The Feared Art Block

Almost every artist (or person, but don't call it this way) has been trough it, the living hell, the end of it all... the art block. Sometimes slowly, other times from one moment to the another, an estrange sensation overcomes you and as hard as you try, you can't escape it.

I've been knowledgeably in this situation a couple of times, one at the beginning of my degree, 5 years ago which, lasted for a month and thought I'll go mad. The last one was almost a year ago, but lasted significantly much more, almost half a year. This last time, there was much more than an art block behind my personal circumstances, but thanks to it, I learned a couple of things I find helpful for not letting myself fall spiraling back into an art block. I would say that an art block is never just not having ideas, motivation or inspiration, it's a built up of many different things, feelings and emotions. Not just not being able to drawing a line on a paper. Doubting your art, yourself. Almost everything that you do doesn't feel right.

I made a list, with no specific order, hoping it could be useful for someone one day, just an advice of someone that has been there, and successfully got out of it. This are my personal tips or tricks.

- Accept how you feel

Acting like everything it's alright while you pile up your emotions endlessly in your mind will only work for a limited amount of time. A huge part of your energy will be spent in keeping that facade up. Accept that you are going trough a rough phase, that will pass eventually. It sucks being stuck on it, but denying it constantly won't help.

- Ask for help

Whether it's your family, friends, partner, team mates or any other person, talk to someone about how you feel. Maybe they can give you your personal tricks. Maybe just hear about what goes around in your mind is enough. Maybe what you needed was an afternoon off, taking a coffee in your favorite terrace among good company.

- Art blocks don't stay forever

As I said before, this situation sucks. It's exasperating. It feels like it has no end. But it has. You are going to overcome it. A few rough days don't define who you are and what are you capable of.

- Clean your and fancy up work space

Reorganizing your materials can be therapeutic. Looking at what you have, you can found long time no seen pencils or other amazing supplies. If you are able and feel like it, decorate your work space. Artwork from another artist's, photos, quotes. Maybe some Christmas lights or figurines of your favorite TV characters? A single candle that you might light up while working can give the space another mood. Changing the location or orientation of your desk can be also helpful and might feel like a new space. Temporarily, working at a public library or quiet cafeteria can be an option for a change.

- Try new techniques

Dare yourself to try a new thing you have never don before. Switch from digital to traditional. From traditional to patchwork. Try a technique you were curios about. Or use a potato as brush. Create a mess with mixed media. Open 3ds Max and create shapes randomly. Create for the shake of creating. Find something that makes you feel. Work with that feeling.

- Move, take a walk and drink water

Getting fresh air is quite important for a healthy live stile. If your physical circumstances allow it, try to take a walk around your block or nature, turn off your phone and just live the moment as you wander around.

- Get inspired

Re-watch your favorite movie and sketch that amazing pose. Maybe the lighting of an scene? Search for a hashtag on Instagram, Tumbrl and Pinterest. Spend time drifting on images that evoke you something. Take a look to the artworks of your favorite artists. Read a book. You are not spending your time if you look to memes, they might make you feel inspired by something funny you have just read. Try to save or write down the things you find interesting or create mood-boards, for later use.

- Get a sketchbook

Just for yourself. I doesn't have to be perfect. I doesn't have to be completely full. Just have it around and note the things that you find interesting, lyrics from a song, a little sketch, something that makes you smile. Lists. Don't feel like you have to fill it with pretty little things, it will just be handy when you come with a nice idea for a project, or noting down something you might want to remember. It is a practice for you and only you. No pressure on it being it nice, taking years to fill it, if you ever do. I find slightly colored sketchbooks easier to draw into, as they are not completely white and I'm not afraid of "ruining" it by just writing recklessly or drawing stick figures.

- Take your time

There is not right way of getting out of this situation. Take the time you need, the path that suits you best, or change it as you go by. Don't forget that there is a way out. You are going to overcome this. Feel your feelings, but don't them drag you around in the dust. Raise from the ashes more wise.

I'm sure that in the future I'll be feeling down, at the edge of an art block, but this time, I'll know what to do and keep myself moving forward, learning from every step.