.

Thank you for this dude! Definitely have been stressing and keeping myself busy by trying to create constantly and this definitely is going to help me unwind and just let things flow naturally! Keep up the great work dude

Thanks for this vid Ricky. Honestly I think you hit the nail right on the head. My friends and I struggle with this sometimes trying to make art or music and sometimes we step away ourselves to get refreshed for a project. I'm definitely gonna share this with them :)

Thanks for you video, Ricky😌🖤

Hey man, thanks for making this video. Recently been struggling with writers block myself for content creation and after watching this it made sense what the problem was. I feel better after watching this and this was a great video to put out. Much love brother, keep doing what you are doing.

ngl I clicked on this to watch the silly shower shot but I actually really needed to hear this. Thank you Ricky (-: