As an artist, encountering creative blockages can be frustrating and discouraging. It’s a common challenge that almost every artist faces at some point in their journey. However, it’s important to remember that artist’s block is not a permanent state but rather a temporary obstacle that can be overcome. In this blog post, we will explore practical steps to help artists regain their momentum and reignite their creative spark. This is an issue I frequently struggle with and because it occurs so often, I have had to learn various ways to get around it. Below are several ways you can try to get your mojo back.
1. Embrace the Block:
Acknowledge and accept that creative blocks are a natural part of the artistic process. It’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself during this period, understanding that it’s temporary and doesn’t define your abilities as an artist. By accepting it, the power goes out of it and the block will not last long. If you simply tell yourself, “It will go away soon.” and move on you will find it doing just that.
2. Explore New Art Forms:
Expand your horizons by exploring different art forms. Trying something new can stimulate your creativity and provide a fresh perspective. Experiment with various mediums, techniques, or even engage in interdisciplinary collaborations to invigorate your artistic expression. This is my favorite way to bust up my art block. When necessary, I take out a medium I rarely use and play with it. I don’t try to make art, I simply allow myself to play with it. I notice texture, color, application, etc. of this medium as if I am using it for the first time. I draw circles, squares, lines, and make doodles with this medium until I feel satisfied that I have explored it fully. I discover that by doing this, I usually have new ideas and plans for making real art almost immediately.
3. Seek Inspiration Outside Your Comfort Zone:
Step outside your artistic bubble and seek inspiration from different sources. Visit art galleries, museums, or attend cultural events. Explore nature, listen to diverse music genres, read books, or watch films. Exposure to new experiences and ideas can spark your imagination and reignite your creativity. My daughter and I love to go to galleries and museums to explore various art periods and styles. We talk about what we are seeing, not just what we are looking at. We talk about artist’s use of colors and textures, not about subject matter. When we leave, I always feel energized to get back to my studio and make art.
4. Create a Routine:
Establishing a consistent creative routine can help overcome artist’s block. Set aside dedicated time for artistic pursuits, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. By making creativity a habit, you’ll create a space where inspiration is more likely to emerge. I am slightly OCD (obsessive-compulsive-disorder) and I feel compelled to make a list and stick to it. Creating a routine around art has been a struggle for me until recently when I realized that it is just like everything else I regulate and order. I can set a time and date to make art, but if I am not able to do so, I still use the time to play with my materials. I have learned to love collage because of this. I have also learned to love mixed media because of this step.
5. Engage in Artistic Exercises and Prompts:
Participate in creative exercises and prompts to jumpstart your artistic process. Join online art communities or workshops that provide prompts or challenges to stimulate your creativity. These exercises can serve as warm-up activities and gradually ease you back into the flow of creating. Th
ere are so many challenges online that you can choose to participate in. I usually start one or two and do well for a while then go off on my own tangent once I am back in the mood for my art. I like using these challenges this way.
6. Experiment with Limitations:
Set limitations or restrictions for yourself, such as using a limited color palette or creating art within a specific theme. These constraints can push you to think outside the box and find innovative solutions within the boundaries you’ve set. I have tried this and find that by limiting myself to a few colors or just one theme makes me really have to think outside of my art box. I have produced quite a few pieces I love this way, but I have also made many a mess. Either way, I have enjoyed challenging myself and find my creative juices flowing again.
7. Collaborate and Share Ideas:
Reach out to fellow artists, join art groups, or engage in collaborations. Sharing ideas, discussing creative processes, and receiving constructive feedback can inspire fresh perspectives and reignite your artistic passion. There are so many wonderful artists online. Don’t hesitate to reach out and tell them when you enjoy a piece they present online. Don’t hesitate to comment in groups about things you have enjoyed by other artists. Belonging to a group of like-minded individuals is empowering and will open you up to new ideas.
8. Find Solace in Art Therapy:
If artist’s block persists or is causing emotional distress, consider art therapy. This therapeutic approach allows you to express yourself freely and explore emotions through creative means. A trained art therapist can guide you through the process, helping you find new avenues of expression. As a retired psychiatric nurse, I am very familiar with Art Therapy. There are times that you just need to scribble and paint to express your mood, so go ahead and do it. Give yourself permission to create pieces with and about your feelings when you need to.
9. Take a Break:
Sometimes, the best way to overcome artist’s block is to take a step back and recharge. Engage in activities unrelated to art, practice self-care, and allow yourself to rest. Taking breaks can provide mental clarity and a fresh outlook when you return to your artistic endeavors. Sometimes, a brisk walk around the block, or a visit to a close park is all it will take. At other times, maybe you need to stimulate yourself with social activities, or allow yourself to take a nap to recharge. Just do what seems right for you and be gentle on yourself. We all need kindness.
10. Embrace Failure and Learn from It:
Don’t be afraid of failure or creative setbacks. Treat them as opportunities for growth and learning. Accept that not every artwork will be a masterpiece, and mistakes are an integral part of the artistic journey. Embracing failures can release the fear of judgment and free your creativity. Since I am not really a great artist, this is my favorite tip. I have so many more failures than I have successes and I love each and every one. I can usually find one thing in each piece that I love, so I choose to focus on that part and ignore the rest. Sometimes, I cut up these pieces and use them in mixed media pieces where they shine.
11. Journal and Reflect:
Maintain an artistic journal to jot down ideas, sketches, and reflections. Writing about your creative process and emotions can help you gain insights and identify patterns. Additionally, looking back at your journal can serve as a reminder of past inspirations and breakthroughs. If you have read any other posts here, you know I am all about journaling and rereading your journals to learn about yourself. This one is a no-brainer for me, but if you are not a journal user, you might want to try it out. Use what you have, any type of paper will do. Write about what you think and feel at the moment. Keep it short and sweet. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Once you get used to journaling, you can try writing more, but to begin just keep it simple. You might even try the one-line a day journaling system.
12. Attend Workshops and Classes:
Enroll in art workshops, classes, or retreats to learn new techniques and gain fresh perspectives. The structured environment and guidance from experienced instructors can help break through creative blocks and provide renewed inspiration. I used to love going to art classes, but since I retired, I now seem to enjoy online art classes. There are several sites where you can take art classes for a small fee; but if you want to spend more, there are many artists online who offer classes. Try out one or two and see if that helps with art block.
13. Keep Creating:
Above all, never stop creating. Push through the resistance, even if the result feels unsatisfactory. The act of creating itself can provide momentum and eventually lead to breakthroughs. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and trust that inspiration will find its way back to you.
Just remember, we all experience artist’s block at one time or another. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to play with art during these stressful periods. Don’t push, simply enjoy and continue to make art no matter what comes out of your fingertips.
