Artblock is really common and could be caused by any range of things, like feeling burned out, running out of ideas, or negative self-talk. If you’re feeling blocked, it’s important to try and figure out the cause, because the solutions are different for each one!
- Burnout: If you’re feeling burned out, you have to slow down and recover from that before you can back into the flow of drawing. Shift your focus to your basic needs and get as much rest as you can. Do activities that inspire and energize you – even if they are not art-related. If you have the energy to draw, stick to things that come easily to you and that feel comfortable. When you recover from the burnout, your creative energy and ideas will probably return too!
- Negative self-talk: If you are continually bashing yourself and feeling disappointed in your art, you are creating a toxic mindset that will make you feel scared to create. Your art will suffer as a result, which in turn will make you feel worse about what you create – trapping you in a negative cycle. You have to break the cycle by focusing on attainable goals, getting back to your comfort zone, and being more compassionate towards yourself. Check out Loish’s Digital Art School for free worksheets that will help you develop a healther attitude towards your own art!
- Boredom / feeling stuck: Feeling stuck often happens when you have an intense focus on a specific aspect of your workflow that isn’t improving or evolving. Focusing on it is keeping you from getting fresh perspective, or growing in other areas of your art. For situations like these, trying a new medium can be really inspiring, as well as drawing new subject matter. Go outside of your comfort zone and you’ll find something that sparks your creativity!
My main advice is to be kind and patient towards yourself if you are blocked! Many artists have a natural urge to be more strict towards themselves because they think this will boost their growth. This usually doesn’t work, and can even make the problem worse. You will experience way more artistic growth if you’re enjoying what you do, so make that a priority!