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Posted: July 3, 2012

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Art Block: How do you overcome it?

*djwagLmuffin Jul 3, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Hey DA peeps!

I am gathering information for an extended internet guide on how to escape the turmoils of art block as well as addressing some of the issues that cause art block in the first place.

Because you can't solve a problem without first identifying the causes.

Feel free to tell your artistic life story as you see fit and I will create the guide that will help others along the way! All skill levels and art forms are accepted so don't feel shy about telling everyone how you overcome the cursed art block!

~dj

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~Silver-Mercy Jul 4, 2012

Art block isnt usually a lack of ideas, but too many ideas, resulting in indecision and eventually lack of motivation. Best way to overcome it is to draw a request/suggestion of someone else to get the creative juices flowing.

~greaser808 Jul 4, 2012

I was extremely artistic as a kid, but the constant criticism from my dad ("drawing is for girls", "all artists are fags", etc.), discouraged me and so I stopped. I've forgiven my dad for his cruel treatment, but was never able to get over the blockage. Every now and again, I'll draw or paint something that surprises me, but for the most part, I'm bursting with ideas and longing to create, but am still unable to pick up where I left off some 30+ years ago. I always wonder what I could've done if I had 't allowed those words to stop me dead on.
Anyone have suggestions?

~TheNecco Jul 4, 2012 Student General Artist

Here's what you do. Brain storm for a while about something that is important to you or something you want to discover, learn, etc.

Make a list of these things

Next, derive a series of 10-20 pieces to draw revolving this topic or exploration

now make them

10-20 pieces later do it again.

I'm starting today!

*JesseAcosta Jul 4, 2012 Professional General Artist

Here's a podcast episode that tackles the issues with creative block: [link] I think it will help you quite a bit!

*TheFallenAngel795 Jul 4, 2012 Student Writer

I listen to music and look at random drawings/pictures. It sounds stupid, but I have two other ways...
1) Watch AMVs. You would be surprised at how much watching animated AMVs help. It gives you inspiration to draw.
2) Open free requests. When I open requests, it seems like it gets me motivated to get it done and then while you're drawing it you're helping get rid of artists block.

Hope this helps

=nelchee Jul 4, 2012 Professional General Artist

See if this helps: How to overcome an art block
If your issue is not addressed in that text, let me know what it is

=CharlotteXXI Jul 3, 2012 Student Digital Artist

I usually just do random doodles until an idea pops up. If it still fails, I play video games. Especially those with beautiful graphics.

*Marki-S Jul 3, 2012

Generally I will walk away from drawing until I feel the pull to come back again. I'm not one for forcing through the block because creating stressed out/not good enough works makes me even more unhappy and less likely to draw anything decent. Generally I get blocked because something is emotionally heavy on my mind or I am feeling guilty about not doing a lot of real world chores I need to get in order, once I've cleared those up I'm generally okay. Sometimes however if the block seems unmovable I've taken to burning old artwork or art supplies to cleanse my mind and workspace

~WhoMax Jul 4, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

I'm the same. Except for the burning old artwork/ supplies part, haha!

~youkai-fang Jul 3, 2012

I kind of approach drawing the way I approach writing - just sit down and do it. It doesn't have to relate to what I eventually want to accomplish. I just...kinda let the pencil move whichever way it wants. Writing works out a little bit better sometimes in that respect, but shoot, people come up with some amazing ideas when they don't even mean to.

If I still can't get it to work, I end up reading or watching something. Dynamics of movement give me drawing ideas, and reading for the obvious. Course, sometimes it works out the opposite way.

Music too. Just about anything by Miyavi helps me really focus on art. Not sure why, but he's absolutely amazing for that.

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