6 Hacks for Creative Block
I just looked at my diary and we’re starting week three of this new year. Honestly, I don’t know where the time has gone.
I, like many, started this year feeling excited and ready to take it by the horns. With that said, the UK weather felt differently and sent us arctic snow and ice. My energy now feels consumed in keeping warm. I’m sitting, chuckling at that last bit, wearing 4 layers and a winter hat, as I try and type this on my computer.
Along with Ice, Art block started to settle in, freezing my creativity.
Art block or creative block is very common for most creatives, but how do you get out of it?
Here, I’m going to let you know the ways I’m thawing my art block, and maybe there will be some ideas you can use too.
1. Daily Sketchbook
It’s been years since I had a proper sketchbook. Somewhere small I can play around with materials and draw messy drawings. This week I opened one I’d been gifted for Christmas and began drawing everyday items from my home. I picked up a brush pen and just began putting lines down as I focused purely on the objects. The best part is I didn’t care how they turned out, I aimed to document and play.
If you’re interested in keeping a sketchbook, I recommend checking out Dan Gregory’s Sketchbook Skool on YouTube for ideas and techniques. Another recommendation would be to get yourself a small sketchbook, pocket-sized. This way it will fit in your bag or pocket, making it easier to take with you and grab at short notice.
2. Reading
I’ve been trying to take advantage of the cold by reading. This can be fiction, non-fiction, or using an app like Headway. Reading can help us relax but also bring ideas to the forefront of our minds. I usually have a stack of go-to books on my shelf, for these situations. Here are a few of my favorites;
· Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
· Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
· Kabuki The Alchemy by David Mack
· Atomic Habits by James Clear
· Women who run with wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
3. Exercise
This is a recent discovery for me, and it doesn’t have to be strenuous. When I say exercise, what I mean is, get your body moving. Go for a walk outside in nature, spend some time on your yoga mat, and find ways to slow your mind.
4. Write A List
When creative block hits, sometimes the idea of giving up or imposter syndrome can tag along too. Something that has helped me on many low days was a list. This list I spoke about recently on Instagram, and it’s a list of things I’ve achieved before the (next age). I keep this list in my iPad Notes app, and I try and update it regularly. In this list, I keep big achievements such as graduating from university and passing a driving test, but I also keep more mindful moments in there too. These include animals I’ve seen in the wild, places I’ve visited, and opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to have. Each year when that age comes and passes, I change the age at the top of the list and carry it on. I've found this useful as it helps to ground me and feel grateful for the opportunities and experiences in my life. It also helps me to see that I am capable of finishing tasks and achieving what I set out to do.
5. Set a timer
Grab a piece of paper, an old envelope, or anything you can draw on. Pick up those mark-making materials and set a timer for five minutes. Just allow yourself to make marks across the page. It doesn’t have to be neat. It doesn’t even have to represent anything. Just breathe with the movement. The timer process can be a good technique for procrastination too. If you're struggling to get started on some work. Set your timer for five minutes, once those five minutes are done, you’ll either want to give up or carry on, but at least you’ll have started your task.
6. Attend a class
I’ve been very lucky to have local How-to sessions every week at the community centre. These have helped me to stay inspired. So, check out your local areas for art courses and creative classes. YouTube has many videos that are easy to follow along. Another awesome avenue is online classes. The London Drawing Group sells tickets to their classes on Eventbrite. These classes include life drawing, Drawing like your favorite artists, Sketchbooking, etc.
Here are just six ideas that have helped me to get out of creative blocks. I hope this can help you too. Let me know if you try any of these or if you have any hacks of your own.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Until next time
Natasha Aldred
