Goose on the Loose: Overcoming Art Block

Art block can feel overwhelming, especially when art is your passion or main source of income. It can stir up a lot of self-doubt:

Am I still a good artist? Why can’t I come up with anything? What’s wrong with me?

Right now, I’m in the middle of what I’d call a pretty serious creative block. But I’ve been here before and I know it doesn’t last forever. I’m not an expert, but I wanted to share a few things that have helped me in the past, in case they’re helpful for you too!

An art block isn’t a sign of failure. It’s part of the creative process. Every artist no matter their skill level goes through it. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost your spark or your ability to create. 

One big thing I’ve learned is that waiting until I feel inspired to start creating usually just means I don’t create at all.

Creativity doesn’t always come from inspiration; it often shows up after you start working. Even if it’s just a doodle or a messy sketch, just getting started can help you reconnect with your creativity. You don’t need to be in the right “mood” to make something. 

You can even try creating your own art prompts! Tailor them to your style, your interests, or even your current mood anything to help get ideas flowing.

If you’re feeling stuck, here are a few things that have helped me:

1. Change up your medium.

If you usually work digitally, try switching to traditional materials like pencil, paint, or clay. A new medium can unlock a different way of thinking.

2. Get outside.

Nature is full of colour, texture, and patterns. Go for a walk, visit a park, or just sit and sketch what you see. Sometimes a little fresh air can bring a new perspective. Take photos of what you see and use them in your art, or use them as inspiration.

3. Find inspiration in everyday objects.

Look around your home or workspace. Sometimes something simple like a pattern on a table or the shape of a plant can inspire a new idea. I’ve even found inspiration from the wood grain on our work lunch table!

4. Use drawing prompts or challenges.

Structured prompts, like Peachtober, have been a big help for me in the past. They take the pressure off “coming up with something” and give you a direction to play in.

5. Flip your perspective.

Literally or figuratively. Try turning your canvas upside down, or just step away from the piece for a bit. Give your brain space to rest and come back with fresh eyes.

6. Be kind to yourself.

Seriously. Creative ruts happen. They’re not a reflection of your talent or your worth. Sometimes, your mind just needs rest, or time to process before the next idea comes together. 

One of the things that’s helped me most has been allowing myself more than one creative outlet. When I feel stuck with art, I can shift gears and write, or work on my blog. It gives my brain something to focus on while still letting me be creative in a different way.

Whatever works for you, lean into it. And if all else fails, remember: the block won’t last forever.

Hello! The Wife here, just wanting to put in my two cents on this topic. Hunter and I have talked a lot about art block, it happens to us both, and probably every person on the planet who ever existed who ever picked up a pencil. I think that we as creative people/artists have sometimes had thoughts that not having an idea  = we aren’t creative enough. Of course it doesn’t help when we’re scrolling social media and seeing these amazing artists post all the time seemingly without a struggle. Try not to get frustrated at yourself when something isn’t coming together how you envisioned. Even if you aren’t loving what you're making, you're still creating, which means that you are making progress and honing your skills! One really good tip I recently learned was to just “make a mark”, meaning, just do anything on the blank page- lines, scribbles, shapes, etc. Just make a mark on the page, move your hands across the canvas. Inspiration will flow once you get your hands moving and the hamster wheel in your brain turning! 

Until next time friends!