5 Ways to Get Rid of Creative Block
Illustration by Kayla Meadows, Creative Kayla Studio
Creative block is something every artist struggles with. It might not always be apparent (especially when you see your favorite artist continually posting content and creating amazing art), but I promise you it’s something we all go through. Not knowing what to draw or having no inspiration or motivation to create art is completely normal.
Once you get in that creative funk, it can be hard to navigate out of it. Trust me, I’ve been there plenty of times. It can be frustrating. Over the years, I’ve found ways to help me get back into my groove, and I want to share them with you. Here are 5 things you can do to help eliminate creative block.
1. Relax & Recharge
Sometimes, all you need to get out of the creative block is a break from creating. I know that sounds scary, but it can be a good thing! It’s really easy to get burnt out on your art as an artist. This can be one of the causes of your creative block. Sometimes, stepping away and taking a break is the cure you need.
Find what helps you relax and feel recharged. Whether that’s a vacation, a walk outside, or even a few weeks (or months) without touching your art supplies. Clear your head, and don’t stress about what you will make next. And when you feel ready, pick up those art supplies and start creating. I promise you’ll get your creative energy back!
2. Break out the sketchbook
There’s nothing better than opening up a fresh sketchbook. Staring at the blank pages can be intimidating at first, but once you start filling in those pages, it can be so freeing. If you’re a digital artist like me, you probably rely solely on your iPad to make art. I know I did. Once I bought my first sketchbook, I noticed my art improving and I felt less pressure to create for others. This helped me stay fresh with my art and prevented me from burning out.
The great thing about sketchbooks is that only you will see what you’re drawing. It’s a great way to create loose sketches, experiment with new styles, warm up, and stay consistent. Try drawing still life, animals, objects, or shapes to help bring back your creativity.
3. Try different art mediums
Experimenting with new art mediums is another way to overcome your creative block. Take the pressure off and try to relax and have fun with a new creative outlet. You can try using oil pastels, make something out of air-dry clay, break out the acrylic or gouache paints, or make paper collages—the possibilities are endless! Whether you like what you make or not, the important part is to just create something. You might find a new medium you like or be inspired to keep creating.
4. Find inspiration
You might be feeling blocked because you don’t know what to make. You’ve sat down at your desk and you can’t think of what to draw. Whenever this happens to me, I try to find art that inspires me.
Use Pinterest to search for inspiration from other artists, or you can even use Instagram. I love using Pinterest to create boards that help keep me inspired. Try creating boards to refer back to when you need some inspiration. I like to create boards with color palette ideas, illustrations, art reference photos, lettering styles, and sketchbook ideas. Just remember the goal is not to copy other artist’s work or ideas, but to draw inspiration from their work.
5. Participate in art challenges
Find drawing challenges to participate in. You can find a lot of artists on Instagram who post monthly and holiday-themed art challenges with prompts to help inspire you. Try searching hashtags for drawing challenges or see if some of your favorite artists are hosting upcoming challenges. Participating in these challenges is a great way to help get you out of your creative block. You can choose to do the whole challenge or just create art for the prompts you like. It’s a great way to feel inspired, connect with other artists on social media, build a supportive community, and gain confidence in your art.
Remember, creative block is completely normal. Don’t stress too much; you’ll get your groove back. Try these five tips, and let me know if they help with your creative block!
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