“My paintings depict the chaos of the destruction of the California as well as the hypothetical aerial view of mass congestion. I find the Thomas Guide rather inspiring. I have a BA from The University of California, Santa Barbara, in Printmaking.

Use of oil paint and occasionally mixed media to create a conceptual, interpretive Scape. Layers and layers of paint.”

The post Featured Artist Steven June appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

During January the spotlight is directed towards International Creativity Month. Created by Randall Munson, the purpose of International Creativity Month is to find time to explore creative ways to re-energize yourself and your colleagues, family and friends.

So what is creativity? Creativity is defined as a process for bringing something new into being. The creative person makes connections between one situation, object or thought and another, and this involves thinking, analyzing and then producing.

Created Creative?
Munson promotes that we were ‘created’ creative, giving the example of how creative young children are: “A center for creative learning studied the creativity of children and found that during the first five years 90% of children are highly creative. The next two years, ages six and seven, the percentage of highly creative children dropped to 10%. By age eight or nine, the percentage of highly creative children fell to only 2% and stayed about that level from that time on,” said Randall.

Creativity is not complicated. Kids do this all the time. And adults can too. You need to start from a place of imagination and free association.

Whether you’re a creative novice or expert, here are a few tips to help power up your creative juices during creativity month (and all the time!)

Creativity and Exploration
As adults take the time to play and explore. Go on a hike and collect random objects for the sake of this creative exercise.Base your collections on what feels interesting to you or spontaneous. With your collection of items, make various associations and categorize:

• color-add elements with similar color
• shape-find common shapes
• texture-look for consistent textures

So what’s the point? Observation! Observation is one of the key strengths in becoming more creative. It’s noticing, comparing, finding similarities and new combinations.

Curiosity
Curiosity is one of the drivers of creativity. When you stop asking ‘why’ or ‘what if’ or ‘how’, then you definitely need a creative boost. Creativity is all about discovery! Discovery is all about questions, curiosity and passion for knowing, understanding and expressing. Take the time to notice the details in nature, listen closely to the things around you, be alive to the world.

Observation

The action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information.

Careful observation from a non-judgmental neutral position leads to stronger creative skills. Through observation you can understand and observe subtleties, patterns, and discover solutions to problems through trial and error (which starts with observation). Through awareness of your surroundings you gather information that is valuable for creative combinations. Go back to the exploration phase of finding and categorizing. Observing is paying attention, understanding and again categorizing what you learn so that you can make new and creative combinations. After all creativity is bringing something new into being. Before you can do this you have to have thoughts, objects, inspiration, ideas and more which result from exploration, curiosity and observation.

Of course there are many more factors to creativity.  It’s not black and white and you can find your own ‘formulas’ to enhance your creative growth. Make it a point each day to either explore, ask questions, observe with curiosity and express your thoughts and ideas and be sure to keep a visual journal of your ideas.

The best way to jump start your creativity is to get started.  Stop thinking, forget about processes and procedures and unleash your stream of thoughts.

The post January: International Creativity Month appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

What do the visual artist in your life really want? Besides the time to create art, most artists will appreciate inspiring creative gifts and quality art supplies. Special occasions, the holidays and birthdays are the perfect time to show some lovin’ to your art friends and family with gifts that show you care.

From funky Bob Ross goodies to the best quality in art supplies, these suggestions will help artists take their skills to the next level.

Bob Ross: Collectible Figure

Who doesn’t love Bob Ross and his cool vibe! Get the cool Bob Ross vibe with this fun Bob Ross collectible figure.
Purchase here

Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils

Considered the top of the line, these professional colored pencils combine the smoothness of a permanent lead with excellent lightfastness. Every shade has been formulated using finely ground pigments chosen for their purity, intensity, and resistance to UV rays. Beautiful, buttery and smooth. Available on Walmart.com.

Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencils and Sets

These German pencils are also top of the line. The buttery smooth color laydown offered by Polychromos pencils can be easily blended for layered effects, highlights, and transitions. Their break-resistant, water-resistant, smudgeproof 3.8 mm leads are encased in premium California cedar with Secureall bonding to resist breakage while providing sharp, fine lines and permanent, rich color. Oil based and firmer textures achieved. Purchase information here

Prismacolors – Smooth blending makes for unique expressions.

