I recently had a long break from my usual creative routine due to moving. For me, “long” means over a month. I recognize that is not long for many others, but creating art is my job. So a month felt like an eternity!

I thought I’d share some of the ways I help myself return to art after a break (whether the break was by choice or not).

Start Small & Cheap

One of my biggest hurdles when I’m feeling a bit rusty is worrying about wasting materials.

I usually grab some computer printer paper and a sharpie (or some kind of pen). In this case I sketched the birds outside my window. Each sketch is 10 seconds or less (birds never seem to sit still longer than that!).

Since these supplies are so regulary, it not only helps me avoid choice paralysis but also that lingering worry about ‘ruining’ my nice sketchbooks.

And just this small act was enough to break the fast of creativity. A small bird sketch session was all I could fit into that day, but it was enough. It got my spark started and I was later ready to paint.

Working small is something I do regularly because it allows me to get through more pieces thus feeling productive (even if I’m just playing). So when it came time to paint, I used my smalle cheap sketchbook.

Play, not Work

When getting back into art after a long break it helps to start with a playful mindset. By that I mean creating without the need to finish anything or make anything ‘good.’

Let the paint flow, splash, linger. Scratch the surface, scribble, splotch.

It can also mean playing with new or unfamiliar materials. I often grab something like chunky alcohol markers or my Neocolor II water-soluble wax pastels because I find combining various drawing materials with painting helps me get into a playful mindset.

Keep telling yourself “nothing matters” except doing it!

Set the Mood

I like to wear comfy clothes, light a candle, put my noise-cancelling headphones on with my favorite music, and close my door. I set out all the materials I might use within arms reach. I get a bunch of papers and sketchbooks ready just in case. That way I don’t have to get up and look for something once I’m in that flow state.

Replace Scrolling with Creating

This is perhaps the most obvious but hardest to implement. Because when you’re stuck, scrolling on Instagram or watching art videos on YouTube is relaxing, inspiring and easy. Much easier than doing the art. So easy in fact that it sometimes satisfies your creative itch and you don’t ever pick up the brush.

If your intention or desire is to create art, eventually you’ll need to replace some of that screen time with paper time. But you can start small – maybe 1 hour a week. Shut yourself away in a space, turn off phone notifications (or better yet hide your phone) and just let the brush dance across the paper. You don’t have to start with anything specific. Just play until you are ready to make something.

Don’t Expect Perfection

We shouldn’t, ever. But especially after a long break. Don’t expect to return with the same brush dexterity or water control. Those things will return with some practice, but it all may feel a little rusty at first. Give yourself plenty of time to get back into the rhythm!

Watch the Video

I made a video about this topic with lots of my advice and thoughts. Check it out:

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