How to overcome art block and art burnout
If you are an artist, and I am sure you are if you’re reading this, you have probably struggled with art block and or art burnout.
You’re not alone!
Today, I will teach you simple ways to push past art block and overcome art burnout.
Scroll down to this post’s end if you want to watch my video on overcoming art burnout!
Step One: Take a short break from Drawing
Even if it’s just a short coffee break, you need to rest your mind and your drawing hand!
Taking breaks from drawing is important.
You need time to step away from a drawing, especially if you’ve been working for a couple of hours.
Stepping away from your work not only helps you avoid burnout but also helps you to avoid getting tunnel vision!
Step Two: Step out of your Comfort Zone Artistically
Especially during MerMay, when we were drawing Mermaids for a MONTH straight, I needed a change of pace.
One thing that I found really helped was taking some time to draw OTHER things, especially things that I wasn’t practiced in drawing.
Things like mugs of coffee.
Cats.
Men.
Just kidding about that last one!
Kind of.
During this time I also practiced a technique where you start with shapes and colors first, ad add the sketch and line work on top!
This was very fun, and really does help you practice shape language, and get out of your own way.
Step Three: Step out of your Comfort Zone Physically
It may be that drawing new things isn’t enough, but that you physically need to go somewhere else.
Obviously, I’m not saying you need to MOVE to a new house, but going somewhere you don’t typically draw can really give you inspiration.
Sitting in a park instead of on your couch,
drawing in a cafe instead of at your desk.
Changing environments makes your brain work a little harder, and might give you some new things to draw!
Step Four: Exercise your brain and body
How long has it been since you exercised last?
I find that when I don’t exercise often enough, I lack the motivation to do… pretty much anything.
Exercise gives your brain endorphins, the happy hormone, that make you feel energized and excited about life, and give you the mental wherewithal to do the things you want to do!
And it doesn’t have to be anything intense, just doing some jumping jacks, taking a jog or walk, playing volleyball in your backyard with your family, etc.
Get moving and I am certain it will help you improve your art!
Step Five: Use a different medium
Lastly, try a new art medium.
Changing up the WAY you are doing art is very helpful for getting out of an art block.
When I was struggling to find motivation during the last stretch of MerMay, I sat down at my table, broke out my sketch pad and easel and art markers, and drew scenes from Friends.
I am SO used to drawing on my iPad that sometimes I forget how much fun it is to draw with pens and markers.
Drawing, painting, writing, sculpting, collage, poetry, sketching, digital art…
Try something new if you are feeling burnt out and it will definitely help you rekindle that art spark!
Thank you for reading, I hope that this article was helpful and helps you deal with art block and artist burnout in a healthy way!
If you want some more great tips for improving your artwork, read this article below next:
10 Tips for Improving Your Artwork
Thank you for being here, keep drawing!
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