[StiffArtiste]

I've been creatively burned out for the past 1.5+ years. I used to be a pretty good artist and wanted to get better. But, unfortunately, life (a job) got in the way and other priorities took precedence over my art. However, now I've been longing to draw and create new artwork again but I've discovered that I'm still suffering from creative burnout.

Can someone recommend any books or tips that deal with creative burnout and how to overcome it? I really want to create art again but every time I get to the computer and bring up Photoshop I just get...stopped. I pick up my Wacom 9x12 Special Edition tablet and try to draw but just can't get the...what is it called? Not drive, or motivation, inspiration, or even feeling. It's something that I can't put my finger on that I can't get back. I feel like it's not worth it compared to other things in my life. How do I get past that feeling (maybe worries?) that's holding me back and just draw?

I used to be highly creative but somewhere along the line it's been stiffled (hence my nick StiffArtiste). I want my artist's drive back. How do I do it? Eventually, I'd like to make art my profession -- but not if I keep suffering from burnout like this.

I've been to this board before, but that was a long time ago under a different nick. I never posted much artwork but always enjoyed the discussions and others' work. Hopefully I can get my artistic drive back again. I'd like to make some great contributions to the artistic community one day.

[Testament]

Hi fellas, new here.

I also am in a similar situation, to the point that I am , how do I put this, perhaps "affraid" to start drawing. Things won't come to my mind to put to paper like they used to, i can't even see myself starting something if I even get a vague idea that I would like to draw. I don't know what's wrong, I have bought some books on drawing..digital painting etc. and nothing has helped me. I am very much out of practice right now due to this problem. I don't know what to do.

So, replies to this post will be greatly apreciated by me also.
Thanks guys.

[aphelionart]

ah, the answer's probably different for everyone..

for me, i think just in general it's best not to think "i have to make a drawing," but better to say see an interesting reflection/colors/etc. and try to recreate it on a canvas. y'know.. i did that a lot for a while, worrying that i wasn't drawing, and then i'd force myself to draw something and it'd be crap. that's a hole we all fall into, i think.. but drawing isn't about drawing, it's about seeing. so i find personally that just trying to take an interest in looking at everything around me, like how light and color work, is enough to make me want to paint, 'cause there's always cool textures/what-have-you i haven't tried drawing before! i get a kick out of just being able to achieve something i see in life on flat paper.

or, sometimes i just start scribbling until i see shapes arise from the canvas, and they tell me what to draw! i also find lots of inspiration from the speedpainting thread (and the rest of the forums!). sometimes i'll find a piece that's impressive and try using the same technique in my own image to achieve the effects the other artist did. you learn tons fast

also, goals can help.. i've been working constantly to have something to show for the massive black workshop in 2 weeks. after that i've offered to do some sketches for friends - it seems like drawing's more worthwhile when you have a plan for it afterwards! and usually when i work from my head, i'll realize conditions where i don't have enough practice and i'll go off and do a few reference quickies... so once you get in the swing of it, sometimes drawings lead to more drawings lead to more.. so fun. and of course have you tried enrolling yourself in a class? hehe honestly my foremost reason for entering college was to have someone around to make me draw

my problem is i don't do enough traditional stuff lol digital work is so quick and effortless.. well, this is how i've been keeping myself busy this summer.. hope i helped.

-matt

[StiffArtiste]

Thanks, Matt! Maybe my problem is the fact that digital work really is almost effortless (still requires skill on my part, however) and isn't that much of a challenge. Plus, the tediousness of working for 8-12 hours on a digital art piece and giving it that polished look I like (Enayla's work comes to mind) is not that appealing to me. Perhaps I should try out Anime` artwork.

I think maybe I just need to pick up a pad and paper and just start drawing again the traditional way. I'll try that. That might help getting my creative juices flowing again. I'll try a few of your suggestions and we'll see what happens. Maybe the results of the work will be enough for me to start drawing/painting seriously again.

[Petteri]

Couple of days ago there was Finnish doctor of economic science lecturing on my workplace (i�m working in the advertising agency) about economy and future. His lecture was brilliant and he told us about the relationship between creativity and chaos. He claimed that the most creativite situation in universe is the thin line between stable conditions and chaos. Those places (in nature) have most living organisms. Good examble is a beach - there is constantly chaos (waves, wind) but there is lot of stable things like rocks and sand. He is right about that; most of species are living in the sea border.

He also claimed that crative people are those who have ability to balance between calmnes and chaos without losing his mind. If one lose his creativity, maybe there is too much chaos or calmnes in his life? Maybe your life is too stable?

[aphelionart]

ha i love philosophy petteri... yea, i definitely agree actually. i find more creative/brilliant people tending to be a lot more sporadic, too.. u gotta change stuff up, do things differently, to find new borders, in life and art too! yea... every time i start drawing i start out w/a different kinda line, different color, etc. than i'm used to.. and i try to make it work. its the challenge i find interest in

-matt

[Testament]

Excellent answers, very informative guys, thanks.

I guess, in my case, I don't tihnk I'll try to push myself to draw just, because 'I have to' to get better. Like aphelionart said, its not just about drawing. Because when doing so i get frustrated quickly, so I gain nothing, in face I hate doing so, trying to draw because i have to, to get better, I end up not doing anything , or nothing finished anyways, i separate myself from the way I used to approach art more. Petteri's philosophical approach, I think, has alot to do with my problem. About chaous and calm, I live worrying day by day, about my life and personal matters. For a long time, it has always affected me, but with no change I have not been able to come close to the calm side.

Maybe I should lay off on art ..who knows for how long, I'm not very good at it anyways. I say these words, but I find myself scribbling in a piece of paper the next seond. What am I to do? Its a bit of a torture to the mind and soul.

[aphelionart]

lol testament said like a true artist.

[Fobulous]

give it to God. He'll take your worries away. it sounds a bit cliche but its true. we weren't made to worry about it. besides He's the greatest artist ever. everything we draw and see is all His creation. He'll make it work out for you.
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K.eep I.t S.imple S.tupid

[Testament]

Funny you should say that, because I'm christian actually , hehe.

You're right, perhaps that is the best advise you could give away. THanks.

[cheney]

The best way to build technique is to practice and produce as much as possible. Then refine what you product until you hate it.

The best way to build creativity and ideas is to study. The more variety you saturate your mind with will allow you to openly express what you can based upon your technical limitations. My suggestions for this one is to check out art groups because such places tend to invite more popular artists who produce a variety of styles. iCE, Raster, Depthcore, Breed, and there are many more. Also check out places like Deviant Art, GFX Artist, CG Talk.

Once your mind is flooded with the creative energies of art from other artists you should begin to find your inspiration screaming at you.

Sometimes experimentation is another way to find inspiration. Some artists simply have no vision or plan for their predetermined art. Sometimes merely swirling around paint may be a start that achieves a foundation of clarity.

Last, but not least, search your experiences. Find what fascinates your interests. If you have any interesting life experiences reproduce them as art. Embellish your past and glorify what you want. There is no such thing as a lie in a finish product if the product is art. Search yourself let your mind tell you of fantastic adventures to ravage your fellow peers.

The worst thing a person can do is nothing at all.....
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