Help: Creative block?
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So normally when I get creative block it means that I simply can’t think up any ideas, I just don’t know what to make. I usually resolve this by just getting out of my comfort zone, trying a new medium, a drastically different style, do some master copies. That usually shakes me out of it pretty well.
However, the last few weeks my problem has been that I’m just kind of not interested in any ideas. It doesn’t feel like creative block because I can come up with ideas and I know what to draw I simply don’t feel that creative drive that fuels the whole process. Even just scrolling through my inspiration boards on Pinterest it’s like I’m not interested in art right now. I have a portfolio review coming up and I’ve been trying to make a new piece every week and I’m now almost 4 weeks behind on that and I’m just at a loss for what to do. Over the years I feel like I’ve gotten pretty good at combatting creative block but this just doesn’t feel the same.
Any advice would be appreciated though I know that in instances like this all you can really do is just keep pushing ahead.
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@Griffin
I’m sorry you are going through that right now.I believe I have heard on the podcast that they will find some other form of creativity to do and that usually helps. Go an art museum, cook something elaborate, play a sport. Just keep working toward it.
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@Griffin it sounds like you’re just burnt out. Happens to me a lot. I get excited about stuff I’ve been working on like I’ve found a groove and don’t want to stop because I’m afraid I’ll lose it. Then before you know it…I’m just too tired. That’s when I stop and switch gears, and work on my writing instead. Are you interested in working as an author/illustrator? Or maybe you write already, I don’t know but that usually gives me a good break, before I get bored and switch back over to drawing. Also buying a new book or two for yourself is always inspiring to me. I just pre ordered the latest from Jon klassen and Mac Barnett the three billy goats gruff not put until October I think so it’ll be a nice surprise when it comes, because I’m positive I’ll forget all about it. Maybe search some new illustrators I ALWAYS love that. My latest favorite is paddy Donnelly. I hope you overcome your struggles painlessly lol.
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@Asyas_illos I like your idea of switching gears to writing. I don’t feel burnt out by I know it doesn’t always necessarily feel like exhaustion. It’s frustrating to have the energy but not the right kind of creative drive to get the work done. Thanks for your tips as always!
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@Griffin it could be that you need a break from making art or coming up with ideas for art. If that is the case, you may need to refill your creativity bank and spend time doing something else that you enjoy without thinking about art. Sometimes taking a stress-free break for a bit allows you time to miss making art and you may have an idea later that gets you excited to draw again.
However, that is hard to do when you have a deadline. In that particular situation, you may need to just do the grind to get the work done if you can picture how you want the art to look, then step back and do the stuff as mentioned before.
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I'm feeling that vibe very much right now. We got covid in July and we were so sick I couldn't even watch videos. Recovered quicker than my first round of covid, but August has become a whirlwind of catching up on what we missed and it just needs to slow down. I sit to draw but nothing comes out. Uninspired by pinterest, I have ideas, but no motivation. I don't feel exhausted, but rather just uninspired. I'm hearing it from a lot of my creative friends too. Feeling the artistic blahs.
I'm spending time with my kiddos, trying to soak up the last moments of a much too short winnipeg summer, and hoping to absorb their constant creativity and inspiration and all of the wonder little kids are. The youngest one is a wealth of funny commentary that usually gives me a boost.
I Also think going on outdoor adventures and doing something totally new And different can bring a revival to our spirit and energy, and get the creative juice going again.
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@Griffin Your doing it! You turn to your community. You have the skills, you have done things in the past. Keep going. Keep creating. Not everything will be great, but enough will. There is always hope, and there is always people to help
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@Griffin I've been feeling this same way - I think for some reason the summer/beginning of fall is usually like this and I'm not sure why, but I second everyone else's advice.
And I have one other suggestion: I used to paint big canvas abstract art where I'd just make shapes in different colors for hours, and there was something so therapeutic about that.
It fulfilled my need to create without putting pressure on myself to come up with a clever concept and get everything "right" - in a way I think it was some of my most pure creativity because I just did what I felt... Maybe you could do something like that and see if it helps
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Oh no I have it too!
