Every so often an artist stops drawing or creating for a period of time - whether from boredom, laziness, stress, “art block”, or from just being too busy.
This is all a part of life! But when you don’t practise a skill for a while you can get a bit rusty at it, which can make things harder for when you try to start drawing or creating again.
This is what had just happened to me, and so I thought I’d share my thoughts around this issue, and my tactics on how to work around it!
Common Thoughts You’ll Have
My first thoughts when starting this drawing was “I’m not going to do well”, “Maybe I should just try later” (as if my skill would somehow improve just by waiting?!), and “I don’t know what I’m going to draw?!” (like that was an excuse to not even start!).
These are the thoughts that will most likely go through your head, too. Be aware of them, and how you’re currently feeling.
The Best Things to do in These Situations
Something that I always like to try is to either draw something I always enjoy drawing, or use a reference that I find aesthetically pleasing, and therefore will get enjoyment out of replicating.
It’s highly likely that the first drawing/s you do will feel harder than usual, and that can be very frustrating. Sometimes this frustration can keep you from drawing for longer, because you’ll try to avoid bringing on those feelings.
That's why it's good to draw something that you know you'd enjoy drawing, that you find easy to draw, that you have a lot of experience doing, or comes naturally to you, because that will mean that it'll be a much more enjoyable way to “force” yourself back into the habit of drawing.
So for example, for this drawing I’m using a reference photo of a bomber jacket from the Puma x Fenty crossover with Rihanna. I chose this image as I was attracted by the silhouette of the jacket on the model.
I find it's much easier to draw from a reference when you haven't drawn in a while, because it takes out a lot of the guess work and thinking. You can switch off and kind of draw mindlessly, while you get back into the familiarity of using those muscles and that part of your brain. I find that true creative thinking and innovation comes more naturally when you're in the habit of drawing regularly, and in that creative mind-space.
Always Try to Remember
It’s perfectly fine to take breaks from any hobby or skill, whether it be drawing, exercise, reading, or whatever! It happens to everyone, and for anything, and is nothing to be ashamed of.
Remember that the first drawings you do don’t have to be perfect, and it’s very likely they won’t be up to your standards, and that’s okay! The point of this drawing isn’t to be your best work - it’s just to get you started again!