Art Block :(
As someone who has been doing art for several years now, I think its safe to say on behalf of basically every artist or creative person out there that we, as a creative community, are quite well acquainted with the absolutely exasperating term, " The Art Block".
I myself have experienced it a number of times and I'd like to share my views, what it does for my art and how I try to deal with it. So here it goes!
What is art block?
Also known as creative block, an art block is something that I like to think of as a hurdle in race- something you have to cross and overcome in order to reach the final destination. Some are bigger than others, some are tougher to cross, but they're all there regardless. A bit cheesy, I know. Let's get past it. Basically, art block is a period of time where your creativity plays tricks on you, resulting in you not being able to put out your best work, or work that you're even remotely proud of. Sometimes it is difficult to just get yourself to start a new piece, or find the motivation to finish an old one.
I usually find myself feeling unsatisfied, uninspired or irrelevant while in a situation like this. It feels as though your skills are decaying- like you're forgetting how to draw in the first place. There is a lot of self-doubt and anxiety involved (in certain situations, at least) that make me question myself and my art. Its mentally and physically exhausting, insanely frustrating and it really sucks, but hey, its not going to last forever. :)
What may have caused it
Every time I realize I've hit a brick wall I stop to notice the patterns behind everything that lead me to an art block. I think its important to acknowledge the causes of a problem before beginning to do something about it. So the next time you're feeling an art block creeping in, stop an observe the patterns.
With me, most of the time, art block comes as a complementary addition to overworking myself. The pressure of being creative all the time because you're an artist, the pressure of constantly creating, meeting the expectations of others that you're always doing your best and the pressure of being a part of the sheer talent online can really get to you sometimes. I feel the need to give in to those pressures and "Create. No matter what.", and eventually, I run out of good ideas.
Another culprit to art block for me is self-doubt. Comparing yourself to other artists is inevitable, and more often than not, results in us questioning our own skills. Followed by great dissatisfaction and lack of motivation, we end up telling ourselves things like "I'll never be as good as them.", and guess what, our brain just decides to shut down when we need it the most.
How I deal with it
Now that I've told you what art block is and what causes it for me, let me tell you some of the things I do to help myself get out of it.
1. Art Journals
Art journals are something I familiarized myself with only a couple months ago, and I am beyond grateful that I did so. I find art journaling extremely relaxing, and sort of like a brain dump at times. Plus, its insanely fun!
There are no rules, and you don't have to be neat or precise. Its a great way to shake some of the tension off your shoulders. I like to make collages in my art journal, using quotes I find on the internet and pictures and clippings I find in newspapers and magazines. I'm a serious collector. I love turning to my art journal when I'm in an art block or when I'm stressed, looking through the pages is just as refreshing.
2. Using Pinterest
Here's the thing. I'm a huge believer in using reference images- so long as you acknowledge that you have used someone else's image or idea and you're not showing it as your own.
I like using Pinterest mostly for inspiration. There is so much art out there that I'm yet to be inspired by, and that amazes me. But in times of art block, I like to use Pinterest to draw faces, or even other things that I can't really think of on my own at the moment. I have a few "Pinterest Pages" in my sketchbook where the entire spread is just filled with sketches referenced from Pinterest.
It has proven pretty effective in the past in unloading some of the art block since I'm not really forcing myself to think or pressuring myself while drawing. Yes, admittedly these sketches may not be my best, but that's not what we're concentrating on. Plus, you can do so many studies this way and teach yourself to draw things you're not so got at. It's great for practicing things like anatomy, hands, feet, portraits, facial features, objects... the list is endless.
3. Exploring other hobbies and taking a break
As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes we may need a break from art. Doing something not art related and taking a breather can be an excellent way to fend off art block.
For me, I like to pick up my guitar at times, or redecorate my room. Sometimes I may cave and binge watch a TV series, or even read a book for that matter- anything that gets my mind off of the thought of having to draw for a while.
4. Using prompts
I think this is probably one of the best ways to stir your creative juices. Go on Instagram or just on the internet even, and look up prompt lists or create your own. I like to use the words to inspire my art work and give me the initial kick when I can't think of where to start.
5. Doing a #DTIYS challenge
This is one of my favourites. I love doing a draw this in your style challenge whenever I feel a little stuck. I find it so interesting to look at another artist's work and indulge myself in thought of interpretation. I love pointing out little quirks in their art style and exploring how I'd incorporate them in my work. Its a great way to refine your own art style and understand it better, all the while putting in minimal brain power.
And just a sidenote, I do these even without art block. Fully recommend.
6. Trying out new art supplies/ mediums
I will use absolutely any excuse to get myself into an art store. I could live in one in all honesty. Trying out something new is a great way to change up your environment and your headspace. It's very refreshing. Pick up a new set of paints that you've never tried before, a different kind of brush, or paper or canvas, or even a tool. Experiment.
I have been a traditional artist through the years, but recently began to explore digital art as a new medium to change it up a bit, and I completely fell in love. Who knows, something that you try out during an art block may just become your new favourite thing!
7. Cleaning up
A messy workspace, means a messy mind. Eventhough some people may work better amidst the mess, I am not of them. I've realized that if my desk is unorganized or my brushes are all over the place or my paints are scattered and I can never find the right kind of paper in my paper's bin, it affects my mood, and thus, my art.
Every time things start to fog up I like to take 5-10 minutes off of work and just spend that time to clean up and organize so everything is where I need to be and start fresh.
8. Watching art videos
Making art makes me happy. But when I can't make art and it makes me unhappy, I turn to YouTube. Somehow, when I feel an art block lurking, watching other people draw and paint puts me in a better mood. And most times, inspiration hits just from watching an entire process of creating an art piece- start to finish. I love observing their process and understanding their methods, and thinking about how what I create is or isn't similar to their's. I could spend hours just scrolling through these videos- tutorials, mystery art box unboxings, art challenges... you name it.
So, these are some of the little things I try to do to fight off art block. But one of the biggest things I do is tell myself that its only temporary. I just have to push through it. What you create during an art block may not be an accurate representation of you as an artist, but that doesn't mean it defines you or your work, or mean that this is how your art will be forever.
Give yourself time and tell yourself you're going to be back stronger than ever. And who knows, maybe this art block was just what you needed to create your next big piece!
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