How to Beat the Art Block

If you're like me, you suddenly find yourself in a little art block from time-to-time. Or, perhaps, more accurately– a rather large art block. This happens to me all the time! I find myself setting the pencil down one day and then finding it incredibly hard to return to it again. But, rest easy, I've spent many days perfecting the technique to getting out of that art-block-slump, and I'm going to share some of those tips with you!

1. Close the socials

I mean it. Social media is not only a time-passer but an art-blocker. I gave up social media for 30 days and I was way more creative, in-tune with myself and my feelings, and frankly, way more inspired.

Now, I'm not saying you should give up social media for 30 days (but you should), all I'm saying is that setting your phone down in another room or turning it off for a little while, will definitely help get those creative juices flowing. Try challenging yourself to make some form of art in 30 minutes. If that's how long you think you can go without your phone for, then make use of that time! Setting the distractions aside will help you focus on your goals. And, you'll probably find that you want more time to work on your piece when those 30 minutes are finally up!

2. Get an ugly sketchbook

What exactly is an ugly sketchbook? It's a sketchbook that you dedicate to being filled with all the ugly stuff. That sounds wrong, right? Aren't all sketchbooks supposed to be ugly sketches? It's why they were created! Well, because of social media and the constant exposure we've seen of other artists that are "way better than us" it's hard to imagine their beautiful sketch book spreads aren't a reality. We've put so much pressure on ourselves to achieve the pretty, that we often forget that it's an illusion. Of course when you make something you are proud of you're going to want to share it on social media! But you'd never show those sketches that you are completely embarrassed were even made by your own hand. But we forget that the artists that we follow, do the same. They have work that they're not proud of and they, just like you, don't post it.

So how does this ugly sketchbook thing help? Well, your ugly sketchbook is the place where ALL of your sketches, ugly and otherwise, get to live without judgement. Here is where you can draw those lopsided eyes or your characters whose arms accidentally resemble slender man's. Judgement free. Everything in this book is allowed to be ugly without criticism. You'll probably even find yourself laughing instead of feeling disappointed. And the best part? It frees yourself up to just create. No judging means no worry. I'll bet your creations will turn into something you actually find yourself loving! It's happened to me quite a few times.

3. Try an art challenge

It sounds silly, but some of my best and most creative work came from trying an art challenge! I challenged myself to fill a sketch book in a week. A lot of it was bad– but a lot of it was fun. I found myself trying new styles, getting inspired, finding I really, really liked to draw fruit (for some reason) and people. It was a good exercise. There are plenty of challenges out there. A quick Google search and I'm sure you'll find a few that resonate with you. Here's some of my favorites:

1. Drawing every day for a month. Whether it's MerMay or InkTober, there are month-long challenges that help you hone other skills you may not have thought of. Portraits, bodies, or even new utensils. It can also provide a unique community on Instagram that could lead you to friendships you'd never find. Connecting with other artists through a shared interest is always fun.

2. Fill a sketchbook in a month. A week. A day. Take it with you wherever you go! Get inspired by the man on the park bench. By the dog and the owner going for a stroll outside your window. By the snow on the rooftop. Filling a sketchbook is hard– doing it in a week, is harder. By letting loose, you might find something you're really passionate about. Take that with you into future art endeavors.

3. Re-draw old art. I love doing this! I'm always finding myself re-drawing old art and the characters that I created. It's always a fun time to re-draw them in your current style and do a side-by-side comparison. Often times, as artists, our progress is slow. We can hardly tell that we've even improved. This challenge really showcases the change and the progression you've made. Plus, it's really fun!

4. Try a different art style. As artists, we can often be discouraged that our art isn't "as good" as another's. But this challenge really helps you discover what you like about another style and you can even implement that into future pieces! This challenge should be done for personal practice, don't try to claim the style as your own if you copy it. And remember, you should ALWAYS give credit to the artist(s) by naming them and tagging them if you post it on your social media. Let them know you were inspired by their work. Artists love validation!

5. Make art standing up! Or outside! We don't often realize this, but typically, we are hunched over our work spaces constantly. Try to change the environment. Maybe go to a local art museum or gallery. Take a day-trip to the beach. Move your canvas to a standing desk, or hang it on the wall to paint. By changing a few elements of our environment, we tend to be more open to the creative process. A lot of times, our work can be "too serious." And that's because we treat it as such. Allow yourself time and space to be creative, no pressure.

I hope you found this post helpful! If you did, feel free to follow my Instagram! Or other socials. Or, if you're giving up the social media for 30 days (you don't have to, but I highly suggest it) then sign up for my monthly newsletter! I send out a schedule for blog posts and shop updates every month (sometimes there are coupons!)

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If there's any advice you'd like to hear, don't forget to leave a comment or send me an email, I'd love to respond!

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