art block & burnout.

What is art block exactly?

Art block (or burnout, whatever you call the beast) is the feeling of having no ideas, or motivation, feeling like you can’t draw, paint or do any of those creative outlets you used to enjoy so much.

Why are you feeling it? You used to be proud of your work, but suddenly start feeling like your art is terrible or maybe you've burned yourself out after producing a bunch of rad new pieces and feel like you can't make a single new one. Well friend, I'm here to tell you that you aren't alone.

I too have suffered through these exhausting times. If you are feeling the former, like your work is looking lackluster, then perhaps this is because your work is actually getting better! It may not feel like that in the moment but I promise you, like a crustacean outgrowing its shell, you are getting better and need room to grow. I often find when I feel that way in my own work, it's because my eye for art has matured and I'm not accustomed to my current skill level which creates a frustrating disconnect. I have to really go outside of my comfort zone to break free of it. It can be fun to see your skills advancing when you do these uncomfortable exercises.

I also have found that when you work very hard, and are under appreciated (a.k.a. not getting paid enough for the effort you're putting in) burn out sets in very fast. Burn out is different from art block in that you may still have inspiration or ideas, but not passion or energy to do so. It may be different, but can definitely

contribute to it. The following techniques are not cure-all or a guarantee, but they can help and you won't know until you try!

-Draw (or whatever your medium is) something vastly different than your normal. Pick something you almost never draw, a subject that terrifies you, or something you struggle with and practice it over and over until you're more comfortable with it. If you get frustrated by this, it is okay! Make sure to give yourself breaks and be kind to your practice. You're working hard! The point is to stretch and strengthen your weak points to stimulate your art muscles. Once you see some improvement, it's sure to jump-start your creative energies again!

-Another great way to help is to make a randomizer or use a website! Random animal generators are my favorite. I like to generate a list of 5-10 animals, objects, or anything else you like drawing, then a second list of either more animals or objects. Number them, then use a random generator to match the lists and create weird mixes from the two or if it sparks and idea, go with that! You can also do this by hand using a piece of paper and pen. Write a list of anything you like to draw, cut up the list and put it into a container. Randomly pick out a paper or two, and draw whatever combo comes out! This can be an excellent exercise in creativity, sometimes the random element can really kick that into gear.

-Sometimes to remedy art block or burn-out, consuming some new media can help immensely. Been meaning to read that new comic? That new game that’s still in its shrink wrap? Watch that new movie that's been gathering dust on your watch-list? Do it!! Block out an appointment for yourself to relax and just absorb it. Often with art block, you've used up all those juicy ideas, and you need a bit of time to refill the creative well. Burn-out can be that you are just worn down and maybe you haven't even realized it yet. Self-care is truly great for this. Have a moment to yourself and check in. Enjoy a little walk in nature, or even around your block. Choose any thing that relaxes you or makes you happy and helps get you back into your zone. I often find the pressure (real or imaginary) of feeling like you have to constantly create things is exhausting and tough to manage when you don't have the energy but still want to create. Take that time to tend to yourself, your art garden will grow even more beautiful when you do.

-If that doesn't work for you, sometimes when I'm not feeling I've improved or my art isn't that great, I like to compare my old works to my new ones. Seeing the progress you've made (even in a few weeks) can be highly encouraging when you are regularly practicing. It can be just the thing you need to help remind you that you are getting better. You aren't stuck at your current level, and you may be advancing more than you realize.

Keep up the good work, draw until your fingers fall off and then draw some more.