Often when we are stuck inside we look to art and creative practices for our entertainment. One thing any artist will tell you about creating whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro is the curse of art block. We have been staying inside for a few years now due to the pandemic, and most people who have been taking up new practices since their new found homebody lifestyle have been practicing for enough time to have come across this new plague. Here are some of my personal ways of boosting my creativity and fighting my art block.
Organize in a Way That Makes Your Brain Happy
When it comes to my art supplies they are meticulously organized, and at this point they are among the only things that are organized at all. I like to organize my supplies by activity such as needle work or watercolor painting. This way when I'm inspired I can grab a basket or two and have all I need, making creating convenient. Some people prefer to see all they have while they work and if that's you do it. Your creative space should also be organized in a way that you can make anything your heart desires. I prefer my space to be completely clear since I tend to make a huge mess when creating and don't want anything messing with my flow.
Shop Your Closet (or Studio)
Shop your closet is a popular movement in the sustainability community. All you need to do is instead of looking for clothing, look through your art supplies for anything that inspires you. The idea behind this is to avoid spending more money than necessary while finding items you own that you may have forgotten about. You never know when a color you impulse bought may be the inspiration for an entire piece. This also provides an amazing opportunity to try mixed media if you're extremely stuck. Try using every piece that inspires you at once, whatever breaks down your creative walls.
Studies
When you're experiencing art block DO NOT stop creating. This is the perfect time to brush up on your technical skills. In any practice there is always room for improvement. Why not take a look at some anatomy drawing books or learn a new knitting stitch. The new skills you learn may inspire you, and if not whenever you trigger your creativity again you'll be prepared with new skills in your arsenal.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is the death of creativity. When you try to emulate others' work out of insecurity in your own imagination you are compromising your authentic and unique perspective. Not only can this extend art block, it can also cause it. The only comparison you need is between you now and your past self, be proud of that personal growth. I know this is much easier said than done. This may look like ignoring social media while creating or having a glass of wine (if you are of age) to take off the nerves (the only time I encourage drinking alone is a for personal wine and paint nights)
Let Loose
Often creators will place pressure on ourselves to create beautiful pieces of art every time. That is not the reality. We are human and should expect imperfection. You will never create anything if you fear imperfection. You must let your perfectionism go. One way I let it all go is by creating art that just makes me happy. When I'm creating for my joy then it's perfect every time. Rediscover the fun part of creating.
Try Something New
This idea often works together with letting loose. When you try something new you are expected to fail a few times at least. The lack of pressure often reignites the artist's joy for creating. Another way this technique can help is by seeing art from a new perspective. Each practice has different steps to creating a piece yet often the steps necessary for one practice can be transferred to another. Let your brain reset while playing around with a new medium. You never know where you will find inspiration.
Where do you find your inspiration?
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