Get Inspirarion : Stop, Revive, Survive

Hi, Friends, are you enjoying drawing or sick of it? OK, the topic is how to get inspirations. When my brushes do not dance on paper and ideas do not come up for projects, it's a time to stop, revive, survive.

BTW, good news! Thank you for many warm cheers. I've finished up the work with Australian Council. A human rights organisation and I will work on a publishing project onward! Wow, exciting, a great honour and very happy!! Also, I've been working on the trade picture book. Now, I can get on portraits for competitions (*The picture books have occupied me too much.)  Regarding the work for comps, drawing freely is very refreshing! Ah, what a joy!!

Well, back to the topic, "Stop, Revive, Survive." Friends, have you ever dried up a well of inspirations in busy days? I sometimes struggle to get it for work. That's torturing!

First of all, put aside a half way through work. Smile. Coffee. Get out of a studio. Enjoy sunshine. I even smile at myself in a mirror.

These are my tips. Although they seem to have nothing to do with art work directly, I often "grab" inspiration whilst doing these things. If some could assist you, it would be my great joy. Go for it, Friends.
Here we go! "Feel happy. Forget job for a while," is the point.

I seek...
1) Third party's candid advice

● Suggestions from Mentor/Editor/experienced artists

● Chuck perfectionism. 

We all know pains in work and very nice to share them with wise people above. No one brings me down. (all know I'm a hard worker.) They give me great comfort, cheers and more time to finish a project. 

2) Put life back to a healthy life style or life cycle
● Lots of and regular exercises
Think nothing about ongoing projects. Move body. 
At least, do it until a body gets slightly sweat. I swim lots.
● Sleep well
Good healthy fatigue is best to go to sleep at once on bed. So, exercises are nice. Counting sheep makes nerve down, when an artist is in a sluggish time.
● Eat well and favorite ones
Give indulgences, not a carrot before a horse. A stoic attitude is too tough.

3) Do something different from drawing
● Sing loud, play music, dance, listen to favorite music.
● Read comic strips, watch comedies etc. What else?
Don't worry about a work deadline or a comp closing date. With a dried well and a weary heart, an artist only makes a dull and junk.  

4) Use net work / socialisation
● Ring up friends, have chat, chat, chat! Do "catch up."
Be honest with myself eg) swearing, chest off, cry, laugh, whatever, let emotions out. But don't do it alone. Do it with friends and family.  Yes, laugh well with other people. It's nice!
● Join group activities
Choir, bush walking, book club, fun events, shopping, church etc.  
● Do good things for strangers at random
This makes me happy, too.  
● Do something for community
As above. 

Now, after getting through it and when I feel like going back to work, I tell myself, "Be kind to myself." I do warm up sketching. The first one, a drum player was my warm up. Sure, I was ok! and a good idea for a portrait came up. Lalala~! I happily went home. You may say, "Ah, nothing special! This post is boring." But I've found too many of us cannot cut off a vicious circle and stay in blue. So, I dare to say, "Do relax!" If you have great tips to get inspiration, let us share them.
Friends, Happy Painting!! 

Get Inspirarion : Stop, Revive, Survive