Creative Congestion

As an illustrator it’s easy to get engrossed in your work and happily spend hours perfecting an illustration. It’s also just as easy to spend hours battling an illustration until you get so frustrated you throw your sketchbook as far as you can and vow never to draw again. I call this second scenario creative congestion, because it’s similar to the feeling you get when you’re stuck in traffic and you can see where you want to be but you can’t get there. If you’ve never experienced creative congestion, you’ve probably mastered the art of giving up, because it is something every successful artist I’ve encountered struggles with constantly!

Getting frustrated and battling with your creativity is often a sign of growth in your ability and shows that you care about your work. So don’t give up! Instead try and find ways of overcoming these frustrations, because they’re always going to be there. For me, the solution is found in three words…CLEAR YOUR HEAD! Go for a walk, ride your bike, go to a café, exercise, just do something that you enjoy that’s away from your work-space. Don't give up, just take a break!