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Artist's block, just like any creative block, isn't as debilitating as it might seem. In fact I like to think of it as the great separator. Anyone can have artistic inspiration, but it is the people who keep working in between spurts that are true artists.

If you're suffering from blockage do the following:

1) Keep working. This one isn't always immediately obvious to a blocked artist. You might have told yourself that you've got to keep yourself otherwise occupied until inspiration strikes you again, but I say keep working on your art until inspiration strikes you again.

Inspiration is only a tiny part of what artists do. Other tasks are more practical. There is practice which still makes perfect (or closer to perfect at any rate). There is perseverance which gets more work done (and you'll want to continuously add to your body of art). There are also those moments when you churn something out that you don't like but return to it later and make it the greatest piece yet.

There are so many reasons to just truck past the lack of inspiration and keep your pencil or paintbrush on the paper or canvas. When you think of the great masters, think of them as workers, not as inspired creators. The ones that we remember did jobs they didn't feel like, and we still gush over them in art classes around the world. Michaelangelo didn't want to paint anything, let alone the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. He wanted to sculpt. He has made some amazing sculptures, but he made some amazing paintings too.

2) Don't mope around. Chances are you'll just prolong your blockage if you spend the time feeling sorry for yourself. Get back to work. If it isn't that easy, refer to step three.

3) Give yourself structure. Make a schedule of when you're going to create. This probably seems crazy but if you get your brain used to a time to settle down and work it will be more productive just by habit. Writer's often do this to combat the excuse of writer's block. Artists should do this as well, it works wonders.

4) Work on harder techniques. Take your blocked up time to work outside your comfort zone. Art has so many mediums you should never be over experimenting. Try a different type of paint, clay, paper, brush, or subject. Even if you end up going immediately back to your comfort zone chances are you'll bring something useful back with you.

5) Go experience other art. Visit museums, galleries and other artists. You can try copying classic works. You can try reinterpreting classic works. You can collaborate with contemporaries. Don't be too proud to admire other artists. Especially if they are strong where you are weak.

Learn more about this author, E. Rae Fallesen.
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