Creative burnout

[gustavofring]

I am graduating in a visual media art school, but I am severly stuck and feel like I'm creatively dead as a result of a long time of depression and anxiety. Nothing good comes out anymore I feel, when I draw stuff. It's like I lost my passion and have nothing inside me anymore that I want to tell the world.
I just want to be done with it, and when I am graduated I'm thinking of doing something non-art related for a while because my lack of creative productivity is just making me unhappy and frustrated.

It's sad because it used to come a lot easier to me. Nowadays I'm just miserable, drinking way too much coffee and soda to begin, and feel like I'm mentally exhausted without even having done anything.

Are there any artists among you who have felt this way, or still feel this way, and found a way to regain your creative drive?

 

[Phoenixx]

I know exactly what you're going through. I'm still going through the same thing actually. My last art class was three years ago, and shortly after that year, I got rid of every single piece of work I had and stopped doing anything with art. My friend liked one piece, so I said, "Keep it." I had originally stashed away the rest because I didn't want to look at it anymore, but about a month later my cousin had come over to help me move some things and he found that stash. He loved my stuff so much he asked if he could keep it, so I let him take it. I was so depressed at the time between my anxiety and what little I accomplished, I just didn't see it was any good.

Art classes were never a good environment for me. Rather than being creative, I spent most of the class period sitting there, shaking, looking over my shoulder and freaking out about whether anyone was watching me or judging my work. I hated it.

This summer I decided to purchase a new sketchbook and try to get back into it. So far I only have half finished doodles, and not even one complete page. I also finally worked up the courage this year to take a digital art class. It's still hard on me, but ever so slowly am I getting that creativity back. It's an extremely slow process, but I just have to be patient. I really like my teacher though, he's very inspirational and isn't the type of art teacher to expect masterpieces from everyone. I'm actually considering taking his drawing class next semester too. I don't want to be afraid of art classes, I used to love them and I want that excitement back. I really want my creativity back too. I miss it.

 

[The Lost]

I frequently get to this point, and find it impossible to produce even the most basic of drawings, it's ever so frustrating. I'm at my lowest often as a result of that. Something I've never found a definitive cure for, other than time (lots of it), and exercise. Going for a walk, watching something new on TV or listen to a new band can be of help.

 

[gustavofring]

I'm gonna start a parttime job hopefully soon (a non-art job) so that I can get my mind off my studies for a while.

I once read if you're an artist it's smart to take on a daytime job (wether if it's in commercial graphic design or a normal job). If you make your hobby your work, it creates a void in your life, because now what is your hobby?

I hope that will give me some regularity and sanity in my life and helps me climb out of (creative) depression.

 

[ありがとう]

I totally felt like this. In my last year I did a terrible job at it, I had no creativity and no motivation... I just wanted to finish the course. I did adequate amount to get me a good grades, but I spent most of the year somewhat creatively depressed.

It's been several months since I graduated and I still feel a bit meh. I came to think I'm not passionate enough like my peers... But I have no idea really. :/ There are days when I get inspired to make art, but it doesn't really last long.. So I'm still trying to find my creative drive - it sucks.

It'd be great if you could help me out on this

 

[Remus]

I get this with anything I get enthusiastic about.

 

[WeirdyMcGee]

I tend to get creative blocks often.
It usually means you need a change of pace.

I could suggest a diet cleanse-- since you say you drink too much coffee.
A change of diet; some change of scenery and some time for not thinking about your art.