Q&A for How to Overcome Artist's Block

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What can help my creativity flow?

Kelly Medford
Professional Artist
Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.

Kelly Medford

Professional Artist

Expert Answer

To overcome artist’s block, start doing other things that are just for fun. Try sketching, doodling, or exploring with new materials. Do something every day that is different from what you normally do and nothing that has the pressure of a deadline. Create things that won’t be shown to anyone; things that are more about playing to reconnect with being an artist.

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What do I do if I have an idea but I don't know how to draw it?

Community Answer

Look at examples of art involving that subject by other artists. Study it and try to recreate what they did. It may take several attempts. Then take parts of what they did and what you learned to make your own art. To avoid any copyright claims, don't post your studies on social media.

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There are alot of artists who develop very identifiable "styles" of art, how do I develop my own style?

Community Answer

You have to give yourself time to develop your voice and style. Find work that inspires you. Stay persistent.

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I love to draw, but I don't have the motivation to. I leave my sketchbook feeling frustrated and annoyed, and I end up throwing my art out. What should I do?

Community Answer

Try returning to your original motivations for making art. Write in your journal about your motivations as an artist. Take care of yourself and visit someplace new, then try sketching again.

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Overcoming my long time Artist Block, where do I start?

Community Answer

You need to start where you are. One day at a time, give yourself time and space for your creative practice.

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How to figure out what to paint if you can't go out and explore and get ideas?

Community Answer

Go to a new film, look for inspiration at your local art gallery or online.

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Question

What do I do if something that has happened is affecting me, there is this block beecause of someone, what do I do? I've tried all this other stuff btw.

Community Answer

You need to find some help with this specific interpersonal situation. Tackle that first, and then try some of the methods described above.

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I want to make a new type of person art. All my friends say I can't. What should I do?

Taken Violet

Community Answer

First, I would suggest getting away from your friends for a little while. Being around unsupportive people can make it harder to believe in your art. Then I would start changing person art slowly to create a new type.

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Question

I always have trouble coming up with a idea, so I go on online to try to get ideas, but it never helps. What could I do?

Community Answer

Ask a friend or someone around for an idea or ask them to give you a challenge. The more difficult the task is, the more you learn out of it.

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I’ve been stuck on an art block for a few weeks now, it’s not just that I’m not sure what to draw, my art has worsened and I can’t cant draw simple things. Is there a way to fix this?

Patriotictumbleweed

Community Answer

Fix your mind on a different thing. You can watch a show, take a nap, work, take a walk, anything! Alternatively, just scribble or buckle yourself down and force yourself to try.

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Could attending an in-person art program help?

Melanie Sepuleveda

Community Answer

Attending art programs, including and like art workshops, can definitely help overcome your artist's block. By joining classes and taking challenges or projects in that program/workshop, it can help you become inspired to create art and help you overcome artist's block.

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