The popularity of Prismacolors has risen over the years with adult coloring books. The wax based pencil is great for blending and an accomplished artist can do wonders with layering effects. The leads break easily at times, so you will want to make sure that you don’t drop them. Purchase information here.

Fineliner Pens – Microm Pens and Sets

Micron pens are acid-free and archival, making them ideal for paper crafts, journals, illustration, crafts, or any application requiring precision and permanence. Purchase information here

Papers Artists Will Love

Artist drawing paper, illustration boards, pastel paper, watercolor paper, vellums and more! Artistic expression starts with a piece of paper and depending on your medium of choice you will want the best papers as your foundations.

Here are a few versatile papers that I have used and recommend.

Canson Mi-Teintes Touch Sanded Paper And Boards

Canson’s Mi-Teintes has long been one of the world’s leading colored pastel paper brands. Teintes Touch surface features an innovative, sanded-type coating with a smoother, finer tooth than other sanded papers, and is ideal for all work in soft pastels as it holds multiple layers of color on its highly receptive surface. Papers can be found on Blick here

Arches Watercolor Paper Blocks

Made from 100% cotton linters and both internally and externally gelatin sized, acid free Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper is one of the finest art papers in the world and has been around for over 500 years! Choose a watercolor block for easy care. The blocks are glued on all sides which helps to keep the paper flat when working with wet media. Once dry you can cut it off the block. Dick Blick has a good deal on Cold Press 9×12 blocks. Cold Press will give a texture to the surface. Purchase details here

Strathmore 400 Series Drawing & Sketch Pads

400 Heavyweight Drawing Pads – 100 lb., cream-colored paper is ideal for finished artworks and heavier sketch media, allowing for repeated erasing and reworking. Use with charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, sketch sticks, and more! Can be found on Blick most fine art stores.

Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbooks

Always at the ready, Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbooks are the perfect portable canvas for those who sketch and draw — and what artists and professionals turn to for capturing their thoughts, notes, appointments, and contacts. Every book has a rigid, durable oil cloth-bound “Moleskine” cover, sturdy thread-bound binding, 111 lb (165 gsm) acid-free paper pages, a built-in elastic closure, a ribbon placeholder, and an expandable accordion pocket.  Purchase info here

Rembrandt Soft Pastels

The history of Royal Talens goes back to 1899. In that year, Marten Talens founded the “Dutch Factory for Paints, Lacquers, and Inks” based in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Rembrandt Soft Pastels have since become one of the most popular artist pastels in the world. We offer you the full range of Rembrandt colors in open stock. Rembrandt pastels are made from the purest pigments and mixed with the finest quality kaolin clay binder. Review choices here

Derwent Inktense Pencils and Sets

Derwent Inktense Pencils are as versatile as watercolor pencils, but with a firmer texture that allows them to perform with the brilliant intensity of traditional pen-and-ink. These pencils are available in strong, vibrant colors which work beautifully on their own or can be mixed together to create rich, subtle tones. See assorted colors and sets

Windsor and Newton Drawing Inks

Winsor & Newton’s famous drawing inks are formulated from a series of soluble dyes in a superior shellac solution. Apply them with brush, pen, or airbrush. They are widely used by illustrators, designers, calligraphers, and artists. See selections here

 Windsor and Newton – Who are they?

Winsor & Newton was founded in 1832. Based on a partnership between a chemist and artist, we have stayed true to their heritage by continually pursuing modern advancements in chemistry whilst collaborating with artists and designers.

“In 1832, both men were in their late twenties and shared an interest in painting. Newton was the more artistically gifted of the two whereas Winsor, who also painted, contributed the scientific knowledge that was to be so important”.

Windsor & Newton has enabled generations of artists to express their creativity including the following famous artist. According to their history, The Scream, Edvard Munch, 1893, used more than 250 tubes of his Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour!

Still not sure what to get the artist on your holiday list?

Check out the most loved art supplies on Blick. From paints to canvas to pen sets, you are sure to find just the right creative gift. Most-Loved Art Supplies

When YOU read a story here, the web hosting company charges us for “data transfer / Bandwidth” to convey the material to you. Your support of our advertisers helps with the costs of bringing this content to you. Please consider making your art supply purchases from our website. Each time you click on an ad or suggestion we earn a few cents to a couple dollars.

The post Best Gifts for Artists Who Draw 2023 – What to buy your artist friends (or yourself)! appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

Favorite Bob Ross Quotes

That’s a crooked tree. We’ll send him to Washington.

