What are Artistic Blocks?
Artistic block—it’s a term every experienced artist is all too familiar with. Despite years of practice and a portfolio full of work, there are moments when the creative well runs dry. For many, it can feel disheartening, even paralysing. But here’s the truth: artistic blocks are a natural part of the creative journey. By understanding why they happen and learning how to navigate them, you can transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Artistic blocks can feel like an insurmountable barrier, but they’re not a reflection of your talent or your worth as an artist. Every creative mind goes through ebbs and flows, and the moments when you feel stuck are just as integral to your journey as the times when ideas come effortlessly. The key lies in how you respond. Do you let the block define your progress, or do you use it as a chance to grow, to pause, and to reconnect with your creative core?
For seasoned artists, blocks can be particularly challenging. As someone with a wealth of experience, you’ve likely developed processes and routines that work for you—but when those approaches stop yielding results, it’s natural to feel frustrated or even disoriented. You might find yourself questioning your abilities or doubting your direction. These feelings, while uncomfortable, are part of the creative process. They signal a need for change, whether in your mindset, your habits, or the environment in which you work.
It’s important to recognise that blocks don’t occur in a vacuum. They’re often the result of multiple overlapping factors—emotional, physical, external, and internal. Perhaps you’re feeling the weight of stress or anxiety from personal challenges. Maybe physical exhaustion has taken a toll, leaving you drained of energy and inspiration. External pressures, such as looming deadlines or the desire to match the success of peers, can amplify these struggles. And then there’s the internal dialogue—the self-doubt, the fear of failure, and the questioning of whether your art still resonates with you.

Rather than viewing these blocks as a sign of weakness, try to see them as an opportunity to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. What are these feelings telling you about your current state of mind? Are they pointing to areas of your life that need more balance or attention? Often, blocks arise when we’ve neglected parts of ourselves that are essential to our creativity—whether it’s rest, play, connection, or simply the space to experiment without pressure.
In this guide, I will delve into the core reasons why artistic blocks happen. I will explore how emotional stress, physical burnout, external pressures, and internal struggles can intertwine to stifle your creativity. More importantly, I hope to provide actionable strategies to help you overcome these barriers and find your way back to the joy of creating. Whether you’re dealing with a fleeting block or a prolonged period of stagnation, know that this phase is temporary and entirely navigable. Your creativity is not lost; it’s simply waiting for you to reconnect with it.
Exploring Why Artistic Blocks Happen
Artistic blocks can feel like an impassable wall, but they are rarely random occurrences. Understanding the root causes of an artistic block is the first step towards overcoming it. Creativity thrives in an environment of balance, openness, and curiosity, but when emotional, physical, external, or internal factors come into play, that balance can be disrupted. Let’s take a closer look at these underlying causes and how they may be impacting your creative flow, leading to an artistic block.
Emotional Factors
Stress, Anxiety, or Personal Challenges
Emotional stress is one of the most common culprits behind an artistic block. Life outside of your creative practice doesn’t exist in a vacuum; personal struggles, relationship challenges, or financial worries can easily creep into the studio. When your mental energy is consumed by external worries, it becomes difficult to channel the focus and playfulness that creativity requires. Anxiety, in particular, can cloud your mind with doubts, leaving little room for the experimentation and risk-taking that fuel artistic expression—or, indeed, the ability to move past an artistic block.
The pressure to perform or produce can also exacerbate this stress. Experienced artists often hold themselves to high standards, and this internalised expectation can create a feedback loop of worry and inaction. When stress and anxiety take over, the likelihood of encountering an artistic block increases significantly.
What to do: When stress or anxiety is at play, prioritising emotional well-being is essential. Journaling can help you unpack what’s weighing on your mind, while mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can create mental clarity. If personal challenges feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support—talking to a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist can be transformative. Giving yourself permission to take breaks and step away from your work can also help you return to it with renewed focus, clearing the path past an artistic block.

