How do you find inspiration for composing a new piece when you're facing a creative block?

When I feel blocked creatively, I try to recreate a sound I liked in another piece of music. It might not even be related to the project I'm working on. Getting out of my rut of using the same tools and sounds helps me get ideas for composition. Another way I break it is to try something that you normally wouldn't use for the kind of song I'm doing, like say, an acoustic guitar for a futuristic sci-fi scene. Or a drum machine for a forest scene.  

Sometimes you really just need to take a break too. A few days listening to music of similar styles and stepping away from the DAWs can really help. 

Beyond what everyone thinks, inspiration does not arise from moments of enlightenment or meditation or anything like that, rather, it has to do with the practice that we dedicate to composing in our musical routine and trying to combine new elements with the ones we already have. I could say that it is like gymnastics which requires training that the more assiduous and detailed it is, the better the results will be!

For me there's not such thing as a creators block. There's just fatigue. 

Inspiration is not what you need to make music. It is transpiration. You need to sit in front of your DAW and make something. Even if you don't like it at first. But if you sit all day in your living room watching Netflix and waiting for "inspiration" believe me it's not gonna work. 
Just sit in your studio and start making something. Don't delete it cause it might work in the future and if you feel "blocked" it's just that you are tired or overthinking. For me, when I feel tired I just walk. Walking gives the brain new ideas. Try to do other stuff and don't overthink. 

 

When I face a creative block, I turn to research. I study scores from great masters and listen to classical compositions. Analyzing their work helps me understand their 'worlds' and how they arrived there. Stepping away to learn from them often gives me the clarity I need to move forward.
By the way, Fundamentals of Musical Composition by Arnold Schoenberg is a great guide for composition.

When I hit a creative block, I switch things up—listen to new music, mess around with a different instrument, or step away for a bit, or even better I just limit my options. Sometimes just trying something random sparks a new idea. It’s all about breaking the routine and letting the creativity flow back naturally! And taking a nap is great option too.

When facing a creative block, I find inspiration by exploring new ideas or projects, experimenting with different approaches or sounds, and most importantly - taking breaks to refresh my mind. I try to engage in unrelated creative activities, like watching movies or going out for dinner or a walk, which all can spark new ideas. Sometimes revisiting old projects or talking with others can provide fresh perspectives and help overcome the block. Inspiration can come from anywhere - so remember to enjoy life and eventually it finds you.

I find inspiration by stepping away and immersing myself in different art forms, like reading, painting, or listening to new music. I also revisit nature, which often sparks fresh ideas. Sometimes, simply experimenting with unfamiliar instruments or sounds can break the block. These shifts in perspective help me reconnect with my creativity and approach the composition with renewed energy.

Stepping away from the project momentarily and immersing myself in different experiences. With over 20 years of composing, I've learned that taking a walk, listening to a wide range of music, or even watching films can lead to new ideas. Sometimes, I revisit past projects or experiment with new sounds and instruments in Cubase, which often leads to unexpected creative breakthroughs.