7 Things Artists need during creative burnout

When you think of a professional or hobby artist, you may think their work is all fun, games, and flinging paint. Artists always seem to have more fun because of their seemingly undying supply of creativity.

But let me tell you now, even artists struggle to enjoy work sometimes.

By artist, I am talking about anyone who does something creatively and takes their work and passion for it seriously enough to practice on a consistent basis.

Whether for work or for fun, art is art.

As artists, I can say that we often get bored, lazy, uninspired, and sometimes we just don't even want to look at a pencil or paintbrush.

Our work can sometimes feel like a burden, like we can't use our medium well enough, and we get imposter syndrome hard. Artists often find inspiration in feelings, thoughts, emotions, or situations, and when nothing is really happening in life, nothing is happening on paper either.

Also, the phrase "It's just a rut, you'll get over it." is NOT helpful.

Here are some things that are actually help when going through a creative block, and when you feel like art isn't working anymore.

Giving ourselves grace

Being a bored artist doesn't mean you're a bad artist.

The best thing an artist can do is give themselves some grace when they feel like they "just can't art".

Maybe your art style is changing along with your life, and you need to grow with it. Change is good, and one of the best sources of inspiration in life.

There is nothing wrong with putting a pause on any project (sans deadlines for commissions and paid work), and giving yourself room to work on something else. Scribbling, jotting, and making a mess are also acceptable!

Give yourself a little grace, and let your work be "bad" for a while.

New tools

Purchasing new tools is always a fun way to find inspiration.

If I buy new paintbrushes or pencils, I want to test them out as soon as I can. It makes any project a little more fun and gives you a good incentive to get some art in.

A new environment

A new environment can inspire new work.

Try getting out of the house and finding new scenery. It can help you see your work in a new light, and let you get out of your own head for a while.

A different environment could be a different room in your house, a different studio, or maybe you take a small (or large) trip somewhere new.

Even just blasting new music while you work. Make the environment feel different to you, even if you are in the same place you always work.

To try a new medium

Trying something new and unfamiliar is a great way to help yourself break through artist's block.

If you're a sketch artist, try taking up painting. If you have a love for painting, try charcoal work or sculpting. Maybe you're a calligrapher? Try your hand at form drawing.

This can help you to get out of your head because you can't be perfect at something you've never tried before, or are not yet skilled at.

Find something new, and just play.

Fresh perspective

Try thinking of your hard projects in a new way, or get someone elses perspective on them. As artists, the longer we work on a project, the closer to it we are. This can make us frustrated, and feel like our art is not good enough.

Ask a friend, relative, or your spouse to look over some of your work for you. Just be aware that people have opinions, and try not to take it personally if they have an opinion you dislike or disagree with.

Try out different projects

Nothing like spicing up your projects to help the creative juices flow.

Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for new projects, and find things you may never have even known to search for.

If something you are working on doesn't feel like it's working, try switching it up. Draw something just for fun, build something just for you, and scribble words maybe no one else will ever see.

If you need some inspiration for drawing, I have a Pinterest page for my art blog Anatomy of a Sketch that is full of drawing ideas! It includes everything from form drawing, to character inspiration, to how to draw specific parts of the human body.

Coffee, and more coffee.

Like I said earlier, we need coffee.

Yeah, I know this may seem like a cliche, but coffee is a must. For me at least. I used to bring coffee with me every morning to my art classes, and now sit with my husband every morning as we work on our own artistic endeavors.

A little caffeine can do wonders, as long as you aren't very caffeine sensitive. It also helps you form a routine, which can help you stick to an art schedule.

Don't give up on your art! Even though the creative juices may ebb and flow in the wrong direction sometimes, there are still things you can do to re-inspire the artist in you.

I hope these creativity tips help you re-discover your passion and get you creating beautiful things once more.

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-Leah H.