Overcoming Artist Blocks

Did I just mention the thing that cannot be named?! Listen, this is normal part of being an artist.. and a human really. The way I see it is our actions stopped meeting our expectations and that can be frustrating as hell. First step is to remember you’re not a machine, you’re a human; most importantly you’re a soul. The creative process starts getting overwhelming the moment we think of creating to sell or to be liked on a social platform. Remember: we create to talk.

Here’s some tips to help you get over the creative funk:

• Ditch Perfectionism: Allow yourself to create messy, imperfect, or "bad" art to remove pressure.

• Focus on the Process: Do simple exercises like doodling, gesture drawing, or color swatching instead of aiming for a masterpiece.

• Experiment: Try new mediums, colors, or techniques you normally avoid.

• Set Small Goals: Aim for a short 10-minute session or one small sketch to build momentum. 

• Date Yourself: Take an art class, or something you’ve always been curious about.

• Connect with Nature: Humans are part of the animal kingdom, and connecting with nature positively impacts our mental health.

• Change Scenery: Work in a different location or simply tidy your studio.

• Limit Screens: Reduce phone/laptop time to free up mental space and imagination.

• Establish Routine: Create a consistent, even short, creative schedule. 

** A great resource is the book The Artists Way by Julia Cameron. This book is magic for the creative mind. It starts by clarifying that we’re all creatives! It doesn’t matter what is your profession, it takes creativity to solve problems. Yes, dear reader. That means that you are also an artist.