A fresh canvas, a clean sheet of paper or a length of cloth you’ve been saving for the right project – weirdly, they all make starting that new project harder, instead of easier. And worse still, suddenly the thread box needs sorting, the washing is calling you, or that book needs reading. We might not realise it at the time, but they’re all stalling tactics under different names, that result in the same thing…. not starting.
While creative block is the broadest term, blank canvas syndrome is the most familiar version to artists, which often eases once you find a small way into your work.
Here are some of our favourite practical ways to unblock and get your creative thoughts flowing again.
Creative block and blank canvas syndrome: what’s the difference?
The broadest term for any stall in making or in coming up with ideas is creative block, and it affects writers and musicians as well as visual artists. Within art, you’ll also hear it called artist’s block or art block. Blank canvas syndrome is one particular form of creative block, where the hesitation arrives right at the start – when an empty surface is waiting and every option feels equally possible and risky.
Blocks tend to sprout and grow from either:
- The pressure to make something good, or
- Being worn out
- Sometimes, it’s both at once. We’ve all been there.
Visit us to read the complete article, authored by By Naomi Clark for Take Two Arts
