Is Creative Block the Arch Nemesis of an Artist?
I know at times for me, it sure feels that way. Creative block sneaks in like a shadowy villain, always lurking when I need inspiration the most. It feeds on my doubt, whispering that my work isn’t good enough. Some days, it feels like inspiration is some kind of magic force that I just can’t seem to harness, no matter how hard I try.
It’s during these times that self-doubt creeps in, and those all-too-familiar thoughts pop up:
“You can’t do this.”
“You aren’t that creative.”
“Maybe this isn’t for you.”
“You Won’t Make it.”
I know I’m not alone in this—so many artists experience these thoughts. The worst part? They feel convincing. The more we listen to them, the more they take root. But here’s the truth I’ve learned over time: those thoughts are liars. Creative block isn’t a sign that you’re not an artist; it’s just a roadblock. And every roadblock has a way around it.
Where Does It Come From?
The first step to overcoming a creative block is understanding where it comes from. Blocks don’t just appear out of nowhere; they have roots. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Perfectionism – Feeling like everything you create has to be just right can make starting and finishing feel impossible.
- Overwhelm – Too many ideas, or too many responsibilities, can leave your brain stuck in analysis paralysis.
- Fear of Failure – Worrying that something won’t turn out well can keep you from even beginning.
- Comparison – Seeing other artists’ work and feeling like you don’t measure up can be demotivating.
- Stagnation – Repeating the same creative process over and over can sometimes make things feel uninspired.
- Loneliness – Creativity thrives in connection, and isolation can sometimes make inspiration harder to find.
- General Life Stress – Sometimes, the block isn’t about art at all—it’s just life piling up.
Often, it’s not just one thing but a mix of these factors working together. That’s why it’s important to pause and ask yourself: What’s really causing this block? Understanding, and naming it will allow you to take control of these negative feelings. If your
*Struggling to identify the root, you can use the exercise below to help sort it out:
A Simple Exercise to Identify Your Block
- Grab a piece of paper or open a notes app.
- Set a timer for five minutes and write down: Why do I feel blocked right now?
- Don’t overthink it—just write whatever comes to mind. It might be:
- “I feel like I’ll never be as good as other artists.”
- “I don’t know where to start.”
- “I’m just exhausted and need a break.”
- Once the timer goes off, read what you wrote. You may discover that your block isn’t really about creativity at all—it’s about fear, burnout, or self-doubt.
Recognizing the why behind your block is the first step to moving past it.
Tips for Overcoming Creative Block
Creative block is frustrating, but the good news is that it’s not permanent. Here are some strategies to help you work through it and get back to creating:
1. Give Yourself Permission to Make “Bad” Art
One of the biggest reasons creative block takes hold is fear—fear that what we make won’t be good enough. But creativity thrives when we let go of perfectionism. Set a timer for 10 minutes and make something just for fun. It doesn’t have to be pretty, polished, or even finished—just start. Lines, shapes and blogs are all a great place to start.
2. Take a Step Back
If you’ve been staring at a blank page or canvas for too long, step away. Sometimes, distance is the best cure. Whether it’s taking a walk, listening to music, or switching to a different creative project, giving your brain a break can make a world of difference.
3. Change Up Your Process
If you always approach art the same way, it can start to feel repetitive. Try something different! If you normally draw digitally, try sketching with pencil. If you always plan everything in detail, experiment with spontaneity. Changing your approach can reignite your excitement. Play with different mediums and techniques when feeling stuck.
4. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Feeling overwhelmed can lead to creative paralysis. Instead of thinking, I have to create a masterpiece, start small. Tell yourself:
- I will sketch for five minutes.
- I will mix three new colors and see what happens.
- I will write down five ideas, even if they aren’t perfect.
Small steps build momentum, and momentum defeats creative block.
5. Connect with Other Artists
Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Talking to fellow artists, joining a creative community, or even watching process videos can help spark inspiration. Seeing how others approach their work can remind you that creativity is a journey, not a perfect straight line. There are online communities, but I recommend looking for creative outlets in your own community to help make those connections.
