Art block just might be the greatest plight of us all. That’s why I’ve shared my thoughts on how artists can stay creative more than once. But we’re a diverse community, and what works for one person won’t work for everyone. So today I’m trying something different. I’ve asked the same question to seventeen different webcomic artists to bring you perspective no matter your approach.

So, how do you get over art block? Let’s find out.

I find if I have art block it’s because I’m trying to create something brilliant for someone else to see. So instead I’ll try making something for myself, which allows me to be less critical. Often I’ll find a great a idea hidden within a bad idea.

— Hamilton Cornwall, Bite Size Comics

“I stand outside art’s window with a jukebox and play romantic songs in the pouring rain until I win her back and she unblocks me. Honestly though, I just move onto another creative thing, if you’re used to drawing, try composing, try 3d modelling, anything creative will usually help, even if you’re not good, not only does it let you express yourself in new ways but it’s also a good learning experience”

— The Lemon Sandwich

To get over art block, I usually go for a run…it helps me reset and reevaluate any possible ideas I had.

— Kim Winder, The RedDot

“Long answer is, you can’t get over artblock until you do something about it. It’ll never change if you sit and wait for an idea to come to you. Draw out whatever comes to mind, even if it’s bad. Not only do you get all the crap out of your brain but you also practice forming ideas, which is something that needs to be trained just as art does too. If you’re stuck, go for a walk. Don’t rush yourself. Do something that you know you can make progress in: go to the gym; play a video game. For me, coming back off of the feeling of accomplishing something helps me get ready to get the ball rolling.”

— Raph, Raph Comic

“Best Advice – Draw bad on purpose. Use your nondominant hand if you need to, but do everything wrong first and then when you’re finished with that, all that is left is the right stuff.”

— David Daneman, The Danemen

“I guess for me it depends where it’s coming from. If the art block is due from being burnt out or close to it, Its best to take a break, rest, and/or pick up a second hobby for the time being. If it’s due to lack of motivation, I feel its something you need to power through. Maybe you need a refresher first like taking a walk, reading a book, watch a stream, anything to take your mind off it for a little bit. Doing something else can spark an idea to get back into it. Or after a refresher, you look at your art with new eyes that will inspire you to continue. Other times it’s just starting the darn thing. It’s like getting the motor of a lawnmower going. It’s not going to start by itself. you need to put a lot of energy starting it but once it’s on its a breeze. Once you start drawing again, each new stroke can trigger a new idea in your brain to keep going. Like, “oh this squiggle here I just drew looks like a funny elephant with a top hat…now I want to draw it'”

— Vincent Kao AKA The Kao, Mondo Mango

“Sometimes I get over art block by not trying to get over art block. I tell myself ‘I’m just not going to make a comic today,’ and suddenly there’s a fountain of ideas. It’s like one of those finger traps.”

— Shen, Owlturd Comix

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I don’t know if this advice is universally applicable but what works best for me is to essentially schedule time to think: set aside a half hour to an hour on a given day to go for a walk or otherwise engage in some low effort activity while you just ponder any idea that comes to mind. If you come up with something: great, but if not: STOP. Don’t think for any longer than the amount of time you allotted for yourself. Good ideas require concentration and effort but they can’t be forced. All you can do from there is schedule a different thinking session for another day

— Jacob Luther, Towny Town Comics

It’s hard to answer. I usually don’t get art blocks, haha. But what helps is that I keep a notepad full of ideas, and I write on it whenever I have a new one. So when the time comes, I have a bunch of ideas to draw.

— Andrés, Dystopian Comics

I set aside some time every day to come up with some ideas and brainstorm, I write down any idea that pops into my head, regardless of how bad, creativity is a skill that needs to be exercised, so I just try and get my mind into the pattern of making connections for ideas. If it’s been a few days and I’m not coming up with anything or they are all terrible I just keep going, try not to get discouraged. A good idea will come up sooner or later. I also in times that I have come up with a few good ideas I keep trying until I cannot think of anymore. I can in those moments bank away 3-5 usable ideas and that also helps for periods when the well is dry.

— Dane Johnson, The Misc Genius

You don’t get over it, you get through it. Give it time and don’t try to force yourself to create. And sometimes, it gets over you. If your brain needs a break from constantly creating, give it that and do something else. Rest. It might just give you inspiration and spark something new.”

— Sandy C, Sandserif Comics

“I like to think about something that I’d like to draw: a mountain, an orca, Hedwig from Harry Potter… and then try to imagine a funny situation involving that. Coming up with puns also helps.”

— Oliver, Infinipop Comics

When I have art block I try to be patient with myself and remember that it’s part of the process. I’ll do silly drawings without pushing too hard or walk away for a bit and pretty soon I forget I ever had art block at all!

— Dave Mercier, Merc Works

“‘Art block’ is just a short-hand term for being STUCK. So if you are stuck on an idea or lack of ideas, you can simply shift gears to become UN-STUCK. Just take a different path and literally produce something else. Challenge yourself to come up with 10 bad ideas. There’s bound to be at least one thing that will ignite your creative interest.”

— Ryan Kramer, ToonholeRyan

The most important thing for me is to find time during the day to be bored. When I’m bored is when I make all my jokes come to me. The hard part is remembering to turn off my electronics and just sit while my mind can think and play with ideas.“

— Brant Woods, In Their Nature

“I did a vlog about writing (and writer’s block) on my blog — but in a nutshell, it’s routine. I’ll have days if coming up with nothing, but I still stare at a piece of paper every day knowing the nothing will become something, even if it’s days later.”

— Nate Fakes, nate_fakes

“Honestly, I ‘force’ myself out of it. I just draw. Anything really. References help a lot – things in my room, my cats, daily stuff, pictures and videos online, etc. For instance, “What if I draw this bedside lamp as a space alien?”, sounds gibberish at first, but at times you might end up with an interesting sketch, that later turns out to be a great illustration. And of course, there are times when the sketch is garbage and you wipe the whole file, but with the right mindset, you’ll get somewhere eventually. If I have to sum up my tips on overcoming art block, I’d say, if you have nothing better to do – do art.”

— George, George Drawz

So there you have it! Seventeen fresh perspectives for you to consider the next time you’re feeling down in the dumps with your creative ideas. Save this page and come back here if you’re ever feeling stuck.

The tactics might be different, but there’s a common thread between them all: play. When we feel pressured to create, it can be easy to take things too seriously. A lot of the time, the more serious you make things, the less you’ll get out of your art. So take a breather, relax, and give yourself permission to hit the brakes for a moment when art block’s got you down.

I hope that you found this post helpful. Do you have any comments? Reach out to us on Twitter or Instagram. Or maybe, stop by the PanelJam Forums and suggest the next question you’d like me to ask a group of artists.

Plus, if you’re looking to bring a bit more play into your art practice, you can always come draw with us. We’re a friendly community who believe that art is about collaboration, not competition. And we put that belief into practice by drawing webcomics together, one panel at a time, each and every day.

Alright, that’s all for now. In the meantime, stay inspired and go make something!

Happy Jamming,

Matthew (JamDaddy)