Creative Block: Exercises to Free Your Mind

Creative block is an artist's greatest enemy, and when it strikes, ideas just won't come out no matter how hard you try. However, the best thing you can do is take it easy and not let frustration take over.

In this video we give you some exercises that can help deal with the problem.

It's worth mentioning that these exercises aren't for creating super-finished illustrations; they're actually activities to de-stress, clear your mind, and let the river of creativity flow within you.

So grab your sketchbook, we'll be using our trusty Life and Death notebook . Let's get to work!

Exercise 1: Shapes

The first exercise consists of drawing based on abstract shapes.

You can make these shapes yourself or you can get them from your surroundings, for example, by taking a photo of a wall or a puddle and from there, look for the shapes.

Once you have the shapes, it's time to try to make sense of them, to bring them to life. What do you imagine when you see those shapes?

Exercise 2: Stains

This activity is similar to the previous one, except it's more expressive because we use stains here. You can use the coffee you're drinking, watercolors, or some other soft pigment.

Once the blots on your notebook are dry, it's time to personalize them. Remember, these exercises are meant to relax and have fun. Don't overthink it, just flow with the moment.

We've made a small template with spots if you want to use them if you don't want to make them yourself. Download it here for free.

Exercise 3: Objects

Let's go to the fridge and grab some fruit or vegetables. If this food had life, what would its personality be like? What would it look like physically?

In this activity, we chose a gingerbread man, and honestly, we got some really strange and curious results, haha, but it doesn't matter! Sometimes things don't turn out so cool, and that's okay. Maybe when you look at that drawing again, you'll come up with new ideas.

Exercise 4: Automatic drawing

This exercise is based on a technique invented during the Surrealist movement. Automatic drawing consists of drawing without thinking, letting your instincts guide you, and letting your hand guide you.

Of the four exercises suggested today, this is the one we find most relaxing because it really frees your mind and lets you go.

See our process on our YouTube channel .