Struggling with Artists Block?

As a young artist, struggling with Artists Block happens more than you think. Not familiar with Artists Block? Well, I will tell you all the ins and outs and how to conquer it.

At the age of 21, it is extremely difficult to create pieces that are like no one has ever seen before. In this industry, the competition is high and it is every artists dream to become that one that stands out. You want to be that one artist that stands before the rest and is the flower in a weed field. However, the pressure sometimes gets to us and gives us these overwhelming emotions. Don't you worry. It is not the end of the world.

Sometimes moments like these are necessary and helps stimulate your brain in more ways than one. However, there are things you can do to get our of Artists Block and I am here to share things I do to help me get through it.

1. It sounds crazy, but start scribbling! Draw random shapes and stem off of that!

2. Experiment with different mediums and get out of your comfort zone. This broadens your spectrum to create. You will be surprised on what you can create.

3. Trace over old photographs, other drawings, or even pictures online.

4. A weird tip of mine, but this always seems to work, is to combine objects with an animals. I accidentally created these amazing pieces when I combined bowling pins and horses. These pieces actually came out weirdly amazing as I replaced the heads of the horses with bowling pins. This is a must try.

5. Watch tutorials, YouTube videos, TikToks, of other artists creating pieces to try and gain some inspiration.

6. Still Lifes! My high school AP art teacher made us do this once a month to try and get us back in our artist mindset. Still lifes is when you sit down and draw things that are in front of you or the objects around you. Feel free to move around objects and place them together to create more of an advanced piece. Pay attention to undertones, shadows and highlights.

7. Last important tip that I want to emphasize is to get out of your comfort zone! I can't stress this enough. You never know what you are fully capable of until you try it. Try new mediums, new subjects, new anything. It will get you far!

I hope this article has helped you overcome the struggles of Artists Block. If you would like more personal advice or want to discuss with me one on one, contact me. I am here for all my fellow artists. Draw away.

xx

Jen Peterson