Earlier this year I was full of plans for my art, but life had other ideas. First came covid, which left me exhausted for many weeks. Just as I was starting to feel better, I hurt my back and suddenly I was resting again — not for days, a few weeks. My energy was low, and even when I wanted to create, I felt stuck.
If you’ve ever been through illness, burnout, or simply too many commitments, you’ll know the feeling. Creativity starts to feel far away, almost like a friend you’ve lost touch with. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to reconnect. Here are some gentle steps that helped me, and might help you too.
1. Start small and simple
Forget the big projects for now. Pick up a pencil and doodle for five minutes. Splash a little watercolour on paper without worrying about the outcome. Pull out the IPad and Procreate and doodle, explore what the buttons do. Small steps count — and often lead to bigger ones.
2. Create a welcoming space
Sometimes the hardest part is starting. Set up your materials where you can see them. Lay out a brush and some paint the night before. When your tools are ready, your mind will follow. I found that cleaning and rearranging spaces really helped shift the energy of rooms. It gave me fresh eyes and inspiration.
3. Follow your curiosity, not pressure
It’s tempting to jump back in with something “important,” but pressure can block creativity. Instead, ask: What feels light and fun today? Maybe it’s sketching leaves from the garden, or painting a single flower. Let it be play, not a performance. Join an online classroom, enjoy one month of free classes on Skillshare on me.
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4. Be kind with your energy
After rest or recovery, your energy might not match your enthusiasm — and that’s okay. Try working in short bursts, then pause for a cup of tea or a stretch. Even 15 minutes of art can lift your spirit.
5. Surround yourself with inspiration
When I wasn’t ready to paint, I surrounded myself with art. Looking at favourite books, visiting a gallery, or even hanging a print on the wall reminded me why I love creating. If you’d like some daily inspiration too, I’ve added some of my art prints here that might bring that spark back into your space.
A gentle reminder
Coming back to creativity isn’t about speed or perfection. It’s about reconnecting with the joy of making. If you’ve been unwell, stretched thin, or simply away from your creative self for a while, I encourage you to try one small step today.
And if you’d like a little inspiration along the way, take a look at my prints collection — each piece was created with love, and may be just the reminder of beauty you need to keep your creative flow alive.
