Whenever I encounter frustrated creative people, their problem is rarely a lack of good ideas. (In fact, I’d argue that having too many ideas, all at the same time, is a more widespread issue than having no ideas at all!) No, more often their problem is the execution—struggling to get an idea out of their head and into the world at a high level of fidelity. 

While there can be many barriers to turning all those ideas into reality, something that can really change the game is a creative collaborator. But when can you or should you seek one out? 

There are some clear signs that it might be time to bring a creative partner on board, so let’s explore them!  

Sign #1: You’ve hit a creative block

Creative blocks are common. Creative blocks when you’re working solo are common and can feel impassable. When it’s just you…and only you…forever and ever until the end of time…how can you get unstuck? Who gives you a nudge?  

If you’ve been stuck on the same problem or idea for an extended period of time without making meaningful progress, it might be time to collaborate. Bringing in a fresh perspective can help break a block, offering new ideas, approaches, or methodologies you haven’t yet considered. Sometimes all it takes is for someone a couple steps back to say, “Have you thought about….?” And voilà!

Sign #2: You need a particular set of skills

No, not Liam Neeson. But maybe like…a designer. Or a writer. Or a video editor. Or someone who understands PR. Just someone who does something you don’t do, and who does it super well. 

Because no one is an expert in everything, and often the best creatives have ideas and ambitions beyond their specific capabilities. If the project demands technical skills, knowledge, or experience that you don’t possess, it’s a strong indicator that you need a collaborator. Partnering with someone who has the necessary skills can enhance the quality of the work, give you new avenues to explore, and even make the process more efficient because you won’t have to stumble-step your way through unfamiliar terrain.

Sign #3: You’re burned out

Working solo can easily lead to feelings of overwhelm or burnout. If a project’s workload is becoming unmanageable, you’re losing motivation, or you “short circuit” when you think about how to move forward, this might be a sign that you need support. It might feel strange seeking a creative collaborator in the middle of a project, but the right creative collaborator will buy into your vision and support the project. (Doesn’t mean there won’t be compromises or their own influence moving forward!)

A collaborator can share the workload, offer encouragement (and snacks!), and help keep the project on track.

Sign #4: You want a fresh POV

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you get tired of…being yourself. Like just me, all day, all alone, in my own head with all my thoughts and both my brain cells? Sometimes I end up going around and around on something, wedged in the groove of my own perspectives and experiences. Boring. Same old, same old. Working alone can sometimes limit the diversity of ideas and approaches you bring to a project.

If you’re finding that your ideas feel repetitive or you’re struggling to feel innovative, collaboration can inject new perspectives into your work. Try collaborating with someone from a different background or with different experiences for an even bigger injection of energy. 

Sign #5: You crave an accountability buddy

Depending on what kind of motivational tendencies you have (I’m a Questioner!), you may find intrinsic motivation difficult and crave a hard deadline, clear finish line, and someone who is counting on you to get the work done. (This is called extrinsic motivation, and it’s super common!)

If you love to procrastinate and hate structure, then you might want a collaborator to help keep you accountable! A creative partner can help set milestones, offer constructive feedback, and keep the project moving forward even if you’re in a lull period.

Sign #6: You want to network and rub elbows

This one sounds grosser than it is. But expanding your network through creative collaboration is a great way to extend the reach of your work, impact additional audiences, and win friends and fans. 

So if you’re looking to grow your connections or reach new audiences, a collaboration can be a strategic move—and beneficial for all parties involved! Try partnering with someone who has a different set of connections from you for maximum effect. 

What about staying solo?

You may also find that you really don’t want a creative collaborator, even when facing the challenges above. That doesn’t mean you’re some sociopath who can’t collaborate, a creative dictator in the making. There are plenty of good reasons to stick out a project on your lonesome, including: 

• You want or need to go really fast. Collaborators are great, but joint decision-making can slow you down. 

• You know exactly what you want. Collaboration is compromise, so if your vision is extremely specific and inflexible (and it’s ok if it is!), then collaborating with someone is likely to frustrate rather than fuel you. 

• You want to push yourself to learn new skills. If you need video editing and you have a choice between learning it yourself or collaborating, and it’s a skill you will need and want in the future, you might choose to invest your time and energy in expanding your toolbelt rather than partnering up. 

Over to you

What has been your most fruitful and exciting creative collaboration? When did you (or maybe when should you) stay solo? Let us know in the comments!

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Kumbaya,Shannon & Kevan