You’re staring at the blank screen and have no idea where to start. Or maybe you have a few images, but it just doesn’t feel right. We’ve all been there— the dreaded creative block. Whether you’re a veteran or newbie, no matter the reason or lack thereof, creative block can prove to be an unshakeable and agonizing force. Here’s how to overcome it:

1. Walk away

As ironic as it sounds, sometimes the best cure for a nasty case of creative block is simply to walk away. CG artist or not, it’s likely your job involves gluing your eyes to a screen. And as much as we would wish our bodies to be functioning at robotic capacities, we ourselves, are just human. 

So let yourself take a breather and step away from your computer screen every once in a while. Try taking up paper and pen for an afternoon, and you may find yourself amazed by the newfound artistic liberty that accompanies it.

Oftentimes, we think that the only solution is forward. But by taking a step back from your work, you’ll also have a chance to reflect before letting yourself scrap everything in an irrational rage. 

Evaluate your process and your past work, and consider jotting down a list of strengths you’re proudest of. Do initial concept sketches come naturally to you? Maybe your shading is always spot on. Stay positive, and applaud your past wins, letting those feelings drive your future successes.

2. Do something monotonous

Are you tired of trying again and again, but failing? Along with taking a moment to self-reflect, try shifting your focus to a more routine task that you don’t usually have time for, such as cleaning your desk or organizing your studio, creating a more productive environment for yourself, and returning with a clear mindset. 

Sometimes, your brain just needs to find relief in a more straightforward and repetitive chore before being ready to tackle something bigger. And who knows, if you do it for long enough, you may be dying to get back to your creative ventures.

Want to give your brain a break, but are craving something that’s more up your alley? 

Try recreating existing pieces of art that you admire. Mastering a technique doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel—practice by copying artwork either using techniques you’re most comfortable with or one that the original artist used. In fact, this exercise can be just as challenging as creating a piece from scratch. 

The key difference is that it’s often accompanied by much less stress. Unlike the work that may have triggered the creative block, you already know the end, you just have to discover the journey. This will encourage you to embrace the journey that much more!

3. Focus on one component

A blank page can feel intimidating when you know there are a hundred components to complete. Workload paralysis is common even in work of the simplest nature, like household chores. We’re all familiar with the feeling of having so much to do that you don’t know where to begin. In fact, this demotivating feeling can often be the origin of that frustrating artistic block.

The best way to shake it is to divide and conquer. Rather than focusing on the finished product, focus on one component. Want to start with the body? Focus on that. The landscape? Begin with drawing a single tree. Step back, dissect the project into bite-sized chunks, and take it one step at a time. Don’t worry about the finished product— let your process take you there.

4. Push through it

No matter how many times it’s been said, it nonetheless rings true: the journey is more important than the destination. And in creative pursuits, that’s almost always the case. Try to embrace the smaller joys, and pause before spiraling into self-criticism. Try other mediums, and savor the craft for what it is—an expression of creativity! From this perspective, failure is practically nonexistent. 

Sometimes, you just have to put something down on the page. ANYTHING! 

And even if you do trip along the way, you’re only creating opportunities for growth and learning. So don’t be afraid to fail, because it might actually be your own fear that has built the dreaded brick wall that’s stopping you from unlocking your true creative potential.

Photo courtesy of Olivier Couston

Need some extra inspiration? 

Resources such as Cubebrush can help you jump creative hurdles effortlessly. 

• Observe and engage with other artists and their creative processes
• Access useful tutorials to practice techniques you might be struggling with
• Join a community to lean on through artist forums

Overcome your worst creative block by leaning on creatives around you.