Find freedom on this canvas.

I think there’s an artist hidden at the bottom of every single one of us.

Make love to the canvas.

We tell people sometimes: We’re like drug dealers, come into town and get everybody absolutely addicted to painting. It doesn’t take much to get you addicted.

We want happy paintings. Happy paintings. If you want sad things, watch the news.

Bob Ross Quotes on Creativity and Inspiration

Ross’s quotes are filled with wisdom and inspiration for artists of all backgrounds. He believed that creativity was not limited to the realm of art but could be applied to all aspects of life.

One of his most famous quotes is, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” This quote reminds us that mistakes are an essential part of the creative process and should be embraced rather than feared.

Another quote that showcases Ross’s belief in the power of creativity is, “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” This quote is a reminder that creativity is not solely reserved for those with natural talent, but rather, it is a skill that can be cultivated through practice and dedication.

Bob Ross Quotes on Nature and the Environment

Ross was known for his love of nature and often incorporated landscapes and natural elements into his paintings. He believed that nature was a source of inspiration and that spending time in the great outdoors could help ignite our creative spirit. One of his quotes that perfectly captures this sentiment is, “Look around. Look at what we have. Beauty is everywhere – you only have to look to see it.”

Ross also had a deep respect for the environment and advocated for its preservation. He often spoke about the importance of taking care of our planet and leaving it in a better condition for future generations. In one of his quotes, he said, “We don’t want to set our world on fire. We just want to paint a happy little tree.”

Bob Ross Quotes on Happiness and Positivity

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bob Ross was his unwavering positivity. He believed in finding joy in the simplest things and encouraged his viewers to do the same. One of his famous quotes that exemplifies this mindset is, “We don’t make mistakes here, we just have happy accidents.” This quote reminds us to embrace the unexpected and find beauty in every situation.

Ross also believed that art had the power to bring happiness to people’s lives. In one of his quotes, he said, “Let your imagination be your guide. Find what makes you happy and go for it.” This quote encourages us to follow our passions and pursue what brings us joy, both in art and in life.

How to Apply Bob Ross Quotes in your Own Life

The wisdom of Bob Ross extends far beyond the art world. His quotes can be applied to various aspects of our lives, helping us navigate challenges and find joy in the everyday. One way to incorporate Ross’s philosophy into your life is by embracing the concept of happy accidents.

Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, see them as opportunities for growth and creativity.

Another way to apply Ross’s quotes is by finding inspiration in nature. Take the time to observe the beauty around you and let it inspire your creative endeavors. Whether it’s a walk in the park or simply gazing at the clouds, connecting with nature can ignite your imagination and spark new ideas.

Bob Ross’s legacy and continued influence

Even though Bob Ross passed away in 1995, his legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. His television show, “The Joy of Painting”, is still broadcasted today, introducing new generations to his calming presence and artistic expertise.

The post Inspiring Bob Ross Quotes to Brighten Your Day appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

An interesting study “Creativity and bipolar disorder: Touched by fire or burning with questions?” by the US National Library of Medicine  explores the apparent association between creativity and bipolar disorder. Sounds depressing, however just because your an artists doesn’t mean your crazy.

The sensitive nature of artists, the very thing that is a strength for the powers of observation and expression, can also be an Achilles heel. However, all personalities have their own challenges.

As in every profession there are extremes. Artists can find healthy ways to deal with sensitivities through health, the gift of expressing themselves through their art and keeping a balanced perspective.

Artists Are Starving
Some may believe to choose a career in the visual arts you might as well adopt a mindset of the starving artist. This just isn’t true. Granted you might not get rich off your art however there are many ways you can make a living incorporating art into your career choice.

Graphic Design – good graphic designers are in demand and effective graphic design is built on a foundation of art. Any graphic designer that wants an edge should work on non-digital skills such as drawing, painting and more.

Web Design – web design is much more than the technical. The technical can be learned, there are numerous online classes. However, the visual skills, the artistic ability and interpretation is what makes a website above and beyond the typical template website and this takes skill and creativity.

Illustrators, digital and non digital illustrators have opportunities for careers and career growth. Books, advertisements, online and offline advertising will always need  concepts illustrated that just can’t be communicated with photography. In addition, good commercial design illustrators can make passive income selling their work on stock illustration sites.

