Case Study - Too Many Ideas

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Patient Question:
I need help but I don't see anything on the symtoms checklist that could help. I have ideas and want to draw them... but I can't seem to focus on the picture.... it kinda feels like I have too many ideas swimming in my head and I want to put them all out in one picture but can't x_x; I haven't been drawing nearly as much as I used too, I've been busy with school and other projects for art class.... and I've been getting a lot of art blocks lately, but once in a blue moon I'll get a nice finished picture o_O; Any advice you guys can give to help? x.x;


Staff Advice:


I actually have the same problem you do: too many ideas and problems trying to draw them all out.

First what I do is write out a description of all the ideas swimming around in my brain. The description is a general layout of what I want in the piece -- what medium to work in, how I want the composition to look, colors and anything specific I think I want in it as well. I try not to get too bogged down with too many details. Once I have all my ideas emptied out of my head, I can take my time to draw them all out without worrying about forgetting or rushing.

For the first drawing I do, I pick the piece that is either the easiest/shortest or whichever interests me the most to get me going. The first draft is very basic, very loose and very rough. It's mainly just to get the composition and lighting direction figured out. I don't stress about the details in this draft. Once I'm happy with the layout, either I'll start defining everything bit by bit until it's done, or I'll move on entirely to another idea and repeat the drawing process. Sometimes I just don't feel like getting bogged down by the details and finishing an entire piece.

With everything written out and/or roughed out, not only can you take your time on everything, you can more easily decide what to or not to incorporate into a single piece. You may find while writing out the description that more and more details for a piece will come to mind or more than one idea may work well in a single piece. Or, maybe you will find after writing the description and roughing out a piece that it seems too crowded and/or that some aspects would be best put in a separate piece.

Again, this is just what I do, and I find it helps me when I can't seem to focus and translate a single idea into an artwork. Maybe it will help you as well.


Personally, I often have trouble drawing when my mind is crowded. And my mind gets especially crowded when I'm busy, or having a mood swing, or am stressed over something. Also, sometimes it's just hard for me to settle down and draw -- no especial reason, I just feel restless sitting at a table.

I don't know if this applies to your case, but here's what helps me. First, remember that your art IS important. It's not something you have to work in "on the sly" or when you "have everything else finished" -- you can devote large blocks of quality time to art without feeling guilty. It's just as important as other fields of study, or homework (much more so IMHO), or housework. Remind yourself that art is something you can be proud of doing. It's good for you, and it can help others if you are willing to share your work and skills.

Second, be willing to drop activities that you don't really need or enjoy in favor of art. For me, that meant dropping a degree course I was no longer interested in (though I realize that's not an option for everyone). It's okay to say No to some social or volunteer invitations; it's okay to say "Later" to non-emergency requests; and it's healthy and right to expect others to respect your time and activity choices.

One qualifier -- personally, I believe people are more important than things (even drawings), and I'll gladly drop my art projects if a family member or friend needs me. But I do turn down events or volunteer work that I see as mere "busywork" which isn't really helping anyone. Especially, I no longer let mothers draft me to watch their unruly kids.

Third, recognize that some times are just better than others when it comes to making art. Early morning is a bad time to draw in my house; everyone's scrambling for work clothes, queuing for the bathroom, moving cars and tearing out the door at the last minute. But the evenings are often pretty quiet. If you have your own place, then maybe your creative moods like to drop by in the afternoon, or late at night, or whenever. It's okay to tune in to that.

Fourth and most importantly, you might just have to sit down, grab a pencil, and "fight the current" for the first few minutes, drawing whether you feel like it or not. When I do this, I'll usually relax after a few ugly scribbles and start getting into what I'm drawing. Practice sessions are good for when you don't "feel" like drawing, because you can just throw those messy portrait studies (or whatever) away afterwards and there's no real "performance pressure." The practice will help your skill along all the same, and you might wind up with a nice drawing after all if your mood shifts. As the saying goes, "We do in spite of, not because of."

In closing, Latro21's advice is also really good and possibly more relevant to your situation. You do have some lovely deviations up, so please keep making and sharing your artwork. Keep creating!


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