SKETCHBOOK UPDATE + Tips on dealing with an art block ✏️

Hello everyone!

Happy Saturday! 🧡 Hope you all feel well and inspired.

I wanted to share what's been going on with me lately. For the past few weeks (maybe months), I've been dealing with sort of an art block. Life and health matters have been weighing on me, and it's been affecting my creative flow. I've really missed drawing regularly, but I just couldn't find the motivation for a while. That’s why lately I've set a goal for myself: to fill up two almost-filled sketchbooks by doing a little bit of drawing every day.

I know I promised you a video on finding style and stylization in art, but honestly, I'm feeling like I need to take a different approach for now. I think it's better if I focus on drawing and reconnecting with my passion. So, maybe the next video will be more like a fun sketchbook tour or a draw-with-me session. I hope you understand. 🙏🩵 I will definitely come back to creating the stylization video as soon as I feel better.

When it comes to dealing with art block, I've been trying something that's been helping me. I just sketch simple, silly things – like a random fruit, a cute flower, a lollipop, or a cat with a silly looking face. It takes the pressure off trying to make everything perfect and lets me just play around with colors, textures, and different art supplies. When I feel like doing something more serious, I give it a shot, but I don't force it. I'm taking it one step at a time, without being too hard on myself. 🍭

Another thing that helps me is to listen to podcasts or put on my favorite comfort shows or movies in the background. It helps me not to overthink and just draw in a more relaxed way. 🎧

Another thing that's been making a difference is having a clean and organized workspace. I try to keep my art supplies tidy, even when I don't feel like it after painting session. Having a clean desk means I can just wake up and start drawing the next day without feeling overwhelmed by a mess. 🧽

I've also been trying something fun with my art supplies. Mixing them up a bit makes the whole process more enjoyable and easier. For example, I painted Barbie's outfit with Karin markers instead of sticking to just colored pencils. It turned out to be a good move and saved me some time too 😊

And you know what else keeps me going? Celebrating the little wins! Each time I finish a simple drawing, it gives me the motivation to tackle another one, and then another, until I end up with a whole page. It's those small victories that build my confidence and inspire me to take on more challenging stuff. And if things don't go as planned, that's alright too. I step back, try something simpler, and then work my way back up with renewed energy. 🌟

Those days when I create something, no matter how simple, they feel extra special and make me feel better. It's like journaling, where you pour out your thoughts and feelings on paper and instantly feel better. Even on days when my drawings are just little doodles, they still bring me joy. So, I try to appreciate and hold onto that feeling to repeat it the next day. 🙏

I've learned that taking care of my mental state is probably the most important thing that allows me to create. Understanding what's bothering me and finding ways to cope helps me feel more calm and grounded.

And if things get too overwhelming or linger for too long, I'm not afraid to seek help. Whether it's talking to friends, family, or even a therapist, I believe in the power of support and not facing tough times alone.

To summarize, here are the strategies that have been helping me overcome an art block:

1. Embrace simplicity and draw silly things to have fun without stressing about perfection. 🍭

2. Set a relaxed mood by playing podcasts or favorite comfort shows/movies in the background. 🎧

3. Keep your workspace tidy and organized for a hassle-free start to drawing. 🧽

4. Mix up art supplies to make the process more enjoyable and efficient. ✏️🖊️

5. Celebrate each little accomplishment to build confidence and stay motivated. You can even give yourself little awards if that helps🏅

6. Treasure the happy feeling after drawing as it fuels the inspiration for the next day. ☀️

7. Take care of your mental well-being and reach out for help when needed. ❤️‍🩹

I hope these insights can be helpful to you too if you ever find yourself facing a similar art block.

On the photos you can see some of my latest sketchbook drawings. I hope they bring you inspiration and joy! Happy creating, dear Potato Angels! 🧡😇

Hugs,

Gaby