7 tips on How to prevent or overcome an artist’s blocks
Whether you're an illustrator, painter, sculptor, writer, musician, or even ceramicist we've all experienced artist’s block at one point in our careers.
We've all been there. Staring at a blank page trying to will ourselves to create something, anything at all and it's just not happening. That blank page becomes this huge, insurmountable task that’s more daunting than any other task given to us. Whether you're a professional artist/creative, a student, or a hobbyist, here's the tips and steps that help me pull me out of the dreaded artist’s block.
Step away and take a break
I know, this one is an obvious one but it works! But sometimes we really do need to step away and stop looking at it. Not only would I recommend physically removing yourself, but also mentally taking a break from it too. If you have the time, sleep on it, take a good long break from the project and get some fresh eyes on it the next time you look at it. I'm not sure if other fellow creatives feel this way but I feel a sense of guilt when I'm not being "productive" but remember that taking a break from something leads to better productivity overall and a healthy work ethic.
2. go out and experience something new
An artist’s block might be caused by a lack of inspiration. The best thing to do when you can't find a source of inspiration or have any idea where to start is to look for inspiration through experiences. I find nature walks and drawing things from life helps a lot when I have no idea where to start. I recommend any new experience for your brain whether it be auditory, visual, taste, touch or smell anything to stimulate the 5 senses and get the creative juices going. Movies, music, museums, video games can all lead to new sources of inspiration! Sometimes the easiest way to get out of a rut is to draw something or make something that is familiar like fanart for example. Even meeting with some friends and listening to a different perspective, or having an introspective conversation can become a source of inspiration.
3. make a list of prompts/goals with realist deadlines
I found making a list of goals or prompts can really be motivating in starting a new creative project. For example, my idea for a series of sculptural vessels is based around the concept of motherhood and womanhood that gave birth to many sculptural vases. Prompts can be anywhere from serious topics like wealth inequality in America or silly ones like drawing frogs with different hats on. You can even go to the store and buy a prompt book for writing or drawing- of course you don't even have to limit it to those things either you can use a prompt to any aspect of art. However the most important part about doing prompts is setting realistic deadlines and following through. What's the point of having a prompt if you're not going to set a realistic timeline of when you're going to start doing it. Just how its important to start a project it's also important to finish creative projects. So once you have a prompt selected, set a timeline of when your going to finish it.
4. Research
Let's say you have a prompt either forced on you like from school or you have a commission from a client. It can be hard to be motivated or inspired to create when you feel restricted or maybe even you have a prompt you want to do but your still stuck. One word research.
Whatever creative endeavor you're about to do research similar art examples and how they approached the topic. Going to museums or libraries can be extremely beneficial in breaking that art block. I won't lie, I also scroll through Instagram and Pinterest for hours looking for reference photos and concept ideas I like. And there's nothing wrong with that, so long as you manage your time well and do not turn into procrastination. Research is essential to any creative endeavor.
5. Start a completely new and unrelated project
This tip might seem a bit counterintuitive, since it seems like it might lead to procrastination. However, if you've been racking your brain for hours, days, even weeks about your current art endeavor, it might be time for a change of pace. I would suggest starting something that is completely unrelated to the current task at hand and work on \ something that is step by step to help ease off the stress being original or creative. Baking, crocheting, woodworking etc. are all great examples of this. This tip is rather similar to tip number 1 which is taking a break. Again, taking frequent breaks with unrelated tasks might help you come back to the art endeavor at hand with a new set of eyes.
6. power through and learn self discipline
Easier said than done, trust me I know especially when you have a major artist’s block. Sometimes the only solution to this is to just start. Especially if you have done all the tips mentioned in this post and you're still stuck. The hard truth about being a full time creative is you need self discipline at the end of the day. Inspiration and motivation will only take you so far the rest is up to your work ethic and discipline. Powering through projects that you might not have your full heart and soul in is hard to start, but if it’s for a client or school project it’s just part of being an artist. Just get it done with the same quality and try to learn from your project as you go, eventually it’ll be done before you know it.
7. Practice, practice, practice!
Last tip, and this is mainly on preventing artist’s block is to create something new everyday or weekly if possible. It doesn’t need to be perfect or even good, this is just for you to practice and hone your skill. This is so important! Practice makes improvement, not only in the physical sense but in the mental sense as well. People are not born creative or artistically gifted; it's a skill that can be learned and honed in on. Creativity is something that you practice on and expanded on just like you technical skill at any type of art. So whether your trying to be musician, a poet, a writer, a painter, an illustrator or a potter like me you have to practice it constantly not just for the technical aspect but to learn how to get creative with the art form you make.
