Resources and Support: How do you overcome Blank Canvas Syndrome?

How do you overcome Blank Canvas Syndrome?

Printed From: Pixel Joint
Category: The Lounge
Forum Name: Resources and Support
Forum Discription: Help your fellow pixel artists out with links to good tutorials, other forums, software, fonts, etc. Bugs and support issues should go here as well.
URL: https://pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=27664
Printed Date: 09 September 2025 at 5:42am

Topic: How do you overcome Blank Canvas Syndrome?

Posted By: trackingdown
Subject: How do you overcome Blank Canvas Syndrome?
Date Posted: 29 August 2024 at 2:44pm

Hi Pixeljoint people!

I've done pixel art for a while now and animating is really my main thing that I like to do. Though lately I noticed that pretty much all of my art I do is inspired by something else - whether its a direct reference like re-animating something in pixel art or modifying existing sprites - and pretty much nothing is """original""" content.

I want to be able to do more than just animate already-existing stuff. I want to be able to create a landscape, make icons, etc. and just truly have my own creative thing. I've never created an OC before, and almost every time I have tried drawing one or doing something new I just can't even start. I just draw complete blanks. Nothing comes out.

How can I fix this? How could I go about becoming more "creative" and feeling like an artist instead of just an animator.

Replies:

Posted By: Trigonomicon
Date Posted: 30 August 2024 at 3:28pm

This is a very big and difficult question, and one I suspect have different answers for different people. But, here's some of my thoughts:

Making stuff up is a skill, and like every other skill it needs training. The best way to train is usually not just jumping directly into the deep end of the pool, and you certainly shouldn't expect yourself to be good at it right away.

One good way train is to start with something "generic". Pick a thing you like, let's say for this example Dragons, and sit down and draw one. Don't draw a specific one, just "a dragon", and don't worry too much about making the design elaborate or unique. In the process, you'll probably start noticing all the decisions you have to make. Does it have horns? In that case, what shape are they? Just pick an answer and go for now, but one you're done the first one, try making a second one and explicitly go for different answers to these questions. This gets you in the habit of thinking more about design, and helps you form your own opinions and preferences.

Another good exercise is to join some kind of art challenge with a prompt list, like Inktober or similar. With a set deadline and a prompt to start from rather than the nebulous "whatever I want", you can get into the habit of quickly forming and trying out ideas.

And whatever you do, don't be discouraged if your first attempts at original stuff comes out bad! You'll get better!