Uphill Creativity
Ever feel like your creativity is underwater? That spark that has burned so bright in the past seems muffled. Still there but just barely? Last year, I felt like this for almost the entire year. I didn’t stop creating but I continually felt uninspired. I used this time to try out various mediums and took some online Domestika classes to spark creativity. It helped me to continue to grow even when inspiration was illusive.
I’m happy to report, I have had a breakthrough. These techniques of switching up my medium among other things did in fact see me through an almost year long art block. Now that I have found myself on the other side of it, I just want to share some tips that helped me over come low motivation, art block, and feeling aimless. If this sounds like you, read on!
Tip # 1: Take a break!
I know it sounds obvious but it’s true! Sometimes it’s best to go do something else. For me personally, I love to pick up my embroidery or sewing projects in between brainstorming my next illustration. The most important thing to do though on your break is GO OUTSIDE! I don’t need to tell you all the benefits because you know you feel better after you’ve been outside so just go do it.
Tip #2: Set Goals! Pump yourself up!
If your life needs an exclamation point go find one! Surround yourself with highly motivated people. Glean inspiration from their success, keeping in mind that everyone’s success looks different to them. Sometimes, being around motivated people is easier said than done in a highly pessimistic world. I would be lying if I told you I am a naturally optimistic person. I tend to be cynical and sarcastic. Yup! I may draw cozy little creatures but I constantly fight cynicism in my daily life. One of the tactics I use to help keep me motivated is listening to a motivational audiobook about once a quarter. My two favorites are Born to Win by Zig Ziglar and Atomic Habits. I reccomend both of these to help refresh your world view.
Tip #3: Don’t let your break be too long!
Do NOT let your break be longer than a week unless you're on a special vacation of course. Get back on that horse, make some bad art, experiment with a slightly different medium. I picked up acrylic and alcohol markers with colored pencils. I made some of my favorite pieces trying these out and now they have become part of my creative arsenal.
Tip #4: Curate Your Space
It’s embarrassing to say but I have recently figured out that if I just clean my house I can think much clearer and therefore be more creative. This one is always a challenge for me since I am a naturally messy and disorganized person plus I homeschool- so there’s that too. I am the stereotypical artist Hollywood portrays in the movies. But a clean and organized workspace has only enhanced my creativity. So instead of sitting frustrated at my cluttered desk, I just get up and clean it. Usually this is enough to get the creative juices flowing. I will admit though, that the mess can pile up quickly and I’m constantly fighting the urge to be a pack rat. My studio doubles as a homeschool room so sometimes the decor isn’t my first choice. However, my art desk is all mine and now that I have taken the time to “Curate” my environment (specifically my desk) motivation and creativity flows easier. My personal theme for 2025 is COZY! ( not cluttered)
Tip #5: Develop your Personal Creative Process
So now that you’ve walked away, gone outside, cleaned your space and have come back to the drawing table my last tip of the day is this: DEVELOP AN ART PROCESS! Keep in mind that this is a constantly developing system that helps you achieve success more often than not. When an artist can consistently deliver good results it is usually the result of a process. I am constantly adjusting and shifting my art process to fit my creative endeavors. I add or delete portions of my process to ensure success in my illustrations. I still fail sometimes, but every one does. A process just lets you win more often than not. Check out the art process of artists you admire and see what you can incorporate into your own to help you create the illustrations you see in your head.
