top of page

beating artist's block

Writer's picture: Kimberly GouldsKimberly Goulds


a blue door with a golden doorknob half-hidden behind a curtain of ivy.

I used to think artist's block was just not knowing what to create - the thing that happens when you stare at a blank page and freeze. I still think that's true, but I've figured out more of the reasons why that block happens. Once I found those reasons, it was easier for me to fight off the block. Keep reading to see if my strategies can help you too!


why it happens

I can basically blame my artist's block on one (or even a combination) of three things - I'm exhausted, I'm overwhelmed, or I'm uninspired. Those are all unpleasant, difficult feelings, but as it turns out, art actually helps them go away. The trick is to use the right method of creation for each one.


I'm exhausted

When I'm just plain tired, my best option for beating artistic block is obvious - take a break. Sometimes, this means not actually creating anything and recharging in some way, like by grabbing a nap or spending time with my husband. Other times, it means painting or drawing something that I think is 'lazy'. Doodling simple flowers or even just trying out a new pen for a little while can ease me back into creation mode when I'm wiped out.


I'm overwhelmed

Being overwhelmed is a little trickier to deal with, but still manageable. If you're struggling here, the best solution I've found is to force yourself to step back from your project for a decent length of time, stay off of any platform that leads you to comparison, and even have a good vent with a loved one. For example, if I have a lot to do in several areas of life, I can start panicking. I'll feel like I'm not doing a good job in my art, which just leads down a spiral of misery and certainly isn't conducive to a good session of creation. It's also frequently tied in with being exhausted.


If you're feeling overwhelmed and like if you can't work on your art in the way you want, you shouldn't bother doing it at all, I've been there. However, this is quite simply a trap. Making a little bit, even if it's ugly, ridiculous, or overly simple, is so much better than making nothing - both for your artistic practice and for your mental health. Step back, get off your phone, and then create something simple to start back off.


I'm uninspired

Okay, you aren't tired or dealing with other life stuff - you just can't think of anything. Everything has been done. There's nothing original left. You're bored of everything you've ever created and all the good ideas are taken.


Sound familiar?


I'm convinced everyone gets in a mood like this occasionally. The weird thing is, it's kind of true - any idea you have probably has been done by someone, somewhere, at some point. In a way, that makes me feel better, because it means no one else is really, truly original either. Everyone gets ideas from other people, and it doesn't mean you're a bad artist.


I've noticed I'm actually the most uninspired when I'm not consuming enough quality artistic content. That sounds fancy, but really it means that I need to read a good book, find some new music, or browse pieces from an artist I like. Imagine your creativity like a tank. In order to make things, you have to fill up that tank with something. All the art, in whatever form, you consume will swirl together in that tank and emerge in the things you create yourself. If you aren't filling your tank (and wasting time worrying about originality), of course you'll be uninspired!


now what?

Hopefully by now you know to some extent what's stopping your creative process. It might be one or a combination of the things I've mentioned above. Now, you need specific, practical ideas for beating your block.


Check out the list below and comment your own ideas!


  • Experiment with those art supplies you bought and forgot about.

  • Read an old favorite book or visit your TBR pile. My own creativity tank usually gets the most fulfillment out of stories!

  • Check out some new music - I like to type in a vibe I'd enjoy on YouTube or Spotify, then add 'ambience'. It'll give me very aesthetic instrumentals that make a great soundtrack for creation!

  • Create based on something familiar and loved to ease yourself into making again. For example, I love drawing medieval dresses, flowing curly hair, faces, and nature-themed doodles. Don't worry about making something amazing, just create stuff purely because you like creating it and don't worry about how it turns out just yet.

  • Combine three random concepts you like into one. This might even surprise you with how much you like it - I made one of my favorite paintings by mixing cats, a coffee shop, and magical objects together!


If you read all the way down here, thanks - you made my day!

with love, Kimberly

Comments


bottom of page