Top 5 Ways to Beat Artist’s Block
Feeling stuck in your art? Artist block can hit hard, leaving you staring at a blank canvas with no ideas in sight. But you don't have to stay stuck. This post will cover five practical ways to push through artist block. From quick time-limited challenges to changing your routine, these methods can help you get back into your creative flow.
1. Change Your Environment and Workout
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes. Moving to a different location, like a walk in a park, can refresh your perspective. Physical exercise can also make a difference. I find that regular workouts and swimming help me reset my mind when I'm feeling creatively blocked. A swim or a run clears my thoughts, making room for new ideas.
2. Create with a Time Limit
3. Look at Your Older Work
Revisiting your past work can remind you of ideas and techniques you may have forgotten. You might find inspiration in an old style or concept you want to revisit. My comic collages, for example, often inspire me when I feel stuck. They remind me of the styles and themes that sparked my creativity before, which can be a helpful way to jumpstart new ideas.
4. Talk with Other Artists or Browse TikTok and Instagram
Connecting with other artists can spark new ideas. Chat with fellow creators about their projects or challenges. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are great places to find inspiration. Seeing how other artists work through their creative blocks can offer new techniques or themes to explore.
5. Break Up a Project into Segments
Big projects can be overwhelming, especially when you're feeling blocked. Instead of tackling everything at once, break the work into smaller parts. I had to do this with my painting "Feline Window Watchers" (seen above)—it was a challenge that required focusing on one section at a time to get it done. This makes the task feel more manageable and keeps you moving forward.
Conclusion:
Beating artist block doesn’t have to be complicated. By trying out these strategies—setting time limits, changing up your routine, talking with others, breaking projects down, and reflecting on your past work—you can get back into your creative groove. What do you do when you hit a creative block? Share your tips in the comments!