5 Tips for Breaking an Artistic Funk

It’s happened to all of us. Whether you’re starring confused at a blank canvas or working on your jump shot with wadded up sketches, somedays you just can’t make the artistic magic happen. Here are a few tips for breaking the funk:

Tip One: Make word lists.

As artists, sometimes we get too caught up in the visual side of things. Making a word list and brainstorming of thoughts and ideas can jump start your brain and help you get your creative juices flowing.

Tip Two: Break the project up into smaller pieces.

The daunting scope of some projects makes it tough to get started. Breaking up a project into smaller more digestible chunks, can help you get started working. You can start by drawing a compositional thumbnail or a character study for the illustration. I often collage my final sketch together from several smaller sketches using scans or tracing things on a light table.

Tip Three: Work on another project.

It’s always good to have a few projects going from a financial standpoint, but having a few projects going is also good for your sanity. If you get stuck on one project, jump off of it and work on another one. Or just work on a personal project. It’s easy to get caught up in the business aspect of illustration, so having personal projects really help remind you why you started drawing in the first place.

Tip Four: Get out of the office/studio.

Sometimes you just need a break to clear your head. So, get up and go outside. Get your daily supply of vitamin D from the sun, go to the gym, go out in the garage and bang on a metal pipe with a wrench or whatever relaxes you.

Tip Five: Keep working and clean it up tomorrow.

Some days my mind just wanders, but there is always tomorrow. On days when I’m in an attention deficit state, I usually try to get as much done as I can, then finish the project off the next day when I have a clearer head. A good night’s sleep can change the way a project looks. It can melt away those insignificant details that you were fussing over the day before. Although, it can also make the masterpiece of the day before look like toilet art. Either way, fresh eyes are helpful.

Hopefully, these tips help you break out of your funk and get your next illustration or painting completed.