Overcoming Creative Slumps

I can't believe that January is almost over. How has your 2018 been so far? Mine has gotten off to a good start and although I'm behind on a few projects, I've been regularly crossing things off my to-do list (starting in on my fun, creative to-do list, too) and even working daily in my sketchbook. I'm creatively energized and have a good feeling about the year.

Last year at this time, I didn't feel like that. I've mentioned before that last winter I fell into a long creative slump. I thought that taking a month off from the internet would help, that I could nourish myself and my creativity and things would be awesome. January is always a hard month for me. I start out filled with excitement and intentions for the new year and then get slammed by the realities of winter. The days are dark and cold and I have the urge to hibernate.

Ebbs and flows are a natural part of creativity and there can be many reasons behind our creative lows (and the highs, too). My moods are easily swayed by the weather and although I might not like to admit it, a failed painting can make me question why I'm even on this artistic path. My detailed watercolors take a long time to finish and sometimes it's hard to summon up the mental energy to get started.

paint, watercolor, paint palette, watercolor paint palette, art process, botanical art, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

A lack of ideas, feelings of boredom, burnout and, of course, fear are all reasons behind creative slumps and blocks, too. The slump itself (and worry that it will last forever) can also contribute.

My slump lasted all through January and continued for many months. I was working on lots of creative projects, but I was also still feeling discouraged and frustrated. Eventually the tides turned and I began to get my creative energy back again, but it was a long process.

Even while I was working my way through my slump, I was thinking about how I could help others who are experiencing their own slumps. How I could reassure and encourage. And how I could use fun, quick projects to help get creative ideas flowing again. I knew that eventually I would want to teach a class on Skillshare with just that aim.

I'm so excited to announce that today I've debuted that class!


If you're not already a member, you can sign up here and get 2 months of premium membership (access to thousands of classes including all 12 of mine) for only $0.99. 

I would love for you to join me. I'm planning on having another giveaway like I did with my goldfish painting class, so stay tuned for the details (I'll be announcing it to my Skillshare and Instagram followers later this week -- if you want a chance to win a free year of Skillshare membership, be sure you're following me either one or both of those places!).

Finally, I would love to hear from you about what future classes you'd like to see from me. I'm working on plans for this year's class schedule and getting input from my students (and future students) is always very helpful!

I hope you have a creative week. I'll be back on Friday with some other exciting news.

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