3 Common Creative Blocks & How to Overcome Them | Art Lab Podcast

Today, we're going to chat about a different approach for tackling creative blocks.
Find me on Instagram: / kendyllhillegas
Episode Outline:
03:42 Creative block #1: Skills
06:12 The skills roadblock detour
10:14 Creative block #2: Identity
12:00 The identity roadblock detour
18:26 Creative block #3: Practicality
23:30 The practicality roadblock detour
24:40 Where do we go from here?
So much of our culture promotes this rise and grind hustle that ends up creating a lot of unrealistic expectations around our creativity and production. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, if I want to create art so badly, why can’t I just do it?
If you’re feeling a sense of disconnect between your deep desire to do something and the reality of inaction, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re far from alone.
In this episode, we'll explore what really gets in the way of creativity and unpack some concrete, practical tools that you can play around with to build detours around even your stickiest roadblocks.
The Skill Roadblock:
We’ve all been there: we dream up something or have an idea we want to recreate, but we either feel halted by our skill level, or when we try it out, it’s a complete flop. In the end, it might feel safer to just scrap the idea. But, if we can start to detach from specific outcomes and be okay with a modified version of the art, it creates space growth and unexpected discoveries.
The Identity Roadblock:
As creators, the meaning of what we say with our art and how we say it is embedded in the concept. The pressure to make something impactful can stop us in our tracks, so how can we build tolerance to the uncomfortable feelings that will inevitably arise when we attempt to make work that we care deeply about?
The Practicality Roadblock:
Time, money, space, physical limitations…the list goes on. My advice is to look for solutions that tailor the creative process to whatever life thing is in your way. In my experience, adapting my creative process to my circumstances has given me a lot more clarity on the other two roadblocks.
#ArtLab #OvercomingCreativeBlocks
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About Kendyll:
Hi friends and welcome to Art Lab! My name is Kendyll Hillegas and I'm a full time commercial illustrator and artist. I’m passionate about understanding the creative process, what supports it, and what gets in the way. So, when I’m not making work for clients, I love exploring the places that art-making and emotions intersect - inspiration, identity, self-doubt, and creative block. These are the questions I come back to again and again, and need to talk about more, so if you’re in the same boat, I hope you’ll join me!
Sign up for the newsletter:www.kendyllhil...
Watch video episodes: / kendyllhillegas
Find me on Instagram: / kendyllhillegas

[@itsdaksha]

Loved listening to this on Spotify! My only suggestion would be -- since you're packing so much great info, it's hard to keep up with what you're saying. Maybe pauses in between sentences/ points would help! Rated a 5❤

[@KendyllHillegas]

Thank you so much, Daksha! I agree with you 1000% on the pauses! It's a challenge for me for sure, but I'm working on it!💗

[@AnnieDash]

Thank you, Kendyll!! I just finished a big commissioned painting after many years of on/off artistic blocks, and your timely and practical advice of doing something small really helped me. I completed a watercolor and colored pencil floral illustration that I used to design my studio client thank you notes -- it was so quick and fun! I absolutely loved the process -- it brought the joy of creating back to me. Your Skillshare classes have inspired me! Also, I was able to relate so much to what you said in this podcast and can't wait for your next episode. Thank you so much!!

[@mikaelamona]

Exactly what I needed to hear! I learned drawing from you through skillshare class & what you shared here shows how much expertise you have under your belt. Thank you Kendyll❤

[@paulinabm_]

I didn’t even knew I needed this until I listened. Thank you so much, Kendyll. I had no idea that I was on a creative block because I am painting, I was painting while listening. But I haven’t done what I’ve been meaning to do, which is learn abstract. My most precious limited resource is the use of my hands. I have limited time to use them for painting, as they need rest or pain will take over me. But I can not get myself to do much of a try of abstract painting. I keep buying tools and classes but don’t get started because is hard to move away from my detailed style. So this felt like a call to figure out how to get that done, be less afraid of the ugly stage and to use the nice or new and unused supplies. If I reduce the details, I reduce the pain and gain painting time for more years to enjoy.

[@BrookeGlaser]

Love it Kendyll, what a great kick off to the podcast!

[@tkikpar4882]

My interests are constantly changing. I jump from medium to medium and idea to idea without completing them. Only to find myself with lack of commitment and money wasted on art supplies that I may never return to. I relate to each block you are describing! I don’t know how to manage . I have skills, just feel lost. Thank you sharing for your insight. I never understood the artist block concept.

[@KendyllHillegas]

That's so tough! I have totally been there. Thank you for listening and letting me know it landed. Hang in there!

[@tkikpar4882]

Thank you! It helps to know I’m not alone. ❤️

[@Ktpstudio]

Congratulations again it’s so lovely hearing from you. Thank you for an insightful and thoughtful first episode

[@KendyllHillegas]

Thank you so much, Kendra!! I love that you're one of the first people to comment!🥰 I'm happy to be back too!🙏💗

[@lindseyemberton5286]

I can't tell u how much I needed this!!! I'm so stuck on the skills phase. I keep watching tutorials, buying art supplies, and just can't take that next step. Thank you!

[@KendyllHillegas]

Thank you so much for sharing this with me, Lindsey!! I so feel this! The allure of new art supplies is STRONG! You got this though! (And sorry this comment isn't showing up -- my editor had to put up a slightly different version of the video!)

[@francineh.7825]

This was such an amazing podcast!! Lots of valuable information. I've listened to it twice now.

[@KendyllHillegas]

Love to hear this, Francine! Thank you!🥰

[@gamigirlHeatherB]

TYSM for this timely topic! Very helpful and eloquent 😊

[@KendyllHillegas]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching and letting me know it connected!🥰

[@kimberlyjeffers1623]

This was helpful thank you. I’ll try to lower the bar. I’m here trying to do all the things and it’s not working lol obviously