Artists Answer the Question: How do you manage art block?
What is Art Block?
"Artist's block" is when art runs dry and art inspiration becomes lacking.
It can happen to anyone at any time, any artist, musician or visual arts and even writers experience this blockage. A blockage of ideas and even the absence of will.
What could be the reason?
There is a saying by Lee Hammond who does art therapy, on his article about overcoming art block.
Source
Do you agree with Hammond? I do agree.
Subjects can be all around us, it is a matter of drawing them. Will you?
5 ways I kept art block away
As an artist, it is important to keep making art for the reasons of keeping your skills sharp, for emotional healthy expressions and for most, to gain income through paid works.
I have not had art block for almost a year. I draw 6 hours a day and even sleep at 1- 2AM just to draw. I always had ideas and the drive to keep going.
Here they are :
(1) Find Your Inspiration
I was first inspired upon seeing Alex Boyd's Circle of Life music video
I knew how valuable life is and for these endangered Rhinos, it was worthwhile drawing them and then I decided to be a wildlife artist.
(2) Art Trades and Art Requests
Art Trades and Art Requests are one fun way to challenge yourself to create art for others. You also get art in exchange. I did this with a few of my art buddies!
(3) Warm up with basic drawing or sketches
When facing art block, you have pencil and paper with you but all blank.
- Doodle
- Do some shadings
- Random sketches
These can give you ideas!
(4) Join Art Contests and Challenges
Art Contests have a great motivator behind it, exposure, improvement and rewards. Probably this can fuel your drive as it did mine.
(5) Take a break
I take a one day break sometimes. Just to refresh myself. Also leave time to do other activities. This boosts mood!
ARTISTS SPEAK
I asked my artist friends:
I asked two groups, one on www.deviantart.com and on facebook.
Here are their answers!
I watch movies/ tutorials on youtube or look at awesome pictures of artworks on google.
Watch cartoons, then (listen to) music
Sleep, when I wake up, try again
Music, fastest way to recover
Rest, sleep a little, till you want to draw again.
My problem is when my back hurts
(But no really) I listen to chill kind of music
It's ridiculous to say you have art block if your subject is realism or portraits maybe the artist just feels lazy. Those who have the right to say they have art block are those concept artists who don't rely on copies for their art. When I do face art block I look at my favorites artist's art or watch anime to refresh myself. 🌋
Take a break, we get tired too
We need a new goal to be inspired in art
And on Deviantart website
Think about it and be inspired!
There can be many things to draw! I hope this has helped you with your art block!
keep making art!
🎨 Have a great journey!
Thank you for stopping by!
This post is sponsored by @appreciator in collaboration with #steemitbloggers. Keep up the good work
Good pointers! My view on this is that if one wants to avoid lack of motivation, or art block, is to draw something every single day and also to have deadlines for your own work. If I feel lack of motivation it is usually after a large project and it can sometimes be daunting to work from a blank piece of white paper again. It is also a good idea to have some side projects you can work on as a warm up to the larger projects. Warming up in art is very important and one shouldn't forget that, much like stretching before doing sports. If nothing works, take a walk outside or focus on some other hobby for an hour or two, but make sure you come back to your pen and paper later in the day!
I totally agree with the side projects. At times I have multiple art pieces that I work on rotation so it keeps my interest and copes with my mood.
Thank you for that insight :)
I just figured I'd write something about art block since I've been so driven lately, I never had it. Just got physically worn out but not my interest.
Never dampened.
Great to hear! I think art block is more common for those who are starting out or have been drawing for a short while as they haven't yet developed a routine to it. I definitely can admit to having had my share of art blocks when starting out, ahah!
Me too! You're right. Well said. Haha
Great ideas from a wide background of people.
Yes I enjoyed collecting the data :) thank you. It does help
I think this type of "block" happen to every profession. But in most of the cases, this is temporary issue I think
Yes it is temporary hehe
Im always on art block
find inspiration! :D follow your mood :D
Great post! so what challenges posts do you recommend to participate in?
ART CHALLENGES!
on different websites or among friends if you have artist friends
www.deviantart.com
and heere on steemit, art contests and art challenges!
oh no I don't have artist friends lol! I have to find here :P
I've got many I'll introduce u haha
That would be good :D! Right now I'm just doing a challenge on my own, to draw each day for 30 days
I liked a beautiful art that I liked
Nice. Thanks!
Welcome😭😭😭
Sometimes you have phases where you "breathe in", which involves gathering inspirations, practicing your technique, consider theory and living new experiences.
Sometimes you have phases where you "breathe out", which involves setting fire to ideas, producing and just letting the pencil dance.
Sometimes one comes easier that the other. With enough practice and discipline however you can maintain states for longer. Artwork shouldn't be forced, but sometimes you gotta be creative/professional enough to be able to produce even when you are not "feeling it".
I think the occasional "Artist's Block" is a naturally occurring part of any creative life. If you get one, probably best to just step away for a while. If you don't have that option, focus on the things you enjoy, hunker down and power through.
Yes breathe in and inhale the good stuff. Be inspired.
People who have art as a living must make art and art block makes it tough.
Thanks for the comment, totally agree. Very nice.
amazing art works.
Thank you very much!!