5 Ways to Overcome Creative Block
If you've ever stared at your art supplies and felt stuck wondering what to create, you're not alone.
Creative blocks happen to all of us. Even the most prolific artists go through seasons where the ideas just aren’t flowing. Sometimes life gets busy, or perfectionism sneaks in. Other times, you simply don’t feel like making anything at all. And that’s okay!
Over the years, I’ve found that the best way to move through a creative block is not to force it, but to gently invite your creativity back, and to give yourself a safe space to explore.
If you're in a rut or just feeling a little stuck, here are five things that have help me reconnect with my creativity. I hope they help you too!
1) Take a Class Just For Fun!
Sometimes the fear of the blank page is what can keep you from creating. Analysis paralysis is real! In those moments, it can be a good idea to let someone else guide you! Taking a class can be such a joyful way to re-spark inspiration. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to make. You can just follow along and enjoy creating for creativity’s sake!
Look for something that excites you. Maybe a painting class with a subject you’ve never tried before, or a new technique that feels playful. You don’t have to master it. You just have to show up and explore.
I love watching the way my students surprise themselves in my painting classes. That moment when someone says, “I didn’t know I could do this” is always magic. Sometimes you just need a little structure and encouragement to remember what you're capable of.
If you’re looking for a place to start, my classes offer step-by-step instruction where you’ll follow along and create a piece from start to finish. Here are a few examples of some of the projects I offer in my online classes!
2) Play With Your Supplies and Make Some “Bad” Art
When you're feeling blocked, the pressure to make something “good” can be paralyzing. That’s why I always suggest giving yourself permission to just play.
Grab some art supplies you’re not too precious about like cheap markers from the bottom of the drawer, leftover paper, or an set of paints you haven’t touched in a while. Then just make something. It can be anything!
You can explore bold brushstrokes, smudge, layer, or make a total mess. No one has to see it. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. The goal is to reconnect with the joy of making. If you’re interested in some tips for loosening up and tapping into a sense of play, check out this blog post next!
3) Explore Different Techniques in a Sketchbook
The beauty of a sketchbook practice, is that it doesn’t have to be pretty. And you don’t have to share it with anyone! A sketchbook is a safe space to explore your ideas and try new things.
A regular sketchbook practice can give your creativity a place to stretch and breathe. You can doodle, journal, color mix, plan, or experiment. Some days, you might fill a whole page. Other days, just five minutes is enough.
Over time, those little pages add up to something really special. It’s a record of your creative journey. A space that belongs entirely to you.
I have a few resources to help you kickstart a sketchbook practice!
One is my book, The Bright Book, which is all about exploring your creativity through structured exercises.
I also have a blog post with different ideas for what to include in your sketchbook!
4) Let the Outside World Inspire You
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your creativity is step away from your studio. I feel very lucky to live in an area where I’m surrounded by inspiration. Even a walk around my charming Strasbourg neighborhood is filled with hidden inspo!
No matter where you live, I’d encourage you to go outside. Breathe in some fresh air. Notice the colors around you. The texture of leaves. The movement of clouds. The sparkle of sunlight on water.
Nature and architecture are some of my favorite sources of inspiration. Whether it's a walk through the forest, a visit to a garden, or just a pretty door I see on the street, there’s something about seeking inspiration out in the world that helps reset your creative energy. Bring a camera or sketchbook if you’d like, but there’s no pressure. Just soak it in.
One of my hobbies is collecting inspiration from various doorways I see in my city and on my travels. I’ve even dreamed up what they might look like with EttaVee murals on them! 😉
5) Put on Your Favorite Tunes!
Music has a way of shifting our mood and waking something up inside. If I’m ever feeling creatively stuck, I love putting on a playlist that lifts me up or brings me into a different emotional space. (You can always count on there being a killer playlist during my live classes! 😊)
You can even paint to the rhythm. Let the music guide your brushstrokes. Don’t overthink it. Let your body respond to the sound and see what happens.
I hope you found something here that inspires you! Always come back to the fact that creativity is meant to be a joyful practice. Let the pressure go, and just enjoy putting your brush to the page!
And remember, if you need a little guidance, you can always check out my online classes for fun, vibrant, structured painting tutorials!
Happy painting!
xo, Jessi