With all the opportunities for traditional and non-traditional artists to market online through their website and social media, artists can go even further in having their work noticed and PAID FOR. Additionally if they are willing to teach and conduct workshops, share their skills, they can do well in remaining visible and relevant.

Artist Are Flaky
Some artist are flaky just like anyone else. Artist tend to get the flake label when they don’t meet deadlines, can’t be counted on to finish what they start, or have to wait for the mood to strike. If your an artist for enjoyment you can be as flaky as you want. Create when the mood strikes! If your in it as a profession you have to create on demand and this takes skill, dedication, and self discipline.

For visual creators that want to make a career of it, it’s essential to stay professional!

The post Depressing  Misconceptions About Artists appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

Here are 10 effective tips to become a better artist.

As we start 2022 most of us have new things we want to do. We start off on the right track with resolutions, but as time passes what we resolve to do diminishes. For artists it’s especially important to make resolutions that will keep you on the track to creating more art which will increase your skills as an artist.

First, let’s dispel any myths that there are quick and easy ways to become a good artist. Developing art skills is an investment in time, observation and resolve.

1. Improve Time Management Skills
If you don’t have time to work on your craft, how can you get better? How efficiently you spend your working hours directly affects how much time you have to spend doing the activities you enjoy. Write to-do lists every day, tune into your most productive and energetic times of the day. Work to stay focused by avoiding the distractions that you’re prone to. Turn your phone off!

2. Appreciate More
Obviously, creating art comes from a place within. Taking time to tune into the good (and the bad) in your life is important. Observe the small things. Practice mindfulness in the moment. When you slow your critical thinking down you can tune into the fleeting moments.  Moments that you can capture what you see, feel and express on a deeper level. Everyday demands can make it a challenge to see in ‘slow motion’, however as you practice doing this you will notice the things around you in a new way.

3. Get Organized

Organization can be a challenge for a visual person. As a visual person, I like to see all the stuff on my desk that I have to work with. Reducing clutter helps with clarity. Each day I resolve to organize small sections of my workstations. We’ll see how it goes!

4. Put Time for Art on the Calendar
We only get better with practice and sometimes making the time to practice art is a challenge. Make it a priority to create new art and work on current art in 2022. Even if it’s just a few hours a week you will make progress. And don’t forget about the therapeutic benefits of lowering anxiety and stress!

5. Draw, Sketch… Draw, Sketch… Repeat!
Drawing is the foundation to all art and a skill that is based on practice and observation. As you learn how to draw, work on increasing your skills with sketching and exploration. Basic shapes, line, values, expressive lines and capturing ‘feeling’ of what you are expressing. Even the best of artists continue to draw and sketch. Take your sketchbook to work, in between meetings or wherever; get out your sketchbook and express your thoughts.

6. Take Time to Share & Encourage
As art can be a solitary activity it may be time to reach out and social media is a perfect avenue.  Visit other artists fan pages to show support and encouragement. Plan social media into your calendar and share the progress of your work.

7. Be prepared – always be ready to capture your ideas!
While out and about and inspiration strikes, be sure and capture it! Keep the sketchbook with you. Or at the very least, snap pictures of what catches your eye. Keeping an ongoing source of inspiring images that you can refer back to when needed. As your image files increase consider Dropbox or Google Drive which are great tools for storage and can be accessed at any time.

8. Practice, Practice… Practice!
As we mentioned earlier, there is not a quick and easy fix to becoming a better artist. Besides, if there was, would that be fun? The reward of being a good artist is that you have achieved a level of skill that you have worked for.

Even if it comes ‘easy’ to you, the gift of being an artist is one that never gets old or tiring. You can keep working on it and enjoying the personal satisfaction that comes from your creativity, skill and experience.

9. Teach Others
Stepping out of your comfort zone as you become a better artist to teach others can be unnerving. After all, perhaps you are your own worse critic. Does this fear of teaching hold you back? If you’ve attained any level of art skill it might be time for you to show others how you got good at your craft! YouTube videos and even in person workshops can be very rewarding. As you get better, consider teaching and encouraging other artists! Share the art love!

10. Your Mindset – Don’t Compare
As artists we are sometimes critical of our work. Comparison as it is said, “…is the thief of joy.” As you develop your own style and trust your vision your work becomes more meaningful.

In 2022, may you enjoy more time and inspiration as you create art!
– Christina Rosepapa

The post New Year’s Resolution – Become a Better Artist appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

Featured Artists from Around the Globe

Each month we select a featured artist, they can be seen here.

