How I Overcome Art Blocks and Find Inspiration (Spoiler alert: I don’t force it—and that’s kind of the whole point)
(Spoiler alert: I don’t force it—and that’s kind of the whole point)
Let’s get real for a second. You’ve probably heard a million takes on how to conquer art block.
“Just make something every day.”
“Push through the resistance.”
“Inspiration will come if you show up.”
And like, okay… I get the sentiment. But also? That’s not how I work—and honestly, trying to follow that advice used to make me feel like a total failure.
Here’s my truth: I work in cycles. And for me, that’s not a bug—it’s a feature.
The Way My Brain Works (Shoutout to ADHD 🧠✨)
I’ve always moved in creative bursts. Maybe it’s my ADHD or maybe it’s just how I’m wired, but I go through these short, intense periods of hyperfixation where MAKING is all I want to do.
I’m talking 1-3 weeks of full creative chaos—in the best way. I might sketch out an entire coloring book, batch a bunch of illustrations, or suddenly decide I need to paint mushrooms for eight hours straight with no breaks (except for snacks, obviously).
It’s like being in a creative tornado. I love it. 🌪️
But then… the wind dies down.
And Then Comes the Quiet
After the storm, there’s usually a stretch of time where I just don’t feel like making anything. The vibe is off. The spark is on vacation. My brain is like, “What if we think about stickers… but don’t actually make any?”
In the past, this would’ve sent me spiraling. “Am I broken?” “Will I ever make good art again?” “Was that last coloring book the last coloring book??”
But I’ve learned something really important:
This part of the cycle is just as valuable as the creative burst.
Rest Isn’t Failure (It’s Strategy)
Instead of forcing it, I’ve started using this time to shift gears.
When I’m not in “art goblin mode,” I focus on other parts of my business:
- Writing blog posts (hi!)
- Creating book recommendation content
- Recording and editing reels
- Prepping vendor events or formatting books
- Dreaming up future projects without pressuring myself to start them right now
This phase is quiet but productive in a different way. It keeps me moving without burning myself out—and it lets my creative brain rest so it can get excited again naturally.
I Trust the Return of Inspiration
This part is key. I don’t panic when the creativity dips, because I know it’s going to come back.
It always does.
Inspiration isn’t this mysterious thing I have to hunt down with a butterfly net. It’s more like a tide. Sometimes it’s out, and that’s okay. I use that time to breathe. When the tide rolls back in? I’m ready with open arms (and usually a brand new Pinterest board).
TL;DR: I Don’t Overcome Art Block—I Ride It Like a Wave 🌊
I don’t make myself draw every day. I don’t force the muse.
Instead, I honor the rhythm my brain naturally follows.
Make. Rest. Reset. Repeat.
And if you’re someone who works this way too?
You’re not lazy. You’re not flaky.
You’re just cyclical—and that’s a completely valid way to be creative.