Artistic Funk: How do you work through it?

[Former_Member]

I have just spent some time reading (and reading) all your great posts. It is amazing to see all the great talent in one spot. Yay, us! I agree with some of you who have felt they didn't know what team to fit in and I am glad The Art of Whimsy is here! I have even went so far as to contact Etsy to add "whimsical" as one of the styles on the drop down list! So far nothing, so I have to add it myself to each of my listings. LOL. I will try to post new content every day so we can chat and share ideas. I encourage ALL of you to create new threads and after each post add a link of your latest, greatest or oldest creation so we can see what you are up to.

So today's topic is.... Artistic Funk: How do you work through it?

There have been days when I just feel like the inspiration is gone. Unfortunately that does put me in a funk. Some ways I combat this is to: completely walk away and spend time looking through Etsy or magazines. Then out of the blue some one's art or even a paint swatch from those Bear Paint ads will give me an idea. I also watch a home decor TV show or even a Reality Show, there is usually some random object somewhere on set that gives me an idea. What do you do when you are having an Artist block? (Remember to post one of your great creations at the end of the post).
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51122921/monster-gang-wall-art

[Former_Member]

I have been participating in a weekly online challenge called Illustration Friday: http://illustrationfriday.com/?medium=0

It is great for so many reasons! One, you have a topic assigned if one of your issues is "what do I draw"? Two, just visiting the current challenge and visiting all the sites with people's work will bring you to such a wide and wonderful variety of different artists you can't help but be inspired. And three, challenge entries have led to some really neat art I would never have done without the prompts. (In case you're wondering, I don't work for them, I just love them!)

In order to participate, you will need a blog or Flickr account so people can visit and comment on your stuff! Over six hundred people are involved, with new people all the time, and probably 300-400 entries per week. Visiting others and commenting is the best way to get return visits, but it does take time to build relationships. If you don't have a blog, a Flickr account is free and easy, and IF also has a Flickr group. (Feel free to convo me for more info. I also have a tutorial for making a thumbnail on my blog.) :D

One of my IF entries, for the topic "Popularity":
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94484627/sheep-carts-art-print-whimsical-8x10

[CalicoSkiesMosaics]

When I have artist's block I specifically look for the absurd in life :) It always cheers me up and usually loosens up my creativity.

Music is another way I get past being in a funk. Just turn up the volume and let go!

Interesting topic of the day...I almost missed it :)

[Former_Member]

Cindy- I am going to have to check that out! I think that is a great tip and the variety of the challenge really does encourage an artist to come up with new things!

Freddy and Dana- I love that you look for the absurd in life! I feel if something makes you laugh or smile, no matter what it is, it's art!

Thanks to both your contributions on shaking off the "funk"!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/92587775/frog-hand-painted-stool

[Former_Member]

I don't get many blocks,but when I do I listen to some awesome music,I recommend nine inch nails,depeche mode and Morrisey,the cramps,the cure anything that gives me a "dream" feel and I drink more coffee and it flows to my caffeineated brain!!

Look around nature,bumbble bees inspire me...I love their colors.Trees are amazing too and clouds......

[IrrationalArts]

A great request from a customer gets me excited about art again.

I had several foot surgeries in the last 2 1/2 years and was laying in bed a lot. This kept me away from my computer where I create all my art now. During recovery from the first surgery I started drawing frogs for some reason, wearing costumes, in foot casts, as doctors, nurses, going on vacation and wearing a grass skirt and coconut bras, etc. Then out of the blue, a customer requested a frog sceince teacher. OMG!!! She put the design on a tshirt for a science teacher, duh. Their school mascot is a frog. I was so excited!

During recovery from the second surgery I was drawing bugs, pregnant, dancing, posing, etc. It kept me from being drugged out on pain killers with a numb mind.

http://www.etsy.com/transaction/32735127
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89469412/gorgeous-running-bugs-in-all-colors

[TheBookArtist]

When I have a funk I write or walk, walk, walk in nature... lately doing an ACEO will get me back into the swing of things.

[Former_Member]

When I'm in a funk I visit the activity feed more than usual as I have time on my hands. lol Outside of that I read and let my imagination go wherever it wants. I really get into the characters and settings. Sometimes I feel drawn back to my project when chatting with others; i.e. biting at the bit. Walking helps whether for enjoyment or running an errand. Hey, that's an idea, if I ran maybe I'd get somewhere. lol After giving you multiple answers I'd like to share my vanilla ice cream cone with you. I think that's what I need at the moment. lol (I love this team!!!)

Jacqueline

www.etsy.com/listing/85375740/3-d-magnet-celluloid-button-tile-vanilla

[CalicoSkiesMosaics]

I think it's amazing how we all manage to have our unique ways of crawling out of a creative slump!

I hope people post more suggestions.

[crazyladyStyle]

Whenever I feel in a funk, I usually start with a cup of coffee. If that doesn't work, I will look through my massive collection of art magazines, pack up some colored pencils and paper and head to a book or coffee shop, browse blogs, browse Etsy, or look for more interesting illustration friends for my illustration Facebook profile. Usually, just finding a source of inspiration is enough to get me back on track. If that fails, sometimes I open a random book or magazine and blindly point to a word - whatever it is I draw owls, or cats, or fish (or whatever I think of) doing that. So the last time I did this my sketchbook ended up with: Local Residents, Owl Mixer, Fuzzy Owl, Garden Owls, Main Unit.

If its one of those clunky days when everything looks ugly and it seems like I have 2 left hands, I usually change mediums and just have fun doing something totally random. (like a collage, or a sharpie marker drawing, or a graphite version of my owl, or sculpting an owl out of clay).

I also agree with Cindy - utilizing a blog and then participating in challenges from other blogs is a great way to push yourself. Monday Artday is another blog I'm part of with art challenge topics.

This was a piece from my Illustration Friday challenge "Capable:"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/97075079/almi-art-preparing-for-lift-off-original

[Former_Member]

I just started Monday Artday! Haven't seen you there, though, so maybe you should do an entry for Flood. I am working on one this evening (it's a steampunk ship shaped like a cat. Sort of. Hehe.) Will be my third Monday Artday.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/87473169/rabbit-art-print-from-original-steampunk

[crazyladyStyle]

Haha..you'd have to check back several challenges to see my stuff, I haven't submitted for a while. My sister is yelling at me to get back to drawing and blogging (she reads my blog from college), but I've been working on a ton of new stuff, and got a little behind on the blog stuff this past month...but no fear! I'm back on that now too... Look back on Monday Artday and see if you can find the Playing Card challenge..I really liked my entry for that.