How to Avoid Creative Block – Revised

7 Totally Doable Tips

How does an artist avoid creative block? Is it even a thing? I’ve heard arguments for both sides of creative block. Some say the block is just laziness and others say that it happens to the best of us, lazy or not. I would agree with the latter.

But staying blocked is a sign of laziness.

Or maybe, you’re not really blocked at all.

Maybe you’re just bored, which is a form of laziness. And maybe that’s okay on occasion. Take it as a sign that you need a break and go do something totally different. Go for a walk, listen to some music, meditate. That way you can come back with a refreshed mind. But like anything else, stimulating creativity takes work. So without further ado, let’s roll up our sleeves and prepare to avoid creative block.

1. Ditch the perfectionism illusion.

   The fact is, that we’re not perfect beings and therefore perfection is an impossibility. And who cares anyway as long as you have fun? The truth is, getting hung up on perfection can be (and probably is) the number one reason you become blocked. ………………………………………………………………………………..

   

   The pressure for perfection can put you into a very real state of performance anxiety, very much like the fear of public speaking. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Evgheni  Lachi)    

   It’s performance anxiety as its best, like stage fright. You get up to the mic and your mind goes blank. So go into each project with the sole purpose of having fun. Treat each project like an experiment and go into it with curiosity. By default, each experiment should teach you something. So take the pressure off. Don’t fear the mistakes. Be grateful for the learning experience! ……………………………………………………………………………
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   Keep a note pad or sketchbook handy to jot down or sketch ideas so you can remember them later. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: dolgachov)

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2. Keep a Log of Ideas.

   This can be any type of log you want…sketchbook, notebook, or even a 3-ring binder with a combination of note paper and plastic sleeves. The idea is that when you come across something that grabs your attention or piques your curiosity, you jot it down so that you can go back to it later when you have time or in this case, when you run out of ideas. What’s handy about a binder with plastic sleeves is that it allows you to tear a page out of a magazine for example, and keep it neatly contained in the sleeve rather than having loose pages lying around your studio. What better way to avoid creative block than to have a cache of ideas waiting to go?

3. Social media is chock full of ideas to help you.

   I use this one a lot and not just to waste time. I follow a good number of artists of all varieties, not just those who do work similar to mine. Why? Because some glass workers, sculptors, marker artists, etc. do some crazy cool work that inspires me. Not to copy what they’re doing, but to tweak the idea they gave me and apply it or translate it somehow to a drawing. Social media is my go-to anytime I have to wait somewhere. I will sometimes even schedule it into my calendar as research time because platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter are just inundated daily with artists’ work. I follow the ones that inspire me.

4. Avoid creative block by visiting museums or zoos.

   Big museums like Natural History museums have thousands of exhibits, and not just art exhibits. You’ll find everything from T-Rex skeletons, to insects, animals, ancient artifacts, and the list goes on. Some smaller museums are more specialized. For example, there are museums that only exhibit WWII vehicles and aircraft, weapons, and uniforms. The Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage Museum in Los Angeles is obviously focused on the American West. Besides the artwork and sculptures, there are old west rifles, saddles, and even a stagecoach. I’ve been to a museum that is filled to the brim with bananas. Banana plushies, banana lunch boxes, banana mobiles, banana bandanas, and anything else you can imagine that had a banana on it. The point is, museums are full of stuff to get your creativity going. ……
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   Classes are available online, not just in classrooms. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Dmitrii Shironosov)

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5. Take some classes.

   Before you panic at the thought of huge student loans, consider this…there are tons of free (or very inexpensive) lessons online. Many of them give you access to more in-depth courses through the artist’s own website for a much smaller fee than any college course. Proko and Aaron Blaise comes to mind. Kline Academy of Fine Art is another great online option. Some art supply or craft stores have one time classes for a small fee. Community colleges are another route if you don’t mind paying a bit more. You might also check with some colleges for after-hours life drawing labs that you can attend for free (or a small fee).

6. Hang out with artistic friends.

   Creativity can get smothered in isolation. I remember when I was attending art school that the cafeteria was filled with art students. Rarely did you see a student sitting there just eating. Everyone usually had a sketchbook with them. The air was thick with creativity. It was a palpable energy. Very contagious. Of course, it helps if you have an art school near you. No rule says that you can’t hang out in the cafeteria. But if you have creative friends, maybe arrange lunch or coffee dates and bring your sketchbook. I’ve seen quite a few people sketching in my local coffee shop. Other options might be apps like Meetup. Join art groups who meet regularly to draw or paint. ……………..
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   Idea prompt jars can keep your creativity going strong. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Viktoriia Marteniuk)

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7. Idea Jars.

   Fill jars with word prompts and pick a word or a few words and combine them into one sketch. Google drawing prompts and you’ll find more than you hoped for. Print them and cut them out into strips, fold them up, and put them in your jar. Here’s an idea jar concept of my own design that’s free for you to download.

So, there you have it. Seven tips which should help you avoid creative block. It’s important to not beat yourself up if you’re honestly lazy. We all deserve time to veg every now and then. But as for staying truly blocked? Well, that’s a different story. It’s up to you to do the work and get yourself going again. I’m not going to lie. It takes work. But guess what?

You’ve got this!