Art for the Uncreative

More often than not, when I need to create an artwork for class, my first question is, ¨What am I going to draw?¨ The truth is, there are so many subjects to choose from yet there is nothing I can definitely say I want to make my artwork about. It is hard to find inspiration about what to create. So how do I choose what to make my artwork about when I am completely out of ideas? How can I create a piece that I am excited to work on?

These are all good questions, and there truly is no definite, foolproof way to dig yourself out of that uncreative hole once you dig yourself into it. Sometimes, you just have to let your pencil (or any other art material) guide you along the way and hope you find a polished piece in the end. And that is the beauty of art in many ways. You can create whatever you want, execute it however you would like, and it will reflect you and your personality. You have so much freedom - too much sometimes.

So what are some tips that I could suggest to come up with ideas for an art piece? What is some helpful advice that will help you to decide on a subject? Well, the answer lies in, firstly, your abilities. If you are an advanced artist, you most likely know where your boundaries lie. You know what you are skilled at creating and probably have a particular subject that you like to draw repeatedly. If you may be a less experienced artist, you may push away certain ideas and be unwilling to draw or paint certain subjects. That would lead us to the first rule: Draw things you are confident in drawing. Or, in other words, create things you love to create. If you are an unskilled artist, do not try to draw a human face realistically, as you are just going to be disappointed in the product you create. Take small steps, and try to find a subject that is not too difficult or too easy for your skill level. Don´t get me wrong, it is important to step outside of your comfort zone once in a while, but it is also important to create polished works that you will be proud of. Art takes a lot of hard work, and even more practice. Pick something that you are able to draw that will leave you satisfied with your work. Find a subject that you will succeed in creating.

A second tip on how to decide a subject for your artwork is to pull inspiration from the world around you. Whether this be from other artists or from nature or anywhere in between, you can find the motivation and encouragement to make ideas or objects. Inspiration can come from anywhere, like a playground, birds at the park, or a pretty sunset.

Another important aspect in deciding what your item of interest should be can be found in what materials you have available. If you are required to work with pencil, you may choose subject that is simple and has a lot of shadows. This would create a lot of visual interest. If you are working with colorful materials like colored pencils or pastels, you can use the color to your advantage to create a pretty sunrise or other vibrant settings. It truly is up to you, but your provided material[s] does have an effect on your finished product.

One last piece of advice I would give to find a subject would be to immerse yourself in a fun activity or hobbies and pastimes. Reading a book, listening to music, or even taking hikes or boat rides can spark inspiration, and like I said, inspiration can come from anywhere. Yes, anywhere. Draw or paint what you feel. Maybe you will come across a pretty scene in your head. Maybe you will imagine a fascinating object. Pull from the world around you. Create something new. It all depends on how you feel.

Those are just a few tips that I would suggest to be able to find a subject for your art pieces. I know there are probably a billion other tips I could have mentioned, and maybe none of these tips will work for you. These are just a few that work for me. All in all, I hope you find it helpful, and that you end up creating something that you are proud of. Art is what you make it. Good luck!