Discussoin thread::: Creative Block!

[Sepulverture]

Like most artists, I've been suffering from creativity block the last couple of weeks, and it was pretty bad this week. After thinking about the number of threads in the lounge asking for advice about how to solve this kind of problem I decided to open a How-To "get over creativity block" thread with the hopes that everyone will come in and discuss practical tips for moving past these tough periods.

[crossmirage]

Find some artwork you like/admire and keep them in a folder. Once in a while, open that folder again. Are there any images you don't find appealing anymore? If yes, delete them. Afterwards, ask yourself why those images were deleted. You may or may not be surprised by your own answers.

Alternatively, strive to make a piece better than one image of your choice in your picture folder. Once you have done that and you feel that you can do better, delete that image. If you have a large collection of images you'll never run out of things to draw.

[Sepulverture]

That's a great idea. Thanks for being the first to post up here:) .

[Jazz]

Keep a schedule where you can make time to do something you want to do. It doesn't HAVE to be drawing or practicing, but something that turns the gears in yours head or just makes you feel happy/excited. Try sticking to that time and making SOMETHING. :D

Try working on a medium different from what you're used to. I think the most interesting thing I've done regarding art was programming for 3D animation. Now that's really out there for some I bet, but if there's something you've been working with (like a programming language or something), use it creatively and you might think of new ways to create art.

Keep encouraging yourself, even with a block. Negativity, as I know all too well, can keep a person feeling more stagnant and unhappy with what they've already done. Look at YOUR successes and think about what you were up to while you created different things.

I think that's all I have at the moment. Hee hee!

[Arish]

I find for me it's really useful to stop caring if my work is good and start churning out loads of sketches... 95% of it will be utter garbage but the remaining 5% is gold. Whereas if I try for hours to come up with one good idea, it'll probably be stiff and overworked, and an unimpressive final drawing.

I love Jazz and Crossmirage's ideas too. Never thought of making an art folder before, and it must be such a thrill to make something better than the image that inspired you!

[JJacks]

A lot of artists I have met get so depressed when they have a lack of creative ideas that they really shut themselves off and I think that's the initial mistake. They feel doomed and inadequate and it's hard to get back into the mood of drawing when you've beaten yourself up. It happens to everyone and it's not as big of a deal as it seems.

I don't worry too much if I don't have an idea...I just do a study or doodle until I have one again that I want to explore. The lack of a creative or conceptual idea doesn't hold me back from drawing.

Just remember that for every time you have a "block" you will have a period where you have an abundance of ideas and you'll wish you had more time in the day.