15 Ways to Overcome Artist's Block in Your Art Journal
Resources:
Creative Prompts Guide – If you’re stuck, this guide is a lifesaver! I use it when I need inspiration.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and use myself. Thank you for supporting my blog!
15 Ways to Overcome Artist’s Block in Your Art Journal
Have you ever sat down to create in your art journal, only to stare at the blank page and feel like your creativity has completely vanished? You know, that moment when you're filled with self-doubt, and frustration, and you can’t even remember what inspired you in the first place.
I’ve been there. More times than I can count, honestly. But over time, I’ve learned a few ways to push past those blocks and rediscover my flow. If you’re feeling stuck right now, this post is for you. I want to share some real, actionable tips that have worked for me—because I truly believe every artist has the ability to get back to creating.
Let’s dive into 15 ways you can overcome that pesky artist's block and get back to the joy of making art in your journal.
1. Start with Something Small—Like a Doodle
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is not to expect a masterpiece every time. When I’m feeling blocked, I’ll pick up a pen and just start doodling. Nothing fancy, just shapes or lines. I remember one day, I was so stuck that I ended up drawing a simple spiral pattern. It was so therapeutic, and by the time I was done, I felt this rush of creative energy. The trick is to just get something down. Anything.
2. Give Yourself a Time Limit—10 Minutes Is All You Need
Here’s a strategy I swear by: set a timer for just 10 minutes. The timer trick works wonders when you’re feeling paralyzed by perfectionism. I used to sit for hours trying to come up with the “perfect” idea, but now, I just focus on making a little progress. You’d be amazed at how much you can do in 10 minutes of uninterrupted time.
3. Work in Layers
Sometimes, I don’t even know what I want to create at first. When that happens, I start with a base—just a few swipes of paint or a solid background. Then, I build on it. I might add layers of texture, lines, or even a random quote that comes to mind. It doesn’t need to be perfect. The process of layering allows me to discover new ideas along the way. I’ll never forget the first time I created a textured background with a piece of fabric and some gesso. It opened up so many new avenues for creativity!
4. Try Collage to Jumpstart Your Creativity
When I’m really stuck, I’ll grab old magazines or scraps of paper and create a collage. There’s something freeing about cutting and pasting—no rules, no expectations, just fun. It’s almost like letting go of the need to “create” and instead, letting the materials guide you. It’s a process that’s helped me work through many blocks.
5. Change Up Your Medium
If you always use watercolors or acrylics, try switching it up. I once was so stuck that I decided to ditch my usual paintbrush and use markers instead. The change in texture and how quickly the color lay down on the page was so refreshing! It doesn’t matter if you’re good at it or not—just try something new and see where it takes you.
6. Create a Color Study
On those days when I can’t think of what to paint, I dive into color studies. I pick a color palette and experiment with different combinations. Sometimes I’ll mix colors I wouldn’t normally try, just to see what happens. It’s a simple way to explore your medium without worrying about “creating” something specific. I learned this trick from a fellow artist, and it has helped me find new color combinations that I never would have thought of before.
7. Look Back at Your Past Art
Artwork by: Silvina Erwin
When I’m stuck, I like to revisit my old journals or sketchbooks. Sometimes, a past artwork I forgot about will spark a new idea. I’ll take a piece I did months ago and add something to it—maybe a new layer or a detail I didn’t notice before. One time, I turned an old abstract piece into a full scene just by adding a few brushstrokes. It reminded me that there’s no “final” piece of art—everything can evolve.
8. Find Inspiration in Words
Sometimes, all I need to get going is a phrase or quote that resonates with me. It’s surprising how just a few words can inspire a full page. The quote might not even be related to the subject matter, but it sparks something. When I created a page inspired by the phrase “speak,” it transformed into a whimsical page filled with floating lines and light strokes. It’s those small things that can break the block.
9. Practice Quick Gestural Drawings
I’m often reminded by fellow artists that speed can be freeing. Sometimes, I’ll sit with a pencil or marker and just make quick, gestural drawings—no detail, just movement. I remember once taking a walk in the park and quickly sketching the trees I saw. It didn’t look like much, but I could feel the creativity flowing again. It’s a quick way to get back into the habit of drawing without stressing over the outcome.
10. Try Abstract Art
When you can’t think of what to paint, why not try abstract? There’s no right or wrong way. Just let your feelings guide you—add color, shapes, or splashes. I’ve used this technique a lot when I’ve been in a creative rut. One of my favorite abstract pieces started from me throwing some watercolor on the page and then building out from the chaos. No plan, just instinct.
11. Use Art Prompts
Whenever I’m feeling totally lost, I turn to prompts. Whether it’s a theme, a color scheme, or a challenge like “draw something you’ve never drawn before,” prompts give me a direction to go in. There’s a ton of great art prompt resources out there. I personally love using them on days when I don’t know where to start—just knowing I have a goal can help me push through the block.
12. Let Go of Perfectionism
This one has been huge for me. I used to obsess over every little detail, but I realized that it was holding me back. If you’re feeling blocked, let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, experiment, and even fail. I once painted a whole page without realizing the colors were too dark for my liking. Instead of scrapping it, I embraced it—and turned it into a moody, atmospheric piece that I ended up loving.
13. Use Your Art Journal for Play
Sometimes, it’s just about playing. I often remind myself that my art journal doesn’t have to be about “making something good.” It’s a space to explore and get messy. I’ve found that the more I treat it as a playground for my creativity, the easier it becomes to get out of a rut.
14. Take a Break and Come Back Later
And hey, if you’re really stuck, it’s okay to step away. Take a walk, do something else, or even take a nap. Sometimes, the best thing for your creativity is distance. I’ve walked away from my art journal countless times, only to come back later with fresh ideas and a new perspective.
15. Create with No Expectations
When all else fails, I just go back to basics. No expectations. No pressure. Just create for the sake of creating. I once filled an entire page with random brushstrokes and colors—no plan, no purpose. And you know what? It ended up being one of my favorite pages. The key is to let go of the need for perfection and embrace the process.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and use myself. Thank you for supporting my blog!
If you’re struggling with artist’s block, remember—every artist goes through it. The most important thing is to keep showing up. Pick up your journal, try something new, and remember that art is a journey. You’ll get through the block, and when you do, your creativity will feel even stronger than before.
Stay inspired and keep creating! ✨
