Making art when feeling motivationally challenged

Drawing prompts for when your inspiration well runs dry

This may come as a surprise, but I'm heavily influenced by cheesy exercise instructors' motivational workout mantras.

Lifting the cover of a sketchbook can be the hardest part, thanks to life’s responsibilities, distractions, and to-do lists. That’s where a bit of good ol’ self discipline comes in handy.

“I do it anyway,” Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin said, when asked how she works out when not feeling motivated.

That's become my approach toward my daily creative practice. But it doesn’t mean I’m attempting masterpieces every time I sit down to draw.

The person who runs all the marathons and wins awards doesn't push themselves to the brink of burnout every day. They have weeks of downtime and days of simply pedaling on a stationary bike to focus on form.

Drawing is no different! You need days where you just push a pencil or paintbrush around without making finished work.

"Today may not be your best day. But if you keep showing up, you’ll have a lot of best days.” - Emma Lovewell, cycling instructor.

Ways I show up when feeling motivationally challenged:

• Put on a drawing session replay

• Draw one of my pets

• Practice from animal cams or highlights (like this gem)

I try a new method for unmotivated drawing in the video below, where I use some older, quick sketches to keep my personal practice going.

How do you work through inspirationally challenging times?

✨ Thanks to Shivam for the idea to make this video! P.S. Go join his Patreon!

Before I forget…

Have you RSVP’d to the upcoming sessions? We’re having a bonus coworking session with

Helen Stephens

Pencil Pals. Make sure to get that on your calendar!

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