Sijun Forums :: View topic

daeldren · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2002 9:37 am

Hey I have a problem right now, I have set a personal goal of developing at least ten new images for my newe art portfolio online but my problem right now and its always been one of my worst problems is that I just cant come up with an idea. How do you guys usually get around this "artists block"?

Socar J. MYLES · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2002 9:53 am

Try selling them instead of just DOING them. Advertise that you are taking commissions, then do them as fast as you can once you get the money. When someone has paid in advance, you CAN'T dawdle around forever, or they will get angry, so you will HAVE to paint, like it or no. And they will feed you ideas as well. Even if their idea is stupid, you can usually figure out a way to make it look good anyway.

hunter_rose0 · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2002 9:55 am

It helps me to take in other people's art at a time like that. Look through some artbooks, listen to music, go se a movie or even play some videogames, then go back to the canvas and see what you can come up with. I also like to play little drawing games: like making a random scribble and then turning it into something realistic, taking 3 random words and making a drawing based on them, or start to draw an ordinary person or object but start changing little things about it just keep adding to and changing the image for a set amount of time say 30 mins you'll be suprised at the wiered images (and ideas) you'll have.

nilpferd · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2002 12:40 am

My way to get an idea is on one hand just to scribble around and do what hunter_rose0 said, and on the other hand look through the board, look at artists pages, and maybe just take one topic I like (for example I recently was browsing the board, I saw a clown and got the idea for one of my pictures).
Listen to music is also a good idea, and sometimes (when you have enough time) doing sports works also good for me.

oasisnumber1 · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2002 11:12 am

On Sunday I drew a picture for the first time in about 2 months. When I can't think of anything to draw I just put my stuff away and leave it. In the meantime I'll either watch some anime (whatI'm learning to draw) or download pictures or wallpaper along the anime theme.

My reply is similar to hunter_rose0's but with the emphasis on absolutely not picking up a pad and pencil until I'm really thinking "Wow, I can't wait to get home and draw something..."

But this method mightn't fit in with your deadline.