Episode 83 : Dealing with creative block
For a couple of months the Ask an Artist Team are taking a break from recording to concentrate on other things that need to be done: On-line teaching and book writing both have deadlines that cannot be put off! While they are away they have selected some of their favourite episodes from the archive.
This weeks’ replay deals with the tricky subject of creative block. How do you get the creative juices flowing again? First released in March 2020
In this episode…
1. Creative block comes in various forms so try and work out where the issue lies. Is the problem a lack of ideas, a knock to your confidence, a setback with time or lack of organisation, or are you simply feeling overwhelmed? Pinpoint the problem; it’s easier to tackle specifics.
2. It’s totally normal to experience creative block. Every artist has experience of this difficulty. Simply Googling ‘famous artist creative block’ will be a huge comfort if you are feeling alone!
3. Mental block (lack of ideas): make a change / set a brief. Simply working in a different way or with a new pen or brush may be enough to kick start your creativity. Alternatively set yourself a brief with some rules for the next piece of work. Give yourself something novel and/or specific to hang ideas from and they will return.
4. Confidence block (lack of confidence): hurt by negative criticism? Review the scene as an onlooker and distance yourself a little: we all inflate and over dramatize criticism. Buddy up with likeminded people whenever you can and develop a network where any criticism will be supportive and intended to grow your art, not block it. Work with realistic goals, step by step, where progress is easier to see and achieve, rather than setting yourself up for knockbacks with unrealistically high or impractical ambitions.
5. Time or organisational block: remember art is a discipline. Commit to making art and set time aside specifically (however short) for making. Be respectful of your work and time when you talk to family and friends. If you take your art seriously, so will they. Never wait for the magic of inspiration. Turn up and start working. Even if the work isn’t successful at first, keep going.
6. Ideas overload: take a step back if your head is swimming with too many ideas. This is the time to give yourself a little space. Write a list or make a plan and take small steps forward to avoid being overwhelmed. Take a break from technology too and focus on yourself in peace and quiet.
The Takeaway
You aren’t alone, we all suffer from creative block, so stay calm and take some practical steps to resolve things and you’ll soon be back to creating work.
