Unblocking the Art Block

No matter what kind of work you make, you've probably experienced the frustrating scenario known as "artist's block". This is when inspiration appears to fade, leaving you staring at a blank canvas or page. Don't worry, overcoming artist's block is feasible with the appropriate techniques. Let's take a closer look at what it is, why it occurs, and how to get your creative juices flowing again.

The signs and symptoms of artist's block might range from a lack of ideas to unhappiness with one's work. Several reasons, including self-doubt, external expectations, perfectionism, weariness, and fear of failure, may contribute to it. Identifying the underlying cause of your artist's block is critical for tailoring your approach to overcome it. So, how can you help?

Set Goals and Deadlines

While creativity thrives on freedom, setting specific goals and deadlines can be beneficial in overcoming artist's block. Break your project into smaller, manageable tasks, and set realistic deadlines for each one. Having a structured plan can help you regain focus, create a sense of accountability, and motivate you to take consistent action. Do you have an exhibition on the horizon? I like to have students map out their calendar with the furthest due date on their calendar and then set mini deadlines leading up to it. This will give some guideposts as to your process and how you’re accomplishing your taskss to meet the main deadline.

Try a New Technique or Material

Artist's block can occasionally happen when we feel stuck in a creative rut or repetitive patterns. It can be fun to experiment with new methods, formats, or styles to get through this. Experimenting can rekindle your passion and open up new channels for artistic expression. To learn from other artists and broaden your skill set, enroll in online classes, attend workshops, or join art communities. If you live near an art supply store, it can be inspiring just to meander through the aisles, to see what new matierals you could experiment with in your work.

Have Fun with Creative Constraints

Sometimes having fewer options frequently fosters greater innovation. Remember how in school you were given a project handout and you had to follow those constraints? By placing boundaries on your work, you can embrace creative limitations. Try employing a limited palette of colors, a limited quantity of materials, or a time limit for each item, as examples. These limitations can test your imagination and force you to think creatively outside the box, resulting in original concepts and creative solutions.

Take Breaks!

Like all professionals, we can become burned out. It's crucial to look after your physical and emotional health if you want to get through a block. Be sure to obtain enough rest, eat well, work out frequently, and partake in things that give you energy. Don't be afraid to take pauses from your work when necessary (this can be key...you may want to read the chapter on the “artist date” in the Artists Way by Julia Cameron—link below). Sometimes taking a break from your work to unwind and recharge might inspire new ideas and shift your viewpoint. It’s amazing what a 10 minute walk around the neighborhood can do to recharge your creative batteries.

Learning from Failure

We can become paralyzed by fear of failure and refrain from taking risks in our work. Keep in mind that making mistakes is a necessary element of the creative process and a chance for improvement. Accept setbacks as valuable lessons, take something away from them, and use it to improve your performance. Recognize that while every artist experiences setbacks and difficulties, it is how they overcome these obstacles that distinguishes them from one another.

Take a step back and consider what went wrong rather than letting a poor artwork or a rejected submission demoralize you. Was it a problem with the technology, a lack of preparation, or a deviation from your vision? Determine the precise areas that require improvement and think about how you may deal with them in your upcoming job. Don't let failure define you; instead, use it as a springboard for growth. As they say, fail and then fail better!

Get Feedback from Others

Seeking advice from trusted mentors, other creatives, or even internet forums can be helpful. Other viewpoints can offer insightful commentary and helpful critique that can help you view your work from other angles. Remember: criticism is not a personal attack but rather a chance for you to develop and strengthen your artistic voice. (there’s also a HUGE difference between criticism and being critical—more on that later in an upcoming post)

Spend time studying the creations of artists and gaining insight from their experiences, too. Before finding fame, many well-known artists experienced several rejections and obstacles. Their experiences serve as a reminder that failure frequently serves as a springboard for success. A trip to the museum can be handy for this or even giving yourself “great master” exercises for your sketchbook, like I give in my drawing classes as a weekly project.

Growth Mindset

Lastly, maintain a growth mindset. View each artistic endeavor as a chance to learn, experiment, and develop your skills. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and celebrate progress, no matter how small. By shifting your perspective on failure, you can transform it from a hindrance into a catalyst for personal and artistic development.

Although it may seem challenging, keep in mind that artist's block is a transient condition that can be overcame. You can overcome the creative blocks and reclaim your artistic flow by comprehending its reasons and putting useful ideas into practice. Accept the process, look for inspiration, make objectives, try new things, take care of yourself, and learn from mistakes. Because every artist's path is different, pick the strategies that speak to you and customize them for your creative process.

Keep in mind that creation is a highly subjective and dynamic experience. Accept the difficulties, persevere, and never lose sight of the joy that creating art offers to you. Artist's block may seem like a barrier, but with some of these techniques, you may use it as a springboard for further artistic development and expression.

So, let go of self-doubt, unleash your imagination, and start your journey to artistic fulfillment. The world is ready to see the beauty you make, and the canvas is waiting for your colorful strokes.

Some books I find helpful when I’m in an art block:

Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover New Ideas. Advice & Projects from 50 Successful Artists by Danielle Krysa

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Feck Perfuction: Dangerous Ideas on the Business of Life by James Victore

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

And for our graphic design friends:

Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills by David Sherwin

The Graphic Design Exercise Book by Jessica Glaser