If you’re a fellow creative like me, I’m sure you’ve felt the intimidation and pressure behind starting a project and creating new works.
I’m a photographer and illustrator, and at times I find it immensely difficult to not only get inspiration for projects, but also even getting started on any ideas I’ve had in mind for a while. Up until my recent boost in creativity and motivation, I used to put off making artwork, and unless it’s for work or my school projects, I somehow managed to find an excuse for as to why I’ve not gone out and done that shoot or started on that rough sketch of a new painting.
Artists refer to the lack of creative boosts and motivation to make new work as artists block, and it can be a big downer when trying to get your work out there and have new content to share.
If this sounds like you and you’re in a creative dump, here’s some of my tips and ideas for trying to get around your artist block!
Just go for it.
That sounds easier said than done, but I promise it does wonders. One of the biggest reasons I personally have put off working on art projects in the past is because in my head, I would tell myself that I had to be sitting and working a certain environment with all responsibilities for school and life already done, and by doing that I gave myself the opportunity to continue pushing off my creative work.
Take a break for yourself in the day and just start doodling out that design you have in the back of your head even if you can’t go sit in your favorite coffee shop. If you have time to sit around on your phone, you have more than enough time to at least take a look into your personal creative projects.
You don’t have to finish them when you start, but even just starting them can get your creative juices flowing. Who knows, you might be so into it you end up finishing it up, and even getting ideas for new works.
If you get an idea, write it down so you don’t forget. Even if you don’t start it then if you’re busy, you can come back to it.
Disregard judgement from others.
As an artist, our work is always open to interpretation and judgement even if we didn’t ask for it. You’re making art for yourself, and of course while in an ideal world, you would want everyone to like your content, that’s virtually impossible. Don’t let the fear of possible negative reactions be the reason you hold back from making work and putting it out there. Think of the positive responses you will get and take the chance that negative responses can teach you ways to improve.
If you share and post your work, force yourself to share progress and post final pieces. It’s a great way to get your content out there and potentially discovered. You can get improvement feedback and grow your audience.
Take a break.
If you’re getting frustrated with an idea or stuck in a project, take a break and come back to it with a fresh mind. Go out for a bit, or start on an idea you have that may be easier to tackle.
Check out old work or try and edit something you’ve been stumped with.
Finish projects you’ve started but put off for a while. You might have gotten new inspiration and ideas from the time you started it and picked it back up.
There’s no such thing as an unfixable mistake in art. If you screw up, try and make something new out of it and embrace it. If it’s really bothering you, start with a fresh page or project.
Change it up!
Change up your typical work space. It boosts creativity and makes your mind fresh. Clean up around your work space if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed.
Out of ideas?
- Explore works of artists you’re familiar with or like.
- Look into works you’re not familiar with.
- Sit in a comfortable environment and try and force yourself to work.
- Go out on a walk, do some chores, talk to friends and people.
- Take a reference photo or image you really like and try and replicate it in your own personal style.
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