Every quarter and when we have a chance, we like to publish and draw attention to the variety of artists that submit a few art pieces and other artists that may only send one art piece in. Some of the artworks are sent without a description and others have descriptions that express the vision of the art.

Though continents away, the range of artists we’ve seen lately have a common feel or theme to their work.

Perhaps it is the struggle of uncertain times in a pandemic and the feelings of loss, isolation and loneliness. Look close at the following works of these artists and you will see a common thread.

Among the visuals a few words of expression were sent to us from a couple of the artist below.

“The only way i found to express my feelings.”

“…you could almost say that it’s my escape.”

And what is true for every artist, I believe it this:

“The work of the artist is to heal the soul.”
– Kathleen Raine

Stephen Keller

Texas
Realistic/impressionism Watercolors and Gouche
I try to set a particular mood in each painting whether a landscape or face. My collectors have called me the “Mood Master”.  I am self-taught and have been painting since about 5th grade.

I retired from the aviation field and opened a studio in downtown Houston mainly painting my oils there. Watercolors in a home studio.

From an early age I was greatly inspired by Andrew Wyeth and the British painter J.M.W. Turner. I see art everywhere I look. It can be the smallest thing that I develop into a painting.

Ozan Uysal

Istanbul
Ozan Uysal, a graduate of the faculty of fine arts, generally produces works of art related to identity, self, psychology, and the relationship between nature and human.
 

Tom Davies

London
Abstract Landscape Painting
Acrylics, oils and mixed media
I’m a British painter (b 1990), living and working from my home studio in Forest Hill, London. I make medium to large scale abstract landscape paintings, primarily in acrylics or oil. I am a graduate of Bristol University of the West of England (2010-2013) and City & Guilds Art School (2009-2010).

My work is a response to landscape and nature – in both London, the city I grew up in, as well as countryside across the United Kingdom.
 

Derek Cooney

Dublin

Bri Kelly

North Carolina
I create all my art work with acrylic paint. I love playing with the colors. My main inspiration comes from my 3 year old, honestly I’m in love with his boldness.
 

Salome Chelidze

Tbilisi
 

Fabio Henrique Bernardino

London
Old school, paper, pencils, pen, crayons, blood.
The only way i found to express my feelings.

Jaco Landman

South Africa
Oil and Acrylic on canvas and wood, mostly using palette knives.

Isabella Mercado

I’m 17 years old and I live in a group home. I do art as a way to express myself. I love to paint and I love all different types of styles.. I love to do abstract art to express myself in many ways you could almost say that it’s my escape.
 

Mark Furber

Spain
48 years old, lover of Diego Velazquez, Caravaggio, and most of the Baroque painters, so very much classically influenced. I am artistically attracted to melancholy, suspended emotion, a look, a thought, fleeting and caught in film, in photos and on canvas. Most of my art isn’t the sort one would hang in ones living space.
 

Jimi Melo

Brazil
Traditional illustration, Digital illustration, Acrylic painting and Silkscreen

I usually portray everyday situations and challenges regarding the paranoid system to which we are inserted, using various techniques.

Hope you enjoyed viewing these artists and their work. Be sure and share and help spread the inspiration and the encouragement.

The post From East to West – Eleven Expressive Art Voices appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

New York, Hawaii, Mexico, Finland, United Kingdom, South Africa, Philippines, India and more; here are our featured artists for July and August 2020. The unique style of each artist is experienced and appreciated as you look deeper into their visual stories.

Continents near or far, art is a catalyst for bringing people together.

Every month we feature a new artist and for July and August we are featuring a series of artists who’s work makes a creative impact. Thanks to the artists below for sharing their work and a look into their worlds.

1. Faye Akassa
As a young sand painting artist I taught my self to distinguish as the different grains, sizes and shapes of sand found on the shores of my birth home in Dakar (Senegal West Africa). This Ancient art form of sand painting is rooted in ancient Kente (AKA ancient Egypt) civilizations and for 12 years my style and composition were developed around the medium. I worked at further expanding my craft introducing myself to many other techniques and widening my emerging vision.I explored the decorating of various objects to attract tourists sales in Dakar to include clay oil painting and art sculpture. I love what I do.

The work became more expensive as Akassa’s world got bigger. France and other parts in Europe, the International African Art festival in New York, Kente Royal Galerie in Harlem New York, etc. are special places that inform the narrative of Akassa and his unique approach to colors.

