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toots7777 · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2009 6:08 am

I lost my Mum a couple of weeks ago and with it I've lost all my inspiration. How does one get it back again?

I sit in front of my computer with a blank screen, it stays blank.

I sit down with pencil and paper, the pencil won't move, the paper stays blank.

I really want to start designing again but I just don't seem able to. Will this pass or have I lost inspiration forever?

Anyone else been through this? How do I start again?

teekaygee · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1074

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your mum. It is understandable that your inspiration has taken a sabbatical. I'm sure it will come back in time. I had a similar situation when we lost my sister-in-law last year. Some things that might or might not help speed the process along... just draw circles (on paper)... close your eyes, listen to music, and maybe the circles will start to become something else that you can flesh out. If the weather is nice, sitting outside and watching the clouds can help the mind wander... pretend you are a kid and see shapes in the clouds. Go for a walk in the park and let your mind absorb whatever it wants to. I find it is a process that can not be forced, so don't be discouraged on the days when nothing helps trigger the artistic process.

akaiser · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Posts: 2336 Location: Munich

First of all, my deepest sympathy, too. That's so hard.

Don't worry about your inspiration. It will be back for sure. Your mind's just busy with what happened.
Like teekaygee said, you can't force it in such a case.
I've been thinking about the so-called "writers' block" alot, since I know alot of hobby writers (I'm moderating a small literature group within a German community.), and I'm pretty sure, that those people, who love to talk about it, basicly don't suffer from it at all. Most of them don't know or don't want to accept, that it's not only about being "gifted", but working on your ideas and/or even working on getting some. There are certain techniques, how you can develop ideas and "control" your inspiration to a certain extend. It's mainly about discipline. But your situation is different.
There are some people, whom creative work helps to handle their sorrow, but I don't belong to those either.
Have a break and don't try to be productive. Mourning takes time and it's alot more important than to upload some new pics in here. It doesn't matter at all, whether you do them now or in some weeks.
If you feel like drawing, draw what you're spontaneously thinking of without forcing yourself to do an image, which is usable for stock or anything else. If you don't feel like drawing, do everything, what does you good.
Inspiration will be back as soon as you're able to get along with your loss.

I'm thinking of you.

Anja

ktgraphics · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 638 Location: Ont, Canada

I'm really sorry you lost some one you loved and cared about but the best remedy for that is to go out with friends people or animal, do something fun and go forward. There will be times where you'll still feel crummy cause you remembered some good time or good memory you had with this friend, but that's ok, it will eventually pass. Another thing I like to do is to take a walk and listen to the radio on the way. Its great for stress and other things and plus you get your exercise. :)

Over all you are important over things and money.

baz777 · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 2199

Sorry to hear of your loss, I lost both parents sometime ago so I can sympathise.

Your mind is obviously on other matters now but this will change. Why not think of what your mum liked and use that as a theme.

linneae · Joined: 16 Aug 2008 Posts: 537

Hi Toots,

So sorry about your loss. I think that it is hard to be creative when you are not feeling well. I also think a bit of time off could do you good. But try to do things you like, maybe go to an art gallery or so and let yourself be inspired without it feeling like work. Try to go out and not be alone to much. Hopefully after a while off you will feel inspired to draw again.

kaycee · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:23 am

Sorry to about your lost.
Your inspiration and spirit will come back in time.
This is a normal healing process. For some it takes longer than with others.
Once your mind is clear it getting filled with new ideas and inspiration.

rixie · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 2245 Location: Hampshire, UK

So sorry to hear of your loss.

I have been where you are now and all I can say is it takes time, but does improve.

Our thoughts are with you.

toots7777 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:57 am

I am so so sorry I didn't reply to all your lovely messages and suggestions put forward to help me find my inspiration again.

I found myself submerged in a black hole that I couldn't seem to escape from so I took some time out, went away for a while, and then when I came home again I spent days out with friends and family. Some of the suggestions that was put forward by my friends here on SS.

I still have bad days when that black hole grabs me again, but I am also having some good days too now.

The last couple of days I have managed to design two basic abstract backgrounds, one has just been approved and the other under review. I daren't even attempt to try and draw any cartoon characters at the moment as I reckon they probably won't come out the least bit funny, so I'll be sticking to backgrounds for now.

Just want to say 'Thank You' to everyone here who took the time to reply to my call of help during my darkest hours.

Tish xxxx

marilynv · Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 606 Location: California, USA

Hello,

I just read this thread and I am very sorry for your great loss. My mom and dad both passed away seven years ago (in the same week, no less) and I still think of them each day throughout the day. Time will heal, just be patient and remember the good times and memories. That's what your mom would want.

You're very talented and creative and, in time, I'm sure you'll want to resume to drawing and creating your wonderful cartoons again. Take care of yourself.

Best regards,
Marilynv

jerryj2 · Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:01 am

Tish, sorry for your loss.
My mom has been gone 4 years and my dad for 17 now,
and I love them more now than ever.
My mom used to say, it doesn't get better, it gets easier.
Moms are always right, and I've found this to be right too.
May God belss and keep you in His love.

toots7777 · Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:48 am

Thank you marilyn and jerry for your very kind sweet words.

I guess I'm only now realising just how much I really did (and still do) love my Mum. You just tend to take them for granted when they are alive, not even imagining that they won't always be around, and then when they're gone is when it really really hits you, and it does hit you so hard.

I still cannot believe that my Mum has gone forever, even though I know in my heart it is real. I still pick up the phone to call her, then the realisation sinks in once again. It is so very hard to come to terms with.

I can see from all your messages on here that a lot of you have already been through this yourselves, so I know I should be able to one day come through it myself. If only I could switch off my head and switch it back on again when I have pulled through the pain of it all.

At the moment I am finding I can work some days, and then other days I cannot work at all. Cannot even put together a simple background image. On those days I now give up and go out for the rest of the day with the hope that maybe I will be better the next day.

I am now taking it one day at a time, and accepting that not every day is going to be a good day for me.

adammson · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 327 Location: San Francisco, CA

Hi Tish,

Sorry for your loss. My mother passed away about a month ago so I know how difficult it is. I hope you get your inspiration back. I know some artists who channel their sorrows into compelling art. Maybe you could do that.

As for me, my inspiration is just the same. If there is one thing that affects my inspiration it's rejection. After a rejection, I begin double-guessing my work which is the worst thing for an artist to go through.

Time will do its part...I know it's such a cliche but it's true.

Condolence,
Adammson

redleash · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 3 Location: San Antonio, Texas

I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my father 15 years ago but I still have bad days. I also have many good days as I remember the good times we had. I find inspiration too, as I think back to things he told me or showed me as I grew up. I also have many of his photographs and I find inspiration in looking at those and thinking of places he visited.

Sometimes, you can use the loss to inspire you, either by working through your feelings and letting them come out in your design, or by using memories and thoughts of your Mum and using those as your inspiration. Perhaps you will have some sad designs for a while, but that is not a bad thing either. Perhaps it is a way to connect with others who have suffered loss.

It sounds like you are doing your best to cope with a great loss . . . which is no doubt what your Mum would want you to do. It is hard, but with practice you can learn to just let yourself feel what you feel and also to give yourself a break. Those times you've chosen to go out when you can't seem to get past a blank page are smart choices. I bet if you start taking a sketch pad along, you might find yourself doodling now and then--or even jotting down words to describe an idea.

For now, if you are able to do backgrounds, I think that's great. You are using your talents, but perhaps in a different way for now. There's nothing wrong with that!

I wish you all the best.