Artist Block Too Often?
Art is everywhere; in other countries, on the walls of restaurants and even on the walls in our homes done by a two year old that got a hold of some lipstick. Yes, that is the beginning of life for most of us. But let us take a moment to appreciate our in between points where we just forget all of our skills and our brain says to us, "Forget you, forget your skills, we're not doing this for the next three weeks. I quit."
Artist block seems to be taking over many people from what I see. Whether you are a concept artist, illustrator, cartoonist or simply just someone who likes to explore their creative side; artist block has (at one point or another) taken over. So without further or do, here are 10 ways to deal with or cope with the block:
1. LISTEN TO MUSIC:
Silence is golden. Until you have artist block and everything around you distracts you and the urge to draw is still strong. Many aritsts find it easy to rid themselves of artist block by putting on their favorite song or even a new genre completely. So get that YouTube playlist going!
2. DRAW A CIRCLE (or other shape):
For me, I love circles. If anyone ever examined my doodles they would notice there is a circle in every single one of those puppies. Some people have favorite shapes that they incorporate and so you should start anywhere on the page and draw a circle (or any shape, large or small) and go from there. In the example I chose Triangles to get out of my habit of circles [haha].
3. Create A Superhero:
At times, we just don't know where to start and music or shapes just don't cut it. Why not take an old (or new) photo of someone and turn them into a superhero? It may lead to more than just a doodle.
4. TAKE AN ANIMAL AND CREATE A HUMAN VERSION:
Sometimes we see different drawings of different styles. Many times we see people obsessed with mixing the genes of one animal and giving them human attributes. Why can't you do the same? A cat/human hybrid (neko) is a perfect example. In my attempt, I used a raccoon and turned it inot a young boy.
5. WATCH A SPEED PAINT:
[Speed paint by 'M i r e y's']
There are a lot of artists we look up to that inspire us (for me that would be Loish, Bethany Rodriguez from Catnip's Corner, Darius Miller, Melon from Melon Draws and Melon on Fire [just a few]). Sometimes watching one of their speed paints or scrolling through their doodles and drawings gives us ideas to go and create something brand new!
6. GO OUTSIDE:
When you can't think of anything to draw or paint, trying going outside with your materials and paint still life images like a scenery or if scenes aren't your thing, go into the public, take a seat at the park or even in a coffee shop- somewhere you can sit- and draw or sketch people before they leave. If your digital materials are your medium and they are portable, take them with you! This is a scene from a comic I was working on, characters Anidin and Cherry Bird.
7. CREATE A MONSTER:
This is somewhat similar to mixing animals and turning animals into people completely. When you doodle or set out to create a species that doesn't exactly exist, you cannot mess up. Try drawing something with fangs or something with wings and claws!
8. GO BACK TO YOUR ROOTS:
Drawing on one medium for too long can make you feel worn out in the creativity. If you are a digital artist or even a painter, go back to the old fashioned pen/pencil and paper. Sometimes switching mediums helps your mind's creative juices flow like a river.
9. TRY SWITCHING MEDIUMS:
Switching mediums can help your mind get back on the creative track. When it comes to how you work, it could be nerve-stunning if you put your standards very high, but all you have to do is remember you're just getting over your art block and so anything goes! Above is an example as I switched from drawing, to melting crayons. Yes, crayons.
10. TAKE A BREAK:
As artists, we definitelys work our minds into overdrive. So when you can't think of anything and your creative juices are on E, find something else to do and come back to the art later on. You never know what random objects can inspire your next masterpiece!
