Ideas for Overcoming Those Moments of Creative Doubt
“I’m a terrible artist and I have no talent!”
Ever have days when you say that to yourself?
After a morning session in the studio recently, my hubby asked me how my day was going. I was quick to tell him not so good. That put an end to creating for the day. Whether it was fatigue or thinking of all the things, nothing I painted felt right, so I ended up with more paper torn up for the scrap tray!
In times like these, it is time to switch gears and do something easy and fun like make a batch of brownies, read my latest book or take a short nap! All things I do well!
I recently asked my Instagram followers to share their ideas and I have compiled them here to give you some encouragement. You are not alone in feeling double and lack of confidence. I hope these ideas will encourage you!!
Blessings,
roben-marie
Practical Ideas for Dealing With Creative Self-Doubt
I crochet, which requires no talent but enables me to enter a colorful world without making any decisions? @isa_siah
Create what I know/look at my Etsy sold items/look at my creations on my social media. @theexcapeartist
I make random painted papers @emilystam
I bake chocolate bomb desserts!! @evsinton
I keep sitting at my desk and playing with everything in sight until something clicks. @foreverfocusing
Baking! Baking/cooking puts everything back in order for me! @ltemmett
Paint collage papers. Just solid colored papers that I will draw on when I have better days. Or, maybe I draw patterns or color palettes that inspire me...and restart. @thewildhare
Just do it anyway...it’s only paper and paint after all! @kathyrossiter33
Organize my studio. @blindsaynelson
Work on something I am good at to build up my confidence...like baking. @creativemerry1
Play with supplies or clean my studio. @senina_artist
I read Van Gogh’s advice. Here is a quote: “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” @acampo.art
Clean/putter around my art room or watch Netflix to get my mine in another place. @donnajoy88
I go back and look at my own art...it always inspires me! It also brings back lots of memories! @joydeaton1
I either clean my studio or do some office work so I don't waste any time. I also sometimes take a nap. @susanne_rose_art
I feel this way at least once a week. Ideas stop flowing or just not motivated. It’s ok. Working on something non creative is a good idea. Brownies sound wonderful. I like mine warm. @designstudio.no4
Love to crinkle some different types of paper and listen to the delicious sound it makes. This almost always snaps me out of it. @donnarega
I have those days more than I care to admit. Day was one of them but I hate giving up and I pushed myself to alt least do a little something. I ended up painting a small bird on paper. @arlenecareyart
I think I'm with you....take a nap....read....eat...or garden/play with plants. Certainly not clean, or of course get on the internet...which can make it worse. @autumnhathaway
Yes nearly every day! I am having a real struggle at the moment but I agree lack of planning and putting crazy pressure on myself are the main causes! @theamethystadventurer
I think a lot of us are just plain burned out! Do whatever makes you happy and doesn’t require much brain power, I say. @cksmooney
If it was good weather I'd go for a walk to the park. Going outside always helps me. @tanyapoling
When I have those days, I organize my supplies, look for inspiring photos, download a new book & look for the next tasty recipe. @bjcohenpr
We've all been there. Naps are a great idea or going for a walk in nature. Luckily I have IG or Pinterest to poke around on, too. Grab a cup of whatever warms your soul and read. I've got a stack of books that I've been working my way through whenever I'm feeling that creative slump. @bethanycrawford20
I lose my creativity at least once a week..usually after I have made 10 to 15 decent pieces of art in one day.. I have to be so dramatic and whine about how my talent has left me forever. I rest, I clean.. and poof — the next day, it is back. @suzanbucknerart
Maybe it’s in the air- I’m having one of those days too. I try to remind myself I’ve had them before and the mojo eventually comes back. Hard to not try to force it though. @ricki_ticki_tavy
Of course...every time I feel like" I'm not that good today"," Everything looks horrible"...I'm moving to organize my stuff , I'm patting my pencils, drooling in front of the soft pastel, and you know... organize again and again and again. @yasminnoam
I go back and watch videos that inspire me... Including yours!!! @sewcreateit
Jigsaw puzzles are my go to for when I'm not feeling creative. @orneryswife
I immediately ask my daughter (5 yrs old) to come "art with mommy". She helps me re-engage and just have fun making scribbles. If that doesn't work we retire in the book nook with a plate of cookies and some tea. @jaski_pallet
Taking pictures is def something you can do .... just in your own studio... and they make gorgeous posts for those days! @gaillynchpaljug
[I feel this way] ALL THE TIME. I find myself doubting my abilities when sales are slow, or when for some odd reason, I can’t find my rhythm. It can easily turn all consuming, but then I remember how I got here, to this awesome place in my artsy life - it’s okay to let go once in a while and just make for the sake of making. @thejoyfinery
I have lots of those! I'm only beginning my art journey. But I keep thinking about the words of wiser and more experienced artists. Accept you're going to suck at it, ruin lots of paintings, you don't have to share everything you create, not everything has to be a masterpiece, you can use it for collage fodder, you can paint over it... Leave it, chill and show up again the next day. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. @lizchaigneart
Way too often I go through this. My family laugh at me because they think it’s so absurd that I think I can’t draw or paint. I’ve noticed it seems to happen when I start putting pressure on myself for an outcome in my work instead of just enjoying the process. @kimfoxartist
Thanks for sharing that I have so many ugly books I don't really show... It's all about the journey of creating and not so much the results... When things are not going my way, I like switching techniques or materials or something else. @mauricitacreativa
I have a basket of wool appliqué that is ready to go. But if the thread goes knotty I throw in the towel, so to speak. Reading or tidying art supplies is my way to stay connected even when things aren’t working out. @messengerelizabeth
Switch creative gears! Cooking, writing, get outside for a walk and gather sticks, rocks, leaves. Call somebody to check up on them. @mydorbandt_czt24
The thing that puts my mind at ease on days like that is to look up my biorhythm chart. It shows when physical, mental or emotional rhythms are in a slump. And, it easily justifies that much needed nap break....So, download that app and test it yourself. All living things experience ebb and flow. @adrian.kronberg
Since my art is more of a hobby than a job, I don’t get to practice like I’d like. I go back to the basics to practice skills I’m frustrated with. Or I throw paint at a canvas Jackson Pollock style. @jamie_I_thornton
The one thing I love about this problem is we have the ability to do it over, create another layer... which makes for exciting discoveries sometimes, or adding to the scrap pile. @kerriergalus
I feel this!!! I try to figure out why I am feeling like this? Lack of sleep, hunger, motivation(often known as coffee), inspiration and often not planning in some combination is what put me there. I also have confidence issues that sneak up too. I usually look at tutorials or switch to a different medium or just let myself doodle. Sometimes I just need a day off. Artist block is real but figuring out your triggers and a strategy based on time management and pure process can really help break the cycle! @moons.wealth.warrior
