3 Actionable steps to conquer art block

Everyone encounters some form of art block in their life. Somedays you just don’t know what you should be creating next or what you should be drawing.

It can be frustrating when this happens and many people can get stuck in it for weeks if not months. I personally had this problem sometimes as well but there are some things that I learned that can help me get out of an art block.

These are actual actionable steps. It is important that you get the feeling that you are actually doing something about it. That is the first step to getting out of limbo.

1. go after inspiration

If inspiration doesn’t come to you, go to the inspiration yourself.

Visit musea, watch movies, try anything that inspired you before.

I, for example, really enjoy watching sketchbook videos because other people’s ideas spark ideas in me. I also like color pallets and inspirational pictures. Whenever I feel like inspiration has run out, I put on these videos. I also try looking for photos and color pallets on Tumblr.

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. Jack London

2. Put your pencil to paper

When we don’t know what to draw we often don’t touch our tools at all. I think that picking up a pencil and scribbling can really help you get out of the dip. If you are feeling the feeling of drawing it might be inspirational.  You might suddenly know something you can always draw or see something forming anyway.

Even if you don’t get inspiration at all it still helps to keep up with your skills by not losing the feeling. You can always practice your lines or shading.

The more distance you create between you and your tools and how longer that lasts how harder it will be to pick them up again. (Of course taking breaks is important but I mean try to still do something every week even if its just lines so you don’t make the gap between you and your tools to big.)

3. draw a prompt

Any prompt, anything. I know that many people don’t like to force it but when you run out of options it might just be best to draw anything. Taking a prompt can help you with deciding what and then you just draw. It might look terrible but working on it can help you think of ways to make it better and it forces you to think creatively.

Take for example the prompt rabbit. Even if you are just going to draw a rabbit you think of what kind of rabbit, the pose, the colors.

It creates an opportunity to think of more and more variables and to create a unique piece.

I often find that once I have created the first work in a while. It gets more and more easily as time goes on. Before you know it, you will be back in the feeling of a creative flow.

Art blocks are definitely not forever. Often it’s something outside of art that is preventing us from coming up with and idea. Don’t try to force yourself to do something when you know the problem isn’t there. Most of the tips above could be done in just a few minutes. Just set aside 5 minutes a day to try something and if it doesn’t work move on.

There is so much out there on having an art block, there is bound to be something that could really get out of yours. So If the above steps don’t work try googling some other things and don’t give up.

I would love to hear your best tips for art block. Let me know yours down below in the comments and let’s help each other out!