Breaking creative blocks with simple techniques

Collage and mixed media experiments

Every artist, at some point, faces a creative block, whether they are new to art or long-established. Whether it’s that nagging voice of self-doubt or feeling uninspired by the materials, these moments can be frustrating. It’s completely normal to experience creative obstacles. The good news is there are simple and effective ways to break through them.

1. Use a sketchbook to experiment

   Art is a process, and that includes moments when things look bad. That’s okay, it just means the process is still unfolding. In these moments, sketchbooks provide a space where you can explore freely, with no judgment or expectation. Try out ideas and different techniques without worrying about how finished the work is. A sketchbook is a place for discovery, not perfection. It helps you build a collection of ideas and experiments that you can come back to later. When you’re in a creative rut, it’s useful to flip through those pages and find a spark that reignites you.

   
   

2. Step outside your comfort zone

   One thing that has always helped me overcome creative blocks is challenging myself with new tools or materials - switching up my brushes, using different mark-making tools, or trying out new mediums. This forces me to think differently. Pushing yourself to try new things allows you to break free from doing the same thing over and over. Often, using a different material or method can breathe new life into your work. I’ve always loved the freedom of watercolour, but I’m also drawn to the layering and texturing possibilities that acrylics and collage offer. I’m afraid I’m too impatient for oil paints as they take too long to dry for me. But exploring different mediums and styles has been one of the most powerful ways to move my work forward. It allows me to see things in fresh ways, and I always learn something new in the process. Every style and medium offers something unique and trying new things expands your creative toolkit and gives you more ways to express yourself. It keeps your art practice exciting and full of possibilities. And, even when things don’t turn out as expected, you’ll learn something new that you can carry forward in your art.

   
   

3. Give yourself permission to ‘fail’

   Over the years, I’ve learned that ‘failure’ is just a step in the process. It’s completely normal for things to look ‘bad’ during different stages. I’ve found that letting go of expectations allows me focus just on the process and discover unexpected things. In my courses, I help my students see this too, by focusing on the process, not just the end result. Art is about experimentation and taking pressure off yourself can be liberating. By accepting that art is full of ups and downs, you free yourself to try new things without fear. Sometimes, the most unexpected outcomes become your greatest breakthroughs.

The path to overcoming creative blocks is different for everyone, but it all starts with understanding that making art is a process, not just the destination. Whether it’s through free experimentation in a sketchbook, trying new materials, or simply giving yourself permission to fail, you have the power to push past self-doubt. Follow where your materials take you, and let the process unfold.