How to overcome fear of the blank page (5 things that REALLY work)

I write a weekly newsletter about becoming a better creative, without burning out or going insane. Subscribe here: www.louisestigell.com/subscribe
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - Why we are afraid of the blank page (and the solution)
03:48 - My top 5 most effective "mind hacks" for overcoming fear of the blank page
04:06 - Hack #1
05:00 - Hack #2
06:07 - Hack #3
08:11 - Hack #4
09:34 - Hack #5
10:47 - Important disclaimer
ABOUT
Hi, I’m Louise: an artist, writer & creative solopreneur from Sweden. As a multi-passionate creative, I have spent my entire adult life avoiding traditional employment and instead making a living off of my art.
On this channel, I talk about everything I've learned along the way: About art making, creativity, mental health, and making a living as a creative. Dealing with perfectionism, fears, and overwhelm. Staying sane and productive among stress and distractions. And much more.
LEARN WITH ME
Pencil Sketching for Beginner Artists - A simple, stress-free roadmap to radically improve your sketching skills. In weeks, not years: www.louisestigell.com/pencil-...
Portrait Drawing for Beginners -
Learn how to draw any face you want, quickly, accurately, and in your own style: www.louisestigell.com/portrai...
Watercolor For Absolute Beginners - Learn the basics of watercolor in a playful, relaxing, and non-intimidating way: www.louisestigell.com/waterco...
Watercolor Birds - Learn all of my tips and tricks for painting birds in watercolor: www.louisestigell.com/waterco...
SHOP MY ART
Fine art prints: www.louisestigell.com/shop/fi...
Canvas prints: www.louisestigell.com/shop/ca...
Originals: www.louisestigell.com/portfolio
MUSIC
All music is from Epidemic Sound.

[@randomsquirrelarts]

I'm 31 and only this year I have finally learned that thoughts are just thoughts, not truths. Better late than never. I am so happy that I gained this knowledge through therapy because now I know I won't fall into the same trap of believing every negative thought as easily as before. This video was so helpful to reassure me that yeah, the truth is I can abandon thoughts that don't serve me. And it also made me remember why I create art and how I want to feel while I create. Thank you!

[@francineh.7825]

Great video and advice and I love the charcoal drawing!! Because my drawing skills are better than my watercolour skills my fear isn't a blank page but the period after starting when I've done a drawing I love then am scared I'm going to ruin it with paint. But am working through this.

[@Jana-wz7dr]

What a beautifully done portrait. I really enjoy your calm manner of speaking, you make me want to paint. And now I want to finally buy a pan pastel set 😆

[@stalkingcrane]

Deep thinking, of very helpful thoughts. Plus, what an awesome picture! I was fascinated to see your process.

[@nesiahrampersad9790]

I have to say you are a great teacher and artist and are very wise. Great video I feel really inspired when you make your videos

[@glenda7921]

Charcoal, you’re a badass. Great advice, I really enjoyed listening and watching. 🇨🇦

[@dwest200]

“...I can teach myself...” Amen! That is true fun because of the progress one experiences.👍

[@scottmantooth8785]

*even when not actively focused on a single project my brain will not let be look at things around me without wanting to improve them or add my own touches to how they appear...this gets really frustrating for me because it happens so fast and the funds or the materials i would require are simply not there to mess about with...i carry a small notebook everywhere in case i see something or have a thought i want to preserve because my memory goes all wonky at times and i've forgotten a lot more than i remember...i think*

[@meg7860]

Oh my goodness. It's like you knew exactly what I needed to hear!!! I can't thank you enough. I have terrible imposter syndrome when it comes to my art. It doesn't matter how far I've come, the self-doubt is always there.

[@bigblue6917]

Intelligent people have self doubt because they can see the pitfalls. It is those who have no self doubt because they cannot see the pitfalls and you should avoid them people. As for people liking your art you should remember that firstly your art is for you. If others like it all well and good. If not so what. They were obviously not your audience anyway.

[@inn4886]

awesome work 🙌

[@beedee4427]

Firstly. I love your American Psycho interpretation. He looks straight from a 50s comic strip! Secondly, thank you thank you for all of the words of wisdom. I'm about to turn 52 and I'd like to think I have gathered this information as I've gone along my creative career/life. However, that is completely different from somebody having your attention and explaining it all so succinctly with the very specific aim at solving your problem - ie the blank page (bad art etc). I created some really awful art yesterday. I mean, really. I'm a portraiture artist mainly. This is the area I have chosen to perfect. However, I tend to paint with a stick up my bum (as the saying goes!). If everything isn't perfect, it's a dud. Thank you for reminding this isn't so and for giving me PRACTICAL steps to overcome the stress of it all. You're a breath of fresh air. Many thanks from a little bit of Australia!

[@grayfox1748]

Love the point about lowering the stakes and feeling more relaxed about the result. I recently started drawing mostly on a cheap sketch book instead of the nice drawing paper and a lot of those drawings turned out to be my favorites. I've been doing art for years now but it took me way too long to learn to enjoy the process

[@fuzzydragons]

Patrick Bateman! so well done 😀

[@mistycreates]

I am inspired by your thoughts and artistic work, and intend to use your "mind hacks" to get beyond my creative blocks. It's helpful to hear reminders like these from a practicing artist, who also expresses that coming to the work is not a "perfect" process. And about this beautifully layered charcoal portrait you created--is this your representation of the actor Christian Bale? Excellent!

[@JennieMaeJune]

I just found out he has a British accent in real life!