5 Reasons You've Lost Your Artist Mojo

When you think of an artist an image of someone splatter paint, getting messy, and dirty brushes flying across a canvas. You don't see someone pondering, exploring nature, and sitting at a computer looking at references. What about piles of torn paper and an artist crunched in fetal position in the corner of their studio? Currently I'm looking like the last case.

Inspiration comes easy for me yet sometimes I hit a block but nothing some good research and playing around can't cure quickly. 2017 came with lots of planning and setting of goals. I was ready to go and conquer the paper. Then when I put brush to paper what came out was like nothing I've ever done before. It sucked, things were not working out right. My creation wasn't giving me the omph I wanted and the look I was envisioning. It wasn't right away that I got discouraged. Many tries later with tons of sketching on every surface with every medium possible I felt defeated. Why wasn't this working? Had I lost my artist mojo? Have my hands given up on being the medium from my mind to paper? What I did next might be surprising to some but I used my computer and photoshop and my photo references to mash up a digital idea. Then it was perfect! What I wanted to create was right in front of my eyes!

NOW this still hasn't fixed my artist mojo. My hands now have to create what I created from reference. Why aren't they working? I know why but I still am annoyed by the whys. Maybe you can relate with my reasons I've lost my ability to create presentable material. 5 Reasons you've lost your artist Mojo 1. Patience is not your virtue

The vision is there and you want that piece to come to life now. Quickly drawing and painting ends up in a sloppy result. Instead take the time to be intentional with each stroke you make.

2. Out of practice

When was the last time you sketched daily? Did you do a warm up? Try an abstract to loosen up if you are realist. Create something you know you have no problem making.

3. Focusing on the end result

Not thinking of what should come first and quickly rushing, starting in the wrong place, or not laying down a solid ground work. Again slow down and think of what steps you have to take. Enjoy the process!

4. One dimensional

Don't think of just your idea as one solid piece. Concentrate on each layer and only on that layer. Make sure your drawing is complete like a blue print with exact measurements then move on to the next step.

5. Mistakes happen

As you go through the process of creating your work of you art you make a mistake. Don't get discouraged! Can this mistake be made into a happy accident? Start over and correct what happened last time. Each disastrous failed piece is a stepping stone to where you want the end result to be.