Between inspiration and overwhelm

Why the creative in-between takes time – and why social media often makes it harder for us

There are phases in life – and especially in creative work – when you stand at a silent transition point.
Something has come to an end. And the new thing isn't quite here yet.

Perhaps you know this feeling.
You sense that something new wants to emerge. That it connects to what was. But it's not the same . Still without a clear form, without a title, without a definitive language.

It is precisely in these moments that we are particularly receptive to external influences. And rarely has access to inspiration been so easy – and at the same time so overwhelming – as it is today.

The promise of inspiration – and why it often fizzles out.

Instagram, Reels, short videos, endless feeds.
A dazzling array of images, techniques, styles, and ideas. Moments of pure elation. Brief moments of "Ah, wow!"

But this is precisely where the problem lies.

What we often call inspiration is, from a neurological perspective, something else entirely: constant changes in stimuli . Our brain loves new, surprising, and fast-paced experiences. Every new video clip releases dopamine – the reward hormone – in the short term. But this effect doesn't last long.

Studies show that frequent, rapid switching between content:

• the attention span is shortened
• Working memory gets tired
• and reduces the ability for deeper processing

The result:
One feels "inspired," but is inwardly restless, distracted, and tired. The impressions remain on the surface. They don't connect. They don't settle.

For creative processes – which require time, peace and inner coherence – this is an unfavorable combination.

When comparisons begin to gnaw quietly

Another effect comes into play: comparison.

In phases where you're still searching, still feeling your way, without a finished picture in mind, the seemingly complete works of others have a particularly powerful effect. You see results – but not the paths leading to them. Not the struggle. Not the rejection. Not the doubts.

This can lead to questioning oneself:

• Am I good enough?
• Is what I'm doing relevant?
• Should I work differently?

Comparisons are human. But they are rarely fair.
And they are especially loud when we don't yet have a clear answer internally.

"Being pregnant with an idea"

My father has a phrase for this situation that I love very much:
"You're pregnant with an idea right now."

This thought is incredibly calming.
Because he takes the pressure off. He allows for ambiguity. He acknowledges that growth takes time – both internally and externally.

From a neurological perspective, this isn't poetic at all, but very logical:
Creative insights often arise when the brain isn't constantly bombarded with new stimuli , but is allowed to make connections. In peace. Through repetition. In apparent emptiness.

Many studies on creativity show:
The decisive impulses often arise not from consumption, but from distancing oneself from it.

Focus on yourself instead of searching everything.

Especially when you're searching, the temptation is great to "scour" all platforms. Another video. Another style. Another idea.

But sometimes the solution isn't outside.
But inside.

Staying true to yourself doesn't mean isolating yourself.
It is called:

• to consume more consciously
• Allowing breaks
• not to immediately fill boredom

It means trusting your own inner process – even if it doesn't yet have a clear form.

The value of the in-between

I'm currently in exactly that phase.
I have ideas for a new series. I have a rough idea of ​​what it should be about. But a lot of things are still vague, not yet named.

And I'm trying to enjoy that.

Because it's a phase where nothing is set in stone.
Where everything is open.
In which I can live exactly what I love so much about painting and drawing: the process .

This quiet continuation.
One more line.
A little more depth.
More peace and quiet.

Trust as a creative practice

Perhaps this is the most important insight:
Not every phase has to look productive to be productive.

Sometimes the greatest growth is invisible.
And sometimes the bravest step is not to react immediately , but to wait.

The inner solution will come.
She just needs space.

If you would like to follow my work and my thoughts, you can find further insights into my process here – or you are welcome to subscribe to my newsletter.

And perhaps you yourself are somewhere between "finished" and "not quite there yet".
Then you should know: This is not a standstill.
That's movement. 🌿