The Curse of the Blank Page Comes for Us All...

Art block. We know it, we hate it- but what do we do to stop it?

I know personally art block is one of the hardest parts of being an artist. Wanting to create so badly but not being able to put anything on paper. 

Many times it's the perfectionist in me coming out: spending hours trying to find the perfect thing to draw but never actually drawing it. 

That desire to break out of the rut of:

1. Open Procreate

2. