Pour me a cup of that sweet, steaming kofi https://ko-fi.com/pmuink
I have approached this subject before. If you have any creative practice, at some point you are going to get block. It’s the other side of the inspiration coin. The good news is it’s just a moment in time which will pass. Even better news there are some small simple things that can help you send artistic block on its way a little bit quicker.
I have packed this post with videos and podcasts in the hopes that if you come across it when you really need some help pushing through a block, one of these will spark something for you.
Here are just some of the things I have been playing with over the last 4 years. If you try any of these tools, then please let me know how you get on in the comments. Also if you have other ideas or tactics you use to bust the block then please let me know.
So 2019 was full of ups and downs. I fell in love, I started dating (a woman), I told my family (who were totally chill and very supportive), we broke up (family still chill and supportive), I ate some ice cream, I made a couple of books.
And while all that was going on, in the background I went and managed to pull off a bit of a life long dream. I bought my first home.
When I began the process, I was still with (let’s call her G). I was picturing her driving down to visit me and taking our dogs for walks along the seafront. Of cuddling on the sofa and watching movies. G and I would talk about who would cook and then in the end I would treat us to Pizza. This would happen forever, or until one of us got fed up with the after work journey to stay with each other and we agreed to move in together.
As our relationship changed, buying my first home became something I could focus my energy on. It became the thing I could work hard at that would be a sanctuary for my wounded heart. Through the process of finding the flat, negotiating the purchase and the confusing world of conveyancing, there were many times where I felt like the hope of having my own space was the only thing that kept me going. It was a fragile treasure for my spirit, and at time I was worried that if I breathed on it it would all crumble away.
But despite my late night worries, I have indeed acquired a house. And in my nesting process, I wanted to share some of the key things I learned as I went. I also wanted to share my experience with you all as moving has enabled me to create more art to share over the coming year.
With that said and done, I am still very much settled in now and enjoying once again living on my own. In 2020 I will be 30, and as I enter a new decade in more ways then one I am in a good place to embrace myself and show up for whatever happens. Talking to a poet friend of mine he said that the 30’s have been kind to him. In his 30’s he had all the fun of his 20’s but with an added layer of self-acceptance. As I look around my little white living room at my little white companion (the chihuahua) I find myself looking forward to what will happen this year. Change is always a little frightening but with it comes a refreshing breeze for the soul.
Need a tee to meditate in? This By The Sea Tee is comfy and perfect for wearing while doodling. You can buy it here.
I have partnered with the beautiful people over at Rapnui clothing and Tee mill to set up a clothing shop which won’t break the bank or the planet. The t-shirts are ethically made and sourced, and super comfy.
For clothing books and more, check out my shop.
Hey, do you like to have your ears pleasured while you draw? Of course you do, who doesn’t. Art and music just go together like Cagney and Lacey, Watson and Holmes, Columbo and… okay so that one didn’t work but you get the gist. During Inktober, I am feeding my brain lots of good music in order to come up with ideas.
I always listen to music or have a film on in the background when I am doing something creative. I find it helps soothe the spirit and get the thinky brain ideas flowing. Recently I have been having a secret love affair with Gudjohr. He’s a Brighton based musician and his newest album between the blinks is particularly delightful. I was very pleased he gave me permission to link to his work. Alongside his music, I also really appreciate his cover art. It’s trippy, cool and unexpected, which seems very fitting.
You can go and listen to more of his stuff here:
Enjoy listening and tell me what you like to listen to while you create in the comments below.
For a while I have been taking the opportunity on Friday to share some of my internet favourites with you, this week I would like to share the work of someone who is not only one of my internet favourites, but a real life one too.
Keira Heil is an incredibly skilled artist and writer, and I can’t recommend his social media account highly enough. If you are looking for beautiful, detailed drawings to top up your creative bank account then you can find them here:
Keira has very kindly given me permission to post some of his awesome work here. Below are just some of my favourites, there are so many to choose from.
Keira has a love for Sci-Fi and Comic art and it shows through in his dramatic and graphic style of drawing. A few years ago we jokingly made up a character together called the Haberdasher, and you can find my attempt at a cover here.
Keira and his lovely partner Alex, also happen to own a plant and coffee shop in Devon, if you enjoy Instagram accounts with strong and fresh aesthetics then I would recommend checking out the Crown and Cotton feeds too.
Because the internet is a big, big place, with so much content to inspire and distract. Here are my top 4 for this week:
WordPress – Haiku Glitterati
Twitter – Lorraine Mariner
Instagram – Paul Macauley
YouTube – 2Cellos