How to Break Through Art Block

Art Block is something I deal with usually in the winter and the summer.  Yeah – mine are seasonal.  I know it’s weird.  But there are good reasons for why I usually get Art Block – or what I like to call creative blues – around these times.   But before I get into the 3 reasons why I usually get stuck in my art – let’s first define what is Art Block.

WHAT IS ART BLOCK?

Art Block for me is a lack of passion to create.   Hence the reason why I call it creative blues.   It’s similar to Monday Blues after the nice long weekend.   You may like your job – but sometimes you just don’t want to go in.   You’d rather just hide under the sheets and get a little bit more snooze time in.

Well, for me art sometimes can feel the same way.   And it usually happens  – after one of these sadly common pitfalls.

PITFALL #1: BURNOUT

This pitfall I think is the most common and usually hits me write after Christmas break.    You see, I’m usually in full creative mood from October to December with my job, holiday activities and creating gifts for loved ones.  After the rush the Christmas and New year’s – I usually get this “I’m exhausted” feeling and crash for nearly a week.   If you’ve ever experienced this – then friend you’ve come down with a case of burnout.

How to Prevent Burnout…

  • So how do you prevent burnout – well it’s really hard around the holidays – but try to keep a balance and prioritize sleep.  As a creative this can be difficult when everything is whirling around you – but balancing life with art is important.

How to Get Out of Burnout…

  • However, chances are if you are reading this – you are already in burnout mode.   So how do you get out?  Well, first listen to your body.   If you need a break – schedule a time to rest.   This is incredible difficult in our fast paced world – but it is very important if you want to get back into creating.   I usually take a whole week off from creating after the holidays – making sure to rest and brush up on some old books, movies, and other avenues that usually stimulate my imagination and thus get me creating. Chances are if you return to what inspired you to create in the first place – it will re-awaken that drive and passion again.  For me, my passion started by watching animated movies.  So – I usually rent a bunch of Disney films and binge watch my favs for New Years :)

PITFALL #2: BOREDOM

This pitfall can be hard to detect for me – but usually happens right before I have a “growth spurt” in my art.   I’m honestly not sure how to really describe it – but this pitfall usually happens after playing around with one particular style over and over again.   After a while – it just doesn’t seem to challenge you anymore and you feel well… bored.

How to Prevent or Get Out of Boredom…

  • The remedy for this pitfall is the same whether you are trying to prevent it or get out.   Simply Try switching things up  – by experimenting with a new styles, a new subject matter, or even a new supply.   Recently – I’ve been trying to drawing more people (which I’m terrible at).  But what I’ve found interesting is how by drawing people – my animals drawings are becoming more life-like.   Thus, by challenging you brain in other areas – it will feed into you current style and who knows even re-shape it into something you like better.

PITFALL #3: THE ANALYST PARALYSIS

This pitfall is the hardest in my opinion to overcome.   It’s when the perfectionist inside you – comes out full force and paralysis you with fear – hindering you from creating anything.   The main thought process of this pitfall is “Why should I try – it will never be good enough.”

How to Prevent or Get Out of Analyst Paralysis…

  • The remedy for this pitfall is the same whether you are trying to prevent it or get out.   First, if you are feeling this way or starting to feel a tightening in your chest – immediately go to your creative nook and “wreck” something.   Purposefully push your limits and in essence push past the fear.   The best remedy to get past this one is to just DO.

SO IN REVIEW


3 TIPS TO HELP YOU GET OUT OF ART BLOCK

TIP #1:  TAKE A BREAK

TIP #2:  SWITCH THINGS UP

TIP #3:  PURPOSEFULLY “WRECK” SOMETHING 


Lots’ of Love Ya’ll and keep on creating!     

 

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About Author

Hi there! My name is Carrie and I'm a Watercolor Misfit! What's a Watercolor Misfit? Well, anyone who is willing to try new things and not afraid to get their hands covered in paint! So what do you say, are you a Misfit-ian?

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