How to Start Making Art Again
Sometimes the hardest part… is beginning again.
I recently opened a sketchbook I hadn’t touched in months. The pages looked a little intimidating — like they were waiting for something amazing and I just wasn’t feeling amazing. I was tired. Emotionally cluttered. Creatively a little stagnant, if I’m being honest.
Life had been life-ing (like it does for us all). My day job has been stressful, my energy running on low, and my art supplies sat in quiet, patient, and messy piles — just waiting for me.
And even though I wanted to make something, I kept coming back to that unmotivated and uncomfortable feeling. You know the one: the “what if I forgot how?” or “why bother if it’s not going to be good?” spiral.
But here’s what I’ve learned (and re-learned, many times):
Creativity doesn’t punish you for stepping away. It just waits — gently — for your return.
Why Creative Breaks Are Totally Normal (and Necessary)
Let’s just normalize this real quick:
Taking a break from art doesn’t make you less of an artist. It makes you human.
Whether your pause was a week, a year, or since middle school art class 🙋♀️ — you’re allowed to begin again. No shame. No “catching up.” No magical productivity spreadsheet required.
In fact, breaks can be good for your brain. I have found that playful, low-pressure creativity can help regulate your nervous system.
So if you’re returning to art after burnout, stress, or just a long dry spell — welcome. This is your invitation to come back softly.
Gentle Ways to Ease Back Into Art
Here are a few cozy, zero-pressure ideas to help you re-enter your creative flow:
1. Start with mindless marks
Grab a pen or watercolor brush and just scribble. Circles, lines, blobs, whatever. No pressure. No plan. Just motion.
2. Trace something you love
Print out a photo, magazine picture, or find a coloring page online and trace over it. This helps wake up your muscle memory without demanding “original ideas.”
3. Choose a favorite color and doodle with it
Pick one color you’re loving right now — pink? periwinkle? moss green? — and make a whole page with it. Shapes, strokes, smudges. Let the color carry you.
4. Follow a gentle tutorial
If decision fatigue is real for you, follow along with a YouTube video or guide. You don’t need to “figure it all out” — you can just follow.
5. Set a micro-goal
Like: “I’ll draw for 5 minutes.” Or “I’ll do one blob painting this week.” That’s it. Keep it delightfully doable.
☁️ Bonus cozy brain nugget: Your nervous system loves cozy repetition. So if you create a little ritual (same sketchbook, same corner of your couch, same music), your brain starts associating that with safety — and creativity flows more easily.
🍄 Want help getting started with goals & consitency? Download my FREE & gentle starter guide:
Everglow Beginnings
What would your inner child want to draw today?
Seriously! Ask them. The answer might be ponies, or stars, or oddly specific trees. Go with it.
You don’t have to be brilliant. You just have to begin.
And if all you can do today is open your sketchbook and look at it — that counts too 🫶
💌 Stay Connected:
If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear about your creative comebacks. Leave a comment or reply to my newsletter!
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Plus in this week’s newsletter you’ll get a sneak peek at my next piece I am working on 👀!
Let’s bloom at our own pace. Always. 🌼
