Overcoming Artists Block (Part 1)

How many times does an artist stare down at that blank piece of paper thinking "What on earth do I paint - Where do I put my first mark?" More often than you would imagine! It happens to all creative people actually, from visual artists, designers, poets, through to musicians and writers.

When this situation arises, you are in the grip of creative block. When you wrack your brains to come up with ideas but just can't seem to. There may be contributing factors to this state, such as tiredness, depression, environmental, physiological or psychological issues. On the other hand you could just be experiencing a period of simple low creativity.

When this happens there are a few things you can do to restore your creativity levels at will, however what you must not do is worry or fret about it. If the worst comes to the worse and you don't seem to be able to produce any work, simply regard the period as a 'holiday' or a rest. Your creativity level WILL rise again. In the meantime, utilise the time spent not creating to do positive things anyway.

Research other artists' work. Visit galleries or surf the net and see what other people are doing. Join artists' chat rooms or visit message boards or forums where you can exchange ideas and views with other artists. Just talking to other creative people can give you a real buzz! You might even make some new friends in the process.

Spend the time you are not actually producing art, by increasing your marketing efforts. Send postcards to galleries, research upcoming local art fairs or events where you could possibly take a booth to sell your art. Have some leaflets or brochures printed up all about yourself and your work. Take a couple of days out of your schedule and do a local neighbourhood leaflet drop.

Update your website or online portfolio. You may think it's already perfect but it's not often that things can't be improved or sharpened in some way. Update your artist's statement; put new 'zing' into your descriptions.

If you really can't face doing anything concerning your own artwork, visit the theatre, go to a pop concert, browse local museums. Go to a restaurant or coffee bar with friends and have a (non art related) natter.

Use the time to take a complete break, if this is what works best for you. You will instinctively know when the time is right to 'go back' to your art. When this happens there are lots of techniques you can use to get back into the swing of high creativity. These I explore in my article 'Overcoming Artist's Block (part 2)'.

Gail Miller is a professional artist whose artwork is a visual feast of colour and fun. Her fascination with bold colours and fluid, expressive shapes and line are evident in funky abstracts, sinuous nudes, vibrant still life paintings and lively townscapes. Visit her website at http://www.gailmiller.com

---

Stress VS Creativity

Now when I use the term "creativity", I mean the... Read More

3 Simple Steps To Solving Problems

You can move beyond your stuck states by contemplating all... Read More

Forget Thinking Outside The Box....GET Outside The Box

I happened to overhear a conversation the other day between... Read More

A Book About Faith and Love

With news about Iraq and London and even our own... Read More

How To Increase Creativity... Set Deadlines!

Deadlines are something all of us face from time to... Read More

Macrovision

These days it's all about breaking things down into manageable... Read More

Art, Artists and Money

Practical money tips for people in the arts.1. Sock it... Read More

Creativity Management ? Artists and Creativity

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Three Ways Journaling Can Boost Your Creativity and Your Business

I have a friend who has struggled with her creativity... Read More

Creativity Management ? Synergy of Craft and Art

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Creativity Management ? The Value Of An Idea?

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

True Power: Understanding the Source of All Creation and Creativity

"True Power" is a series that will focus on proven... Read More

Creativity: Getting Out of the Box

Leadership, especially in times of change, depends increasingly on the... Read More

Overcoming Artists Block (part 2)

Once you are ready to start working again you will... Read More

Find the Artist Within

Can anyone be an artist? People admiring my work... Read More

New Inventions - From Absurd to Wacky!

New inventions? Heard of a revolving restaurant combination television tower?... Read More

Riches Through Creative Thinking!

When solving problems after you have exhausted the normal means... Read More

How Logic Puzzles Can Help You Become a Better Problem Solver

I have to admit that I am a confirmed puzzle-head.... Read More

Self-Care for Creative Artists: 10 Reasons To Care About It

1. To be more comfortable in performance situations ? performance... Read More

Story and Screenplay Structure

Structure is beneficial to creative output in a number of... Read More

Push The Right Button

You can live a much more successful life than you... Read More

Creativity Management ? Working From Real Life

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

10 Tools for Dealing with Criticism and Rejection

Ouch! Whether it's feedback we've asked for, an unsolicited remark... Read More

9 Ways to Live Creatively

Creativity ? according to Webster's it means having the ability... Read More

Theres A Light At The End Of Your Tunnel, Called Imagination!

Imagine this. You've got this huge dream you just turned... Read More

10 Ways To Boost Your Creativity

Creativity is your birthright ? but can often be hidden... Read More

Creative Dreams - What Winter Driving Taught Me

We had a winter storm the other day here in... Read More

Think & Grow Rich

All wealth is a product of mind. Some economists will... Read More

Becoming Radiant: Boost Your Teams Creativity with Mind Mapping

I don't take notes anymore. Instead, I create one wildly... Read More

Seeing Problems From Their Creative Side

Did you know that winning actually puts less wear and... Read More

Go Ahead and Think Outside the Box!

I am trying to create a discipline where I blog... Read More

Creativity Management ? Don?t Write, Rewrite

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

The Power Of Your Intuition

We all have enormous reserves of mental capacity that we... Read More