overcoming artist block
Artist block is more than just a temporary slump; it’s a full-blown crisis, a kind of creative paralysis that’s as frustrating as it is inevitable. The kind of experience that leaves you staring at a blank canvas or a blank page, desperately wanting to create but feeling completely stuck. We’ve all been there, whether it’s the frustration of having no ideas or simply feeling disconnected from the creative process. But here’s the thing: artist block isn’t something that happens to you for no reason. It’s not just a random inconvenience. It’s a signal, a warning, and, oddly enough, an opportunity.
The truth about artist block is simple: it forces you to change. And while that’s uncomfortable and unsettling at times, it’s a necessary shift. It challenges everything about how we work, think, and create. It’s messy, it’s uncertain, but it opens doors if you’re brave enough to face it.
I’ve been through this myself. I spent years stuck in what felt like an endless loop of frustration. My creativity had dried up, my self-confidence was nowhere to be found, and every attempt to break free from the block felt like I was digging a deeper hole. For a long time, I wondered if I would ever find my way back to creating art that felt meaningful. But over time, I learned that overcoming artist block isn’t just about pushing through the feeling; it’s about understanding why it happens, embracing the discomfort, and allowing yourself to evolve.
What Is Artist Block?
Artist block, at its core, is a crisis of creative identity. It’s not just a lack of ideas. It’s a time when you’ve lost touch with the flow of your creativity, and everything feels like a struggle. In fact, the word “crisis” comes from the Greek word krisis, meaning “a decision” or “a turning point.” In other words, artist block isn’t just a roadblock; it’s a chance for you to make a choice. You can either succumb to it, allowing it to define your creative journey, or you can use it as a turning point to rethink how you approach your work and creativity.
It’s true—feeling stuck can be a miserable experience. I’ve felt it. That dreadful sense of being frozen, unable to move forward. It’s frustrating and demoralizing. But if you can shift your perspective, you might see artist block for what it really is: a moment of opportunity. When you embrace this mindset, you start to see the possibilities—like a blank canvas waiting to be filled with new ideas and new ways of seeing the world.
The 6 Major Causes of Artist Block
Artist block isn’t just a random occurrence. It’s rooted in real, identifiable causes, and understanding these causes can help you break through the block. Below are six major reasons why artist block strikes, and strategies for overcoming them.
1. Outcome-Oriented Thinking
If you’re constantly thinking about the final product and not enjoying the process, you’re likely heading straight for artist block. Art isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the experience of creating. If you’re only focused on the outcome, you’re setting yourself up for frustration.
How to Overcome It:
Start focusing on the process instead of the result. Let go of the need to control every aspect of your work. Embrace the unpredictability of art. Shift your focus to the journey. Recognize that the act of creation itself is the most meaningful part of the process, not just the finished piece.
2. Lack of Technical Skills
It’s easy to feel stuck when you don’t think you have the technical skills to bring your ideas to life. Maybe you’re trying to create something hyper-realistic but feel that your skills aren’t up to par. This creates a massive disconnect between what you want to create and what you’re capable of creating.
How to Overcome It:
Let go of the pressure to be perfect. Instead of aiming for precision, try abstraction. Start with simple marks or shapes, and let your creativity guide you. Embrace your imperfections and recognize that every piece you create, no matter how flawed, is a step toward developing your skills. One very easy thing to do is make art with the help of some stickers. It’s incredibly easy to do, and always looks very fun.
3. Comparison to Others
There’s a toxic tendency to compare ourselves to other artists, whether they’re friends, mentors, or those we admire online. When you measure your creative worth by someone else’s success, you set yourself up for disappointment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling “less than,” but this comparison only stifles your own growth.
How to Overcome It:
Stop comparing. Focus on what makes you unique, and celebrate it. Your voice, your style, your creativity—these are yours and yours alone. Let go of the urge to measure yourself against others, and instead focus on developing your own distinctive creative path. If you’re not sure how, we have some tips on how to start to develop your style here.
4. Lack of Inspiration
Inspiration can feel like an elusive force, something you can’t quite grasp no matter how hard you try. When it feels like inspiration has disappeared, it’s easy to get discouraged and think that maybe your creativity is just gone for good.
How to Overcome It:
Lift your gaze. Reconnect with what you truly love, what excites and motivates you. For me, it’s the vastness of the ocean or the boundless sky that sparks my creativity. Whatever it is for you, immerse yourself in it. Find something that fuels your passion, even if it’s not directly related to your art. One of my favorite ways to do this is just go full gremlin mode on the materials and art supplies and make something simply chaotic.
5. Fear of Failure
The fear of failure is a powerful force. It’s the fear that keeps you from making your first mark on the canvas, the fear that stops you from picking up a pencil. It’s easy to feel like you’re not ready, or that your work won’t be good enough.
How to Overcome It:
Accept that failure is part of the process. Every artist has faced failure. It’s inevitable, and it’s necessary for growth. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it. Let it teach you, not paralyze you.
6. Too Many Ideas, Too Little Focus
Sometimes, it’s not that you have no ideas, but that you have too many. You’re overwhelmed by the possibilities, and that indecision keeps you from moving forward.
How to Overcome It:
Narrow it down. Take all your ideas and simplify them into a few key concepts. Focus on the ones that resonate the most, and allow them to guide you. Don’t try to chase every idea at once. Start small, and let the ideas grow from there.
The Path Forward: Transforming Crisis into Creativity
Artist block isn’t just an obstacle; it’s a turning point. It’s a chance to transform, to rethink how you approach your work, and to reconnect with the creative source within you. It’s an invitation to unlearn old habits and discover new ways of seeing and creating.
Artist block can force you to break free from old patterns and step into new realms of creativity. Don’t see it as something to fear. Instead, embrace it. Use it as a catalyst for change, and when you look back, you’ll realize that your creative journey was forever altered for the better.