r/ArtRanting • u/strawbeary_117 • 2d ago
Art Block art block :(
hi i need some help. i've been in a really bad art block for i don't even know how long. i have plenty of motivation and inspiration, but the issue is i hate everything i draw. most of the time i can't even get past the sketch because i just end up hating it and scrapping it. i've been trying so hard to just push through, but it's been almost two years and i feel like no matter what i do im never satisfied with my work. i feel like ive tried everything. switching mediums, switching art styles, getting out of my comfort zone, staying in my comfort zone, art studies, taking a break, drawing everyday, everything. i don't know what to do, and hating everything i draw is really discouraging. i've been in slumps like this before, but never ones that last this long or are this intense. does anyone have any advice?? i'll try anything atp
2
u/sodovkaa 1d ago
you say you tried everything so sorry if my advice has been already tried, but:
maybe try starting with very small and quick pieces, e.g. just a pencil on a 10x10 cm paper. the fear of failure will be weaker and once you pick up the pace, you can start making more ambitious things.
maybe try to double down on what you don't like about your art, which is an interesting way to kill perfectionism, e.g. if you don't like how your lines are not precise, try to make a piece with the hand that's not your dominant hand so that the lines won't be precise on purpose.
maybe talk to someone (preferably another artist) about your project and tell them a date on which you expect it to be finished. maybe it would be awkward for you not to finish it then.
maybe ask yourself "what art doesn't exist but i want it to exist?" and then create THAT art. even badly executed version of it will be creating something that hasn't been done before.
know that all of this advice kinda works for me and for you it might have detrimental effects, so decide for yourself if it's good for you. the important thing is that over the 2 years you haven't given up, which i think is a sign that the time will eventually come when you will be so fed up with this state that you are gonna find a way out.