Feeling stuck in a creative rut? You’re not alone. Every artist experiences periods of creative block where motivation dwindles, and the ideas just don’t seem to flow. Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, or digital artist, these ruts can be frustrating; but they don’t have to last forever.
As a self-taught artist who has been creating for years, I’ve found a few reliable ways to break free from creative slumps and get back to making art that excites me. If you’re struggling to feel inspired, try these strategies to reignite your creativity and get back into the flow.
1. Get Outdoors and Reconnect with Nature
One of the best ways to refresh your mind and find new inspiration is by stepping outside. Spending time in nature not only provides a mental reset but also exposes you to fresh color palettes, textures, and natural compositions that can spark your next idea.
As an artist inspired by the outdoors; I find that hiking, kayaking, or even a simple walk outside rejuvenates my soul. If I have an entire weekend free to play outdoors, like a backpacking trip or yurt trip, I like to bring a small travel size watercolor set with me. Physical activity also releases endorphins, boosting your mood and making it easier to approach art with a fresh perspective.
Try This: Bring a small sketchbook on your next hike and capture quick sketches of what catches your eye; mountain peaks, wildflowers, or the way the sunlight hits the trees.
2. Start Small to Overcome Overwhelm
When you’re feeling creatively blocked, the idea of starting a big, detailed art piece can feel overwhelming. If that’s the case, start with something smaller and more approachable.
Lately, I’ve been making hand-painted bookmarks using pen and watercolor instead of diving straight into a large original painting. This has allowed me to ease back into traditional media after focusing on digital art for a while. Returning to the basics—watercolor and pen—reminds me why I fell in love with creating in the first place.
Try This: If a big project feels daunting, make something small. Sketch in a journal, paint a postcard-sized landscape, or experiment with a new technique on scrap paper.
3. Experiment with a New Medium
If you’ve been stuck in the same creative routine, switching up your medium can reignite your excitement for making art. If you usually paint with watercolors, try gouache. If you primarily work digitally, experiment with traditional pen and ink. Exploring different materials removes expectations and allows you to create freely without pressure.
Try This: Pick up a medium you’ve never used before or one you haven’t touched in years. Play with charcoal, acrylic paint, or even collage to see where it takes you.
4. Revisit Old Sketchbooks or Artwork
Looking back at past work can remind you of techniques, styles, or subjects that once inspired you. Sometimes, revisiting an unfinished piece or an old sketchbook can spark new ideas.
Try This: Flip through your oldest sketchbooks and challenge yourself to recreate or build upon a past drawing with fresh eyes.
5. Set a Low-Stakes Creative Challenge
Sometimes, all you need is a structured challenge to push through creative block. Set a timer for 10 minutes and create something, anything, without worrying about the final result. Or, commit to a 30-day challenge where you create a small doodle, painting, or sketch each day. Some of my favorite pieces have come from a challenge like this!
Try This: Participate in online art challenges like #Sketchtember, #Inktober, or #MarchMeetTheMaker to get inspired by prompts and engage with other artists.
6. Surround Yourself with Creative Inspiration
If your workspace feels uninspiring, refresh it! Organize your art supplies, pin up images that inspire you, or create a mood board with colors and themes that excite you.
Additionally, consuming art in other forms; reading, visiting galleries, or watching documentaries about other artists can help reignite your passion.
Try This: Curate a playlist of inspiring music, listen to an art podcast, or watch a documentary about your favorite artist to immerse yourself in creativity.
7. Let Go of Perfectionism
Sometimes, a creative rut stems from the pressure to make something perfect. Give yourself permission to create without judgment. Not every piece has to be a masterpiece, sometimes, just making something is enough to get the creative energy flowing again.
Try This: Create an ugly sketchbook dedicated to messy, imperfect work where you can experiment without pressure.
Final Thoughts
Getting out of a creative rut doesn’t happen overnight, but taking small steps, whether it’s getting outside, starting small, or experimenting with new techniques can help you rediscover your love for making art.
What’s your favorite way to overcome a creative block? Let me know in the comments!
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