How to Overcome Inertia

---

Sometimes, when creative inspiration dims, it can be hard to stay motivated. We can help!

At a time when turning on the news can quickly dampen your spirit, one of the most difficult hurdles right now for many artists is staying motivated. Artist Christine Swann offers these tips to help you overcome inertia, turn off the TV, step over the laundry, and get back to the work you love.

Get Into the Groove

Sometimes we need to be in the right mood to paint. So, let the music play! Check out a new station on Pandora or Spotify. French café music may help with that happily lit restaurant scene. Indian flute music may help to finish that mountain vista. Sometimes, you just need the right music to set the right tone. If you need a place to start, check out our Artists Network playlist of Meditative Melodies to get you in the mood.

Follow the Signs

The entry to my studio space is to the right of my front door, so I posted a sign in the hallway that reads: “Turn right!” I see it every time I walk into the house. Before I even step foot into another room, where I will inevitably get distracted by some domestic chore, this sign is there to remind me to head into my studio instead.

Once inside my studio, I have another sign posted that reads: “Make one creative step forward today.” When I see it, I remember that, even if I only get one little thing done, it’s a step. There’s no need to beat myself up for not doing more. Just take one step.

Get Dusty

When you’re truly stuck, just getting out a few pastel sticks and making marks of any kind will get ideas flowing—ideas that will hopefully lead you to more serious painting. Once my hands are dusty, I find I just want to keep going.

Set a Goal

There’s nothing like a serious deadline to get you moving. Pick a juried exhibition you aspire to enter and know that, even if you don’t get accepted, it can push you to get in front of the easel— which is always the most important goal.

Phone a Friend

There’s nothing better than having someone who’ll keep you accountable. Find a fellow artist to check in on you once a week to ask about your progress. The fear of disappointing your friend will keep you working. Dust starts to fly when you’re working toward a goal. (Note: You can return the favor by asking about the friend’s progress, too!)

Time It

Set a timer to remind you to start painting. Ding! Now you have no choice but to go to work—just like at a job. Or, set a timer for a specific length of time to paint. Even committing yourself to an hour creates a clear starting and ending point. Then, you can get back to running around with the rest of life without guilt

We would love to hear how you are staying motivated! Tell us in the comments below or share on our Facebook and Instagram pages with #creativeboost.

---

Pittsburgh artist Christine Swann is known for her award-winning portraiture. Her blog, “Power of Pastel,” inspires other pastelists on their dusty journeys. This article excerpt originally appeared in Pastel Journal, December 2019 issue. Check it out for more great inspiration!