I can be seen in community school settings, senior centers and on the street of New York passing on my knowledge while sharing my artistic philosophy.

2. Chaverna Partida
I live in San Blas Nayarit Mexico and I have painted since I was boy. My style is in oil paint and acrylic on canvas, wood, or glass.
I paint landscapes from the place I live, ocean and fisherman scenes.

3. Bryan Mosh
Designer, illustrator, photographer; a little clueless and always with a hat.

I love to create images that convey a message to the viewer, I love to make people imagine a story in their mind.

4. Odinel Pierre Junior
I use several mediums including oil paintings, ink, charcoal and multiple collages. I was an artist that worked exclusively in graphite, charcoal, and pen and ink were my specialties. I had decided way back that this was the artist that I should be.
I am interested in creating works that highlight the strength and create a place for the audience that can relate on how each impact on their lives.

5. Badal Prasad Singh
I am a boy of 17 who has been proudly raising eyebrows with Art and Passion, have contributed his sweat, pain and hard work in Art and will continue to do it with even more pride. I am accustomed to the styles of using Water color and brushes on paper, Crayons and Pencil Sketches.

6. Janne Puharinen from Finland

7. Mansel Siddall
Unusual surreal fantasy.

8. Mack Blair
Cartoon….Pen and colored pencils

These begin as doodling and turn into cartoons… I also draw cell cartoons but enjoy just drawing one image and moving on.
Recently, I framed a few stacks of my drawings. These are fun meditations.

9. Quratul Ain
I am a self taught beginner artist doing my art initially on paper.

10. Max Akerman
I started a month ago in Art. I started producing high quality sellable art very quickly. Been using my art to heal my health. As I suffer from complex ptsd. Art has helped me to find peace and have a purpose in life.

11. Edna “Renee” Cornette
Realism and abstract.
I am an upcoming artist who is self taught. I began painting in August of 2019. I live in Long Beach, MS and have a very supportive husband of 11 years and a 10 year old daughter. Painting has become a passion for me to bring out my inner creativeness and to take away stress. My paintings are mostly beach scenes and some abstracts. I am inspired by the beach because it is peaceful and calming. Throughout my learning period I have been able to achieve a more understanding on realism and how to make it happen in my art.

12. Ophola Siwundla
Ophola is an artist from the small town of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape South Africa.

I do tribal and documentary art and specialize in oil on canvas paintings.
I am a self-taught artist who has been painting since 2001. My work is motivated by the struggles that have and are still being experienced in the rural Eastern Cape. Capturing these moments with oil paint on canvas has helped me with better dealing with these tough experiences. I paint to heal my soul and those who went through the same experiences.

13. Rhoselyn Garino
Acrylic on Canvas

For me Art is the only thing who can save us from everything that kills us inside.

For more information on how to become a Featured Artist on Art and Design Inspiration, please visit this link.

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]]> https://artanddesigninspiration.com/13-featured-artists-from-across-the-globe/feed/ 1 https://artanddesigninspiration.com/inspire-creativity-10-tips-to-get-past-the-creative-block/ https://artanddesigninspiration.com/inspire-creativity-10-tips-to-get-past-the-creative-block/#comments Fri, 15 May 2020 09:13:26 +0000 https://artanddesigninspiration.com/?p=7330 How to Overcome a Creative Block Being creative is a trait shared by people in many career fields, not just artists or designers, but...

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]]> How to Overcome a Creative Block

Being creative is a trait shared by people in many career fields, not just artists or designers, but writers, web designers, even bloggers. Regardless of how creative you are, there are times when it seems we all “hit a wall.” What do you do when you hit a mental block? Do you try to push through it, thinking that those creative thoughts will come if you just keep trying, or do you step back, take a deep breath and clear your mind for a moment?

It’s easy to become overwhelmed, stressed, and unable to spark those creative ideas when you hit a mental block. However, while clearing those cobwebs out of your brain you can also boost creativity!

Here’s how to overcome a creative block:

1. Fill up on inspiration.

Just like an athlete needs to be hydrated before a race an artists or designer needs a good source of ‘inspirational nourishment’ before and during projects. Find, gather and hoard the things that inspire you. Bookmark your favorite inspiration websites, have good sources for visuals

2. Indulge your senses in music.

Music can motivate, stimulate, and help you develop a positive attitude. Some people are more efficient and better at concentrating when soothing music is playing in the background, and music has been proven to increase Serotonin (feel-good hormone) levels in the brain.