6. Revisit Past Work
Look back at things you’ve created in the past—old sketches, unfinished ideas, or even past projects you loved. Sometimes, inspiration is already within you; it just needs to be rediscovered.
Exercises for Inspiration
Occasionally, inspiration will fall into your lap. Other times, you have to go looking for it. If you’re feeling stuck, try these exercises to help get your creativity flowing again:
1. Get Out of Your Environment
If you find yourself hitting your head against the desk, it’s time for a change of scenery. Go for a walk, visit a new place, or even rearrange your workspace. Pay attention to the little details around you—the textures of leaves, the colors of buildings, the shapes of shadows. Inspiration often hides in everyday moments.
2. Make a Mood Board
Sometimes, picking a theme, subject, or color and building a mood board around it can jumpstart your creativity. Whether you create a physical collage with magazine clippings or a digital one on Pinterest, gathering visual inspiration can help spark new ideas.
3. Try Creative Challenges & Tutorials
Sometimes, structure helps when inspiration is lacking. Consider trying:
- Daily drawing prompts (websites like Draw This in Your Style or Inktober provide great ones)
- Art tutorials (learning a new technique can give you fresh ideas)
- One-word prompts (pick a random word and create something inspired by it)
Giving yourself a specific challenge can push you outside of your comfort zone and open the door to unexpected inspiration.
Prevention is Key
As artists, we know that creative blocks are always lurking just around the corner. Whether it’s burnout, self-doubt, or simply feeling uninspired, these moments can be incredibly frustrating. But just like any other challenge, prevention is possible, and a few thoughtful strategies can make all the difference in keeping your creativity flowing.
1. Keep Learning and Exploring New Things
When creative block strikes, it can help to step away from your usual routine and dive into something completely new. Learning something outside of your comfort zone—whether it’s experimenting with a different medium, acquiring a new skill, or simply diving into a subject that sparks your curiosity—can reignite your creative fire.
For example, I recently became fascinated by flamingos. I started watching documentaries, reading about their behavior, and even sketching them in different styles. This isn’t just about creating new work, but expanding your understanding of the world around you. Inspiration doesn’t always come from doing more art; sometimes it comes from growing as a person. By exploring different subjects or techniques, you can find new ways to approach your art and gain fresh insights into your creative process.
2. Maintain Balance Between Work, Rest, and Self-Care
It’s easy to feel like creativity must always be productive. But when you push yourself too hard, creativity can feel suffocated. Balancing work, rest, and self-care is critical to sustaining anything for a long-term.
Make sure you’re giving yourself time to recharge. This can mean taking breaks, spending time outdoors, or engaging in hobbies that aren’t directly related to your art. When you step away from your work, it’s often when the best ideas strike. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and mental well-being. After all, creativity isn’t just about producing; it’s about maintaining your energy and passion for the long haul.
3. Remember: Creative Blocks Are Temporary
The most important thing to keep in mind when facing creative block is that it’s temporary. It’s easy to think that when you hit a roadblock, your creativity is gone for good. But like any challenge, it will pass. The key is to not let it define your journey.
Even on the days when you don’t feel like creating, taking small actions can help. Keep a sketchbook handy and doodle, write, or just experiment without the pressure of creating something “good.” Every small act of creativity, even just a single doodle, is a step toward finding your flow again. You don’t need to create a masterpiece every day. Simply showing up is enough.
Bonnie Christine is a world famous surface pattern designer who teaches a “One Thing a Day” strategy, and if your not familiar with it, I would highly recommend checking out her website.
5. Be Gentle with Yourself
During times of creative block, the most important thing is to be kind to yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like a failure when things aren’t flowing, but remember that everyone goes through these periods. Art is a journey, and it’s okay to have moments of pause. The key is to trust that the creativity will return.
If you’re feeling frustrated, try to be compassionate and patient with yourself. Take things one step at a time and allow the process to unfold naturally. Be gentle with your mind, and know that you’re allowed to rest, reset, and come back to your work when you’re ready. And above all, keep going. Keep creating, even in small ways. Your creativity is always there, waiting for you to reconnect with it.
❤ Kelly
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