How to Kill An Art Block

everyone has one occasionally, right? (don't answer. ;_;) I had a really evil one for the duration of March, basically... it got me thinking, what do you do when you have one? because I don't consider these things when they actually happen. T_T

my advice... is not really advice. but consider it a prompt. you can do better than me, of course you can.

-first, take the pencil or pen you're holding and chuck it across the room. pick up a different one. *completely serious* see the weird long-winded note a couple posts down.
-doodle. concentrate without thinking about it. sketch messy. just don't think.
-listen to music for inspiration, especially if you're stumped on character design.
-draw fanart, if you're stumped beyond that. experiment with different styles and coloring.
-why? it seems that art blocks happen just before your style is about to evolve. it just needs an extra push. *great epiphany, yes?*


your turn. shoot away. :]

Ooh, those are some nice ideas...I certainly do hate art blocks.

As for me:

1) Quit drawing and go play video games (might be just me (>>))
2) Go Google/stare at other people's art, preferably ones that you really, really like, or think are extremely awesome. Might give you inspiration, or a burning passion to do just as well as them! (again...could just be me)

3) Sleep. (Yea...)

I don't get art blocks. I just can't draw because I don't have enough experience

AgnesC wrote:

-first, take the pencil or pen you're holding and chuck it across the room. pick up a different one. *completely serious*

Hmm...but...I get attached to my material objects...*hugs special pencil/pen*
They're like...lucky...and stuff...

^ lol. XD well, not literally throw it. I don't have favorite pens/pencils... so what I end up drawing varies with the tool I have. pens especially. you can do softer/sharper lines with some, depending on the nib, and some are easier to hold if you want to draw free strokes... I know I sound strange. XD but you should see my handwriting change shape depending on the pen I have. and the kind of lead in my pencil. I'm picky about it but I can't tell one from the other anyway. so I toggle between the ones I have. that's just me. I'm not crazy. just temperamental, maybe... --__--;

Ooh...yeah, I get it. The feel of the tool affects the way you draw. *nod nod*

But~

I guess for me...I'm just attached to my one writing utensil because it's both a lead pencil, and a ball-point pen combined...and the lead pencil can have different feels too(like when I use up a bunch of lead and it gets soft, or use the sharp tip point, or the soft blunt part...)

I guess for me, my tool doesn't affect me much since my tool is pretty much universal almost...Plus, it's got comfy grips! (Those soft...rubbery...parts)

kyaa~ it sounds so cool.
I just pick up whatever is around me. *doh*

Hmm...that could work. Perhaps with art blocks, a change in scenery (or tool...ery?) can help.

Hmm...

4) Watch TV.
5) Take a shower...or bath.
6) Go eat something salty (just me, probably).
7) Uhh...hold up...

i'll try those next time. hopefully next time won't come soon.

i agree to the music thing. i needddd music playing when i draw. well ok, maybe not absolute must but anything with an upbeat tempo kind of encourages me to draw ^^ but i turn it off and on in between sometimes 'cause my ears get tired if say i listen to rock music for an hour straight. mm i like the instrumental music from gundam seed.

mmm... make your friends pose for you and take photos of them =D or catch them at random awkward/funny situations and draw that.

HelenX wrote:

i agree to the music thing. i needddd music playing when i draw. well ok, maybe not absolute must but anything with an upbeat tempo kind of encourages me to draw ^^ but i turn it off and on in between sometimes 'cause my ears get tired if say i listen to rock music for an hour straight. mm i like the instrumental music from gundam seed.

mmm... make your friends pose for you and take photos of them =D or catch them at random awkward/funny situations and draw that.

oh ya, I need upbeat music to keep me going on schoolwork sometimes lols. So those depressing songs = dumped out

Random anime music from Gendou ftw lols

Music, huh? I'm not into loud music, no, not when I'm drawing...or studying...or anything else much. I prefer to relax. Unless I'm in the mood for loud/rock/roll. Otherwise...

Yay! Nice, quiet/slow/pretty instrumental video game music! And songs, too. Like from Phantom Brave.

Tcheh...all game music, and a few anime songs.