How to Get Out of an Artist Block

What if the solution is something super simple that you would have never thought of twice?

Have you ever experienced artist's block? That's where you can't seem to draw or paint anything because every creative bone in your body decided to shut down at the wrong time. I hit an artist block about every other week. It's crazy because I know I'm super creative! But, every night I go to bed I'm bombarded with a million ideas for drawings, paintings, etc. But as soon as I sit down at my desk or I get in front of my easel, my mind goes blank. Then, I go on Tiktok for an hour and my whole "productive day" is ruined. If you can relate, I've got a few ideas for you that might simplify your daily struggles.

#1: Did you forget about your...Basic Needs?

Did you drink your water? Did you eat properly? Take your medications? Vitamins? Is it too hot? Did you turn the fan on? Did you clean your space? I'm starting to sound like my own mother! Sometimes it's as simple as that. There are times where I'm so focused on getting to my desk I completely forget to take care of my basic needs. I seriously forget to drink water sometimes. I use an app called "Drink Water Reminder" and it's so adorable and it reminds me every so often to drink my water and it helps! In the past, I would drink half a bottle of water in the morning. When I realized I was dehydrated, I'd grab the same bottle to finish it off and the sun was already setting. Yup, no wonder why I felt horrible the whole day. Reminds me of that one scene from the first SpongeBob movie.

It could also be that you're simply malnourished and need to eat the right foods. Maybe your sugar is low, eat your favorite fruit. Maybe you need protein! Beans, chicken, eggs! I like to whip up a quick over easy egg and lay it over a piece of toast. Then I break the yolk with my fork and oh my goodness...I devour my toastie <3 And pre-made snacks are awesome brain foods too!

#2: Distractions? Get Out of Here!

If your phone is a distraction, guess what...there's another app I use too! This next one is called "Forest" and it helps you focus on your task by encouraging you not to touch your phone. You can set the timer for how long you want to focus and it will run the timer. As the timer is running, the app grows a cute little virtual plant and it finishes growing at the end of your focus session. If you leave the app, the plant dies! If you use your phone for work though, there's a whitelist on the app where you can add all the apps you need access to (the phone app to make calls, email, messages, even Facebook, just make sure it's for work though so you don't defeat the purpose) and it works really great for me. I keep my messages and phone whitelisted in case someone calls or messages for an emergency.

And if your distraction is an outside source like an annoying noise, annoying roommates, or even your own mind, just know there's always something that can be done. The noise? No problem, noise cancelling headphones, meditation music, ear plugs. Is your phone notifications bothering you? Block the incoming messages by silencing your phone and turning off notifications from your messaging app for a while. If you can leave your house, do that too! Library, coffee shop, small diner, a friend's house who won't disrupt you. Do whatever it takes to get your job done! And are you your own distraction? Figure out why you're getting in your own way. Perhaps you are nervous about finishing the piece of art you're working on and are nervous for the criticism you might receive. Or the work ahead of you seems daunting. What works for me are meditative walks around the neighborhood before I start work and that helps clear my mind.

Still not enough? Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I need something more...something like...

#3 MOTIVATION

Books, podcasts, inspirational videos on YouTube...there's so many ways to get motivated easily nowadays. Let me tell you my favorite ways to feel invincible!

I am addicted to this book called "Relentless" by Tim Grover. He used to be Kobe Bryant's trainer and also trained Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade too. The book references Tim's experience in physically training his basketball clients but he goes all out for his advice on how to view work differently. The book is insane and it really pumps me up every time I put it down. He is very straightforward and this book overall really changed my perspective on life and my work ethic.

Also, there's this show on Netflix called "Self-Made Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker" and man...it made me kick my own butt off the couch and go straight to my desk to do my work! It's about Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made MILLIONAIRE in the U.S.A...who was also a black woman in the 1910's! Her networth was 10 million...That's almost like being a billionaire today! Watch the show...it's literally going to slap you in the face with motivation. The message I took away from it was: No matter where you come from or what you look like, you can do anything in this world. You need to have the right routines, the right people around you, and educate yourself on what you're doing. Use your resources, and never take no for an answer. There is always another way, and the perfect time to do something, will never come. DON'T THINK, JUST DO IT.

#4 Showers are magical...

Yup. Just shower. You will feel fresh and ready to conquer anything in your way. It will also help you to wake up, boost your confidence, and you'll smell nice too! Also, shower thoughts are very powerful so you can also find inspiration while you're in there too.

#5 Routines help when motivation isn't enough

I recently saw a tiktok of someone sharing their opinion for when motivation isn't enough.

They said that what really helps them is having their routines throughout the day to help them grind. I really resonated with that because sometimes there are just days where inspiring videos/books aren't enough. Sometimes things get heavy and I've always wondered how I could get through that. It makes so much sense having a routine for the morning, work, and even to eat dinner. The body thrives when it's on a consistent routine and I can testify for that because I've been working on being consistent for myself for the last year and a half now. It has definitely helped me to feel better when I wake up in the mornings, it has boosted my confidence, and I've been able to accomplish a ton more than what I would have previously done.

How I did it was dedicating myself to one agenda for the whole year and always writing out my morning routine, work routine, and night routine out for each day. It took me a whole year to finally be super consistent with it and it's helped me speed progress along. I've been able to have more time to make art videos, spend time on paintings, and even get into pottery which I've been wanting to do for a long time. It's been a game changer having routines and it's definitely hard to create one yourself, especially if you depended on a school/parent schedule in the past. Now as an adult, it's difficult getting yourself into your own flow especially if you're trying to create your own art business all by yourself.

#6 DON'T THINK, JUST DO IT

And finally, after we've done absolutely everything we could think of to help us get ready for work, freshen up the mind, and get inspired, your brain still won't budge. At this point you have to ask yourself, are you procrastinating because you don't like what you're doing? Is there something deep down within yourself that you're subconsciously battling with and you need to resolve it? Are you in your own way?

If there's something I know very well, it's that I may not wake up tomorrow. I don't want to leave my paintings half way done. I don't want to leave my videos half way edited. And I don't want to leave my life halfway lived. I have too many ideas that are so good and I believe in them so much that the world needs to see them before I leave this Earth. I can't let my non-productive day slip by.

However, understanding when you need an emotional/sensory/mental break is also key to avoid feeling burnout! Never be too hard on yourself when you need a real break. Knowing when it's time for rest is vital to your artistic success. Learn to identify when you need to work versus rest!

Get up, drink some water, and just go finish your damn piece of art! You deserve to deliver it to the world. You owe it to yourself and your own legacy to finish your masterpiece.

Become the next Picasso! Be that person you've always envisioned, today! It's never too late, I don't care who told you that!

Don't think, Just do it!

If you really liked this post, thank you :D This is my very first art article and I'm very excited to be entering the world of blogging! Comment down below what you think and let me know what you do to get out of an artist block!

If you want to learn more about me, I have a whole Youtube channel for you to watch. Click right here to see my channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzu-wdfiFwwQx3nDBpgG1HA

I also have an art gallery so go check it out too!

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- Ana Zelaya