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I'm not a big fan of the journal system here because I already have a blog, and can't keep track of more than one, but I see repeat questions and problems in the Art Discussion often that need more than a single answer each time.

Inspiration isn't something I find myself lacking a lot, but I've developed a lot of coping techniques to deal with the lack because I can't bear it. Here's a few for those times you're crying "I have no muse~"



idea Inspiration folder. I've got one, and it's full of some real whacky s**t. Ideally, your inspiration folder shouldn't have a bunch of art you think is bland but pretty, because that's not what takes your mind somewhere new. Put stuff in there that you look at and just get ~ideas~ from. Things that make you ask questions, or feel a need to try on your own.

arrow arrow A staple of my inspiration folder are photos you can't believe. http://englishrussia.com/ is probably where half of them come from. Look at how photos like this one, this, and this picture set a scene that could be out of a sci-fi movie. Couture fashion, bizarre landscapes, and photos of grand or decrepit cities are what personally push my inspiration buttons. Find what kind of photo makes you come up with your own questions you have to resolve in a picture.

arrow arrow When I do put other people's paintings or art in my inspiration folder, I try to make it not stuff that I necessarily find pretty so much as things that make me sit up and want to incorporate something in them into a picture. Paintings with spectacular lighting, amazing textures or detail, or a great use of negative space. Pictures that are pretty, but don't have any element you want to try yourself are fun to look at, but they don't take your imagination the same place.


idea I can't work without music playing, but specifically picking your playlist can put you somewhere different. Ambient or weird sounds work too - thunderstorm sounds, music from other countries, whacky new age stuff. Identify what music takes you where, and try to work it for a picture. If you're trying to draw something simple and dark, maybe bubbly pop isn't what's going to put you in that mindset. Don't be afraid to go looking on youtube or blip.fm for something that'll work for you if your playlist isn't cutting it.

arrow arrow What's the difference in mood and where the song takes you between Vienna Teng - Ponchartrain and Regina Spektor - On the Radio? Consider what kind of picture either makes you think of.


idea If your problem isn't a lack of inspiration, but rather, an actual "art block," try drawing the first thing that comes to mind. Don't get worried about having a genius idea or fantastic quality. The thing that causes most of the funks people identify as art blocks is really the difference between expected and actual quality in their works. You set yourself up, trying to draw a masterwork, and out comes crap. Frustrated, you try again, but now your expectations are even higher and you're already upset - it'll end up worse usually. This repeats and cycles into something that only digs the emotional hole deeper.

arrow arrow Draw random things. Sketch an eye, a hand, or a tree. Something with no pressure and no grand dream. Try some gesture sketches. It loosens you up, and doesn't set you up for a let down if you bork it. Try colouring an old picture, or some lineart from the Picture Post's Lineart Jam sticky.

arrow arrow Give yourself permission to make mistakes, but if you still get frustrated with your art, go make a pot of tea (or a cocktail if you're legal). Light a candle, or spray some perfume you like. Put on music that makes you happy. Go play a video game you like. Put yourself back into a state of happy zen. You approach most tasks better - art included - when you're calm and focused. If you can't get it right, try other methods - ask someone else what needs work, flip it horizontally, or find yourself a reference for it.