How to Start Creating Again

 

Raise your hand if your art space can feel intimidating if you haven't created in a little while 🙋🏻‍♀️

When I sat down at my art desk today, I felt a bit hesitant because I hadn’t created anything in a few days. And to be honest the fear kept me from entering the studio yesterday. It’s crazy how after only a short break you feel like a rookie again! It’s common for all of us to feel this way - no matter how experienced you are.

 
 
 
 

I always say that creating is like any other muscle. The more you use it the stronger it gets. But when you don’t use those muscles for a while you feel a bit weak and stiff when you try exercising again. I call it an art practice for a reason. Your creative muscles need continuous usage - otherwise, those feelings of inadequacy will creep in. The worst is when we let that fear win, and we choose to not create at all.

Now, life gets busy and there will be times when we can’t create regularly. And that’s okay. But when we have time to create and instead we let that fear win - that’s when we need to step up and pay attention. When that feeling returned for me today, I knew I needed to silence that hesitation, get into my studio, and create something. My little vintage art journal was just what I needed today. It’s low-pressure and the small size means I don’t have to plan out something grandiose.

 
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How to Overcome Creative Fear: Steps to Restart Your Art Practice When You're Hesitant to Create

  1. Grab an art journal
    Or anything small. Choose a substrate that you are familiar with and comfortable with. Other ideas - a small piece of paper, a tag, a mini canvas. The joy of an art journal is that once I’m finished I can close it and be okay if it didn’t turn out the way I hoped. Being able to close it and put it away releases some of the pressure I put on myself.

  2. Pull supplies that feel inspiring
    I started with the paper scraps I had laid out on my table. That led me to choose my color scheme - the decisions came easily from there.

    Some supplies to consider - paper scraps, glue stick or your favorite adhesive, paint, fabric bits, thread

  3. Put pencil to paper
    That hesitancy to make the first marks on your page can be quite debilitating! Think of it as creating in layers. Those first pencil scribbles and paint swipes will most likely be covered up in the end anyway. Allow yourself to get started and loosen up. And honestly, if you hate what you created you can always cover it up with collage or gesso!

  4. Keep building layers
    This is where the interest and dimension start to happen. If you stop after that first layer, the chances are good that you won’t be happy with the results, it may feel a bit blah. Be willing to cover things up - the results may surprise you!

  5. Understand that not everything you create will be your favorite - and that’s ok!
    I can honestly say, that this page is not my favorite. (Although I think it’s better than I gave myself credit for on the day of creation. Taking a step back and looking at your work with first eyes is key!) But to be realistic, if every page was our favorite - than none of them would be!

    I try to get the page to a place that I’m content with. And guess what? Whatever you created is better than the work you would’ve had if you didn’t create anything at all!

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I highly encourage you to keep going even when it feels uncomfortable or when you dislike what you've just created. Pushing through these tough spots is crucial for developing creative problem-solving skills and building your artistic intuition. It’s tempting to give up and start over. But remember, continuing to add layers and trying new things, even when you're not feeling it, is how you grow. Not every project will be your favorite, and that's perfectly okay. It's all about building those skills and finding satisfaction in the process.

 
 
 

xx Brooke

 

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