Fear of Failure or Perfectionism
Fear of failure is another powerful emotional block. For seasoned artists, there’s often a pressure to maintain a certain level of excellence. Perfectionism—the belief that every piece must be flawless—can stifle creativity before it even begins. This mindset not only inhibits exploration but also amplifies the fear of mistakes, making it harder to start or complete projects. Perfectionism often becomes the root cause of an artistic block when the artist feels paralysed by their own expectations.
What to do: Reframe failure as an essential part of growth. Allow yourself to create without the pressure of producing a masterpiece. Set aside time for creative play, where the goal is exploration rather than perfection. Remember, some of the best ideas come from unexpected mistakes. By shifting your mindset, you can begin to dissolve the artistic block that perfectionism creates.
Physical Causes
Fatigue or Burnout from Overworking
Creativity requires energy, and when you’re running on empty, it’s no surprise that your inspiration dwindles. Long hours, tight deadlines, and an unrelenting work ethic can lead to burnout, a state of chronic exhaustion that affects not only your physical health but also your ability to think creatively. Overworking diminishes your capacity to enjoy the process of making art, turning it into a chore rather than a passion. These factors often culminate in an artistic block.
What to do: Prioritise rest and recovery. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nourishing meals, and engaging in activities that replenish your energy. Build regular breaks into your work schedule and recognise that taking time to recharge isn’t a sign of laziness—it’s essential for sustaining creativity. Addressing burnout at its core can prevent or resolve an artistic block caused by physical exhaustion.
Lack of Self-Care or Poor Work-Life Balance
When your life revolves solely around your art, it’s easy to neglect other areas that bring you joy and balance. A lack of hobbies, physical activity, or social interaction can create a sense of monotony, which often manifests as creative stagnation. Without a healthy work-life balance, even the most passionate artist can encounter an artistic block.
What to do: Reintroduce activities that bring you happiness outside of your art. Spend time with loved ones, engage in hobbies, or explore interests that have nothing to do with your creative practice. These experiences often provide fresh inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose. By nurturing other areas of your life, you can indirectly combat an artistic block.
External Pressures
Deadlines and Client Expectations
External pressures, such as meeting deadlines or fulfilling client briefs, can sometimes overshadow the joy of creation. While these responsibilities are often necessary, they can also feel constraining. The need to deliver on time or adhere to specific expectations can stifle spontaneity and make creating feel more like a task than an expression of self. These pressures often play a key role in fostering an artistic block.
What to do: Establish realistic timelines that account for natural ebbs and flows in creativity. Communicate openly with clients about what’s feasible, and don’t be afraid to ask for extensions if needed. Remember, quality often matters more than speed. Allow yourself the flexibility to work at a pace that feels sustainable. By creating a healthier relationship with deadlines, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering an artistic block.

Comparison with Peers or the Pressure of Social Media
The modern artist faces a unique challenge: the constant visibility of others’ work through social media. While these platforms can be a source of inspiration, they can also lead to unhealthy comparisons. Seeing the curated successes of peers may leave you questioning your own progress or abilities, creating a sense of inadequacy that hinders your creativity. This pressure often builds into an artistic block.
What to do: Limit your exposure to social media if it’s affecting your mindset. Focus on your own creative journey and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Curate your feed to include accounts that inspire and uplift you rather than trigger self-doubt. Remember, every artist’s path is unique, and comparing yours to others’ highlights is neither fair nor productive. Taking this approach can alleviate the artistic block caused by external comparison. Remember peers are an invaluable resource for advice. See this wonderful article from the Royal Academy.
Internal Struggles
Feeling Uninspired or Disconnected from Your Work
At times, the source of an artistic block lies in a lack of connection to your current projects. You may feel that your work no longer reflects your interests or values, leading to a sense of detachment. This disconnect can make it challenging to find motivation or excitement in the creative process, deepening the artistic block.
What to do: Revisit what drew you to art in the first place. Reflect on your passions and consider exploring new subjects or techniques that align with your current interests. Experimenting with unfamiliar mediums or themes can reignite your curiosity and help you rediscover the joy of creation. Rekindling this connection is often the first step in overcoming an artistic block.

Self-Doubt and Questioning Your Artistic Path
Even the most accomplished artists experience moments of self-doubt. You might question the value of your work, wonder if you’re on the right path, or feel uncertain about your future as an artist. These thoughts, while natural, can become paralysing if left unchecked. Self-doubt is a common contributor to an artistic block, as it undermines your confidence and willingness to create.
What to do: Remind yourself of your achievements and the impact your art has had on others. Create a “positivity file” where you collect positive feedback, accomplishments, and pieces you’re proud of. Seek support from fellow artists or mentors who understand the challenges of the creative journey. Their encouragement and perspective can help you regain confidence and clarity, paving the way to overcome an artistic block.
Understanding the causes of artistic blocks is a crucial first step in overcoming them. By addressing emotional, physical, external, and internal factors, you can begin to dismantle the barriers that hinder your creativity and return to a place of inspiration and fulfilment. Recognising and working through an artistic block isn’t just about returning to your practice—it’s about growing as an artist and embracing the complexities of the creative journey. For further reading see my blog post UNLEASHING CREATIVITY: 5 UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACHES FOR ARTISTS.
Happy art making!