I have been able to draw well since I could pick up a pencil. It has been said to be a gift from God by family & friends. I would draw to get away from lifes problems growing up because I had drug addicted parents. Aside from that I drew to get away from all problems in life. It got to the point where I would rather stay in that alternate existence instead of reality. Well somewhere around my second year of college (graphic design at Art Institute of Pittsburgh) I made a decision that my school work needed more attention then my drawing/painting. Besides I did not have the time due to work and school as I once had before college. The problem is that aside from graphic design (still creative) I have a hard time finding inspiration or the want to draw. It used to be my life. I would rather go fishing, work on my truck or play guitar then draw a picture. I am answering my own question here but check this out. I feel inspiration all the time for what I would draw if I could bring myself to do it. Like scenery (fishing holes Ive visited), or my truck (72 chevy pickup) But when I sit down to draw its like I just feel like its pointless when I could get on the computer and easily just cut/copy/paste the picture on screen. . I mean where it used to be a means to vent is now a daunting task. I used to draw pictures for people. Now some one asks me and I reply with negativity like " I just dont feel like drawing anymore". This is got to be the most obvious problem to answer going on here. Is there a way that some one can help me apply my inspiration back to drawing/painting? I mean why do I refuse to do something Im so good at. Then complain about it when the answer is right in front of me?

I really wish I could draw, bet you hear that one a lot. Try drawing something for a charity that you like. Most of the charties have a yearly auction that sells donated items from artist, this may give you the motivation you are looking for. I personally like to donate items to no kill shelters/rescues for animals. Just find a rescue or organization that you feel really needs the money one of your drawings could bring in. Hope this helps.

I know exactly what you mean about not having the inspiration to do something creative that you are good at. I play gigs (professional pianist) fairly frequently and give lessons. But, there will be great periods, sometimes weeks, where I don't sit down and practice, improvise or even compose, because I can't seem to find the inspiration. The gigs are okay, but they aren't that fulfilling for me, nor the kind of music that is really something that I could be passionate about.

I really agree with the answer above and would like to add that it really helps to be inspired when someone, be it a group or individual, needs and wants what you can do creatively. Just a thought, what about being a volunteer at nursing homes and offering to draw something on the spot for a resident at their request. This might be inspiring and also fulfilling for you.

I just want to add one more thing. And, that is that the computer is no substitute for the inspired quality and sensitivity that can be done with the human hand and heart. Sure, the computer is another medium to use. But, comparing what is done on it, to what can be done "live" is like comparing apples to oranges. They are both fruits, but they just ain't the same critter. I hope that what I am saying is making some sense, because really it is hard to describe the difference in the using that two mediums.

Do you have someone you love a lot? Draw a pic of the people you love. Maybe you are just taking a break from drawing and after a little bit you will be interested again. If there is anything you like a lot, draw it. And try drawing on the computer, it may bring the interest back because of all the cool affects.

I know exactly what you mean about not having the inspiration to do something creative that you are good at. I play gigs (professional pianist) fairly frequently and give lessons. But, there will be great periods of time, sometimes weeks, where I don't sit down and practice, improvise or even compose, because I can't seem to find the inspiration. The gigs are okay, but they aren't that fulfilling for me, nor the kind of music that is really something that I could be passionate about.

I really agree with the answer above and would like to add that it really helps to be inspired when someone, be it a group or individual, needs and wants what you can do creatively. Just a thought, what about being a volunteer at nursing homes and offering to draw something on the spot for a resident at their request. This might be inspiring and also fulfilling for you.

I just want to add one more thing. And, that is that the computer is no substitute for the inspired quality and sensitivity that can be done with the human hand and heart. Sure, the computer is another medium to use. But, comparing what is done on it, to what can be done "live" is like comparing apples to oranges. They are both fruits, but they just ain't the same critter. I hope that what I am saying is making some sense, because really it is hard to describe the difference in the using that two mediums.


Some more great Ideas!! I like the nursing home idea! I once went to visit a sick relative at a nursing home and while I was waiting for the nurses to clean her up I had to leave the room. I wondered around for a bit and ended up in the lobby playing the piano and drew a crowd of residents! Im not a pianist but enjoy music in general. I guess what I am saying is that elderly people really enjoy company and appreciate/respect your talent a whole lot because most times they rarely get visits from family. Also you are right with the computer being no substitute for hand & heart. Thank you!

Maybe you are just taking a break from drawing and after a little bit you will be interested again. A professor once told me that every artist needs a break sometimes. I admit mine is not a short one but that same person told me when I finally find my inspiration again I will be more likely to be better when I start drawing again. Thanks for the advice!! I am feeling like drawing today and trying out some of the suggestions on this page.

I have got the same problem, in that I love art but some days even when I want to I cannot get my mind to bring out the creativity.
I have found that the harder I try to force it,the further away my inspiration...

So just let go for sometime, concentrate on something else,get closer to nature, and as others suggested do something for needy people, your inspiration will be back when you relax instead of trying too hard,especially when you have the talent for it.

I think it is like writers block, one just needs a new perspective.
I agree with Clough, the computer graphics do take out the creativity of hands on art.. though some are excellent graphic designers, you sound more like the type who draw with your hands...
;)

I have got the same problem, in that I love art but some days even when I want to I cannot get my mind to bring out the creativity.
I have found that the harder I try to force it,the further away my inspiration...

So just let go for sometime, concentrate on something else,get closer to nature, and as others suggested do something for needy people, your inspiration will be back when you relax instead of trying too hard,especially when you have the talent for it.

I think it is like writers block, one just needs a new perspective.
I agree with Clough, the computer graphics do take out the creativity of hands on art..though some are excellent graphic designers, you sound more like the type who draw with your hands...
;)

Is kind of like writers block. Your also right about trying to force it makes for loss of inspiration. I drew a picture of a fishing hole I really enjoy visiting from memory and it wasn't bad looking. Im out of practice but this forum has given me great ideas. Thanks again for your insight.:)

Honestly I have a degree in graphic design and I'm extremely talented but refuse to pick up a brush or pen... my solution take a painting class... I live in the pittsburgh surrounding area and I know pat catans has some great classes... it has inspired me a lot me and made my drive stronger. And the bright side to it is that you have a room ful of people sitting with you who make you feel 100 times better about your talent. Also these classes are fairly cheap... give it a shot!