3. You need a schedule, and an office.

Creative types are often busy, and don’t think about developing their creative talents further. Feel like you never have enough time to create? Mixing work with family and everyday tasks just doesn’t work for many of us. Choose a time and place to create, and commit to it whether that space is a home office, or a corner in the living room. Set a scheduled time for work each day – when you think you will get to it later, life gets in the way and later never comes!

4. Consider whether your space lends to creativity.

Your environment has a huge impact on your creativity, and if it’s dusty, cluttered, or dark and depressing, it will affect how well your mind works, how your ideas flow. Surround yourself in your favorite colors; clear the clutter and organize. Include artwork, family photos, those comfortable things you love. You’ll be surprised at how creating an environment you’re happy in sparks new ideas. Create an art studio in your home – here’s how

5. Put technology aside – at least for a little while.

Laptops, tablets, cell phones – most of us are immersed in digital technology, and it can be a drain on your brain. You need downtime, which means time spent reading a book, doing something you love outdoors, time away from all of the technological gadgets at our fingertips today. The learning process is slowed when your brain is constantly “plugged in,” so give it a break!

6. Stress free doodling.

The repetition and thoughtlessness that goes along with doodling can help you get past the creative block. When your thinking too much and hit the creative block, decompress with mindless doodles. In addition, paying continuous attention places a strain on the brain, and doodling may be just the break your brain needs to keep attending without losing total interest. In fact, doodling will likely activate your brain’s “unfocus” circuits, give your “focus” circuits a break, and allow you to more creatively and tirelessly solve a problem at hand..

7. Don’t stay isolated.


If you’re like most artists or designers, you thrive on alone time and working independently. It’s actually very difficult to create and work on projects with interruptions and chaos. You need your own quite space. However this quite space can get lonely and you can feel isolated especially when your stuck and need some help. Connect to Facebook groups of like-minded people. Meet up in person for an ‘art date’.

8. Capture ideas in a sketchbook.


How a source besides the phone to capture your thoughts and ideas. Carry sketchbooks where ever you go!

9. Change your thinking.


Are you putting too much pressure on yourself? Expecting instant and perfect results without going through the process can lead to a creative block. You know how it is… the harder your try the worse it becomes. Mentally you pressure yourself, get frustrated and use all the creative energy fighting it. Take a step back, change your thinking. Often acceptance helps to overcome the block.

10. Be good to yourself.

Do the things you enjoy, and that relax you. Sometimes being creative is exhausting, so take a nap, enjoy a long, hot bubble bath, meditate, get a good night’s sleep. An overworked mind isn’t good for anyone! Reinvigorating your body will reinvigorate your mind as well.

Try some of these things yourself, and see if it helps remove those mental blocks and get your creative juices flowing again! Above all, don’t force it. Creative blocks are an ebb and flow. Lean into it, trust your process, step away when you need to. Don’t fear that you’ll never get your vibe back. You will.

The post Inspire Creativity: 10 Tips to Get Past the Creative Block appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

Open your favorite beverage, bring out your colored pencils and dive into the creative zone! Enjoy these free coloring pages from archives of top libraries in the world.

Free Coloring Pages – Color Our Collections 2019

More than 100 museums including Libraries, special collections, archives, and other cultural institutions share coloring content during the promotion Color Our Collections. More about the event here

Here are a few of our favorite coloring pages from Color Our Collections and the links to download the coloring pages (either from this website or the participants). 

British Library Coloring Book 2019
Download the coloring book here – PDF is 9 mgs (packed full of vintage illustrations, it might take a few minutes to download)

Botanical Research Institute of Texas Coloring Book 2019
Download the coloring book here – PDF is 10 mgs (packed full of botanical and bug specimens, it might take a few minutes to download)

Washington University Libraries Julian Edison Department of Special Collections Coloring Book 2019
Download the coloring book here – PDF is 5 mgs (Includes rare book specimens, it might take a few minutes to download)

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University Coloring Book
Download PDF – 4.1 mgs

Bibliothèque nationale de France Coloring Book 2019  
Download this beautiful coloring book here

Milton Good Library and the Mennonite Archives of Ontario Coloring Book
Download the coloring pages here from this unique collection

The post Free Coloring Pages from Archives Around the World appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.