How to Punch Through Artist's Block

As most of you know, I recently got a job illustrating a children's book for someone. See here.

After I finish that, I will be full on helping my mother make a project that she's been working on for YEARS, and that she is counting on me to illustrate as well.

Not only is all this a lot of pressure for a highschooler, but I also haven't been able to work on my own projects, like, at all. Not that I don't have time, but that I only feel like I have so much creative energy in a day. Maybe that is just me, or maybe it is partly (or all) stress, but I've recently just felt tired all the time.

This begs the question... How do adults do it? How do full time artists manage to get through this kind of exhausting artist's block, to be able to support themselves by doing art?

The trick that works, in my research and experience, is taking breaks. I think they say something like taking a five-ten minute break every half hour. But it is important what you do during those breaks. Here are some suggestions:

Take a walk.

I know you have most definitely heard of this one before, and maybe you think it only applies to someone who is fortunate enough to live near someplace pretty. I happen to be one of these people, and I am grateful for that. But just getting away from your computer for five minutes is what we are trying to accomplish here, so that isn't necessary. All you really need is to get the blood back into your brain again so you can think more clearly, and so any kind of light exercise should work.

Eat.

Now, I am not encouraging obesity or anything, but if it possible for you to break up your daily meals into healthy snacks to give you a boost throughout the day, go for it. For me, eating even a small amount just gives me an energy boost, and so if I can get six energy boosts rather than three, all the better. I would highly reccomend cheese and apples, they are fabulous together.

Drink water.

I don't drink nearly enough water during the day, which is scientifically proven to cause headaches and brain malfunctions. And you do not need brain malfunctions when you are scrambling to finish a big project.

Nap.

You most likely aren't getting enough sleep. 'Nuff said.

I hope this was helpful to all of you struggling with artist's block, but don't be selfish! Share your own tips for how to cope with this monster in the comments, because I need the help just as much as you. Also, if you want me to blog about something particular related to illustrating or drawing on the iPad Pro, make sure to tell me! I am always looking for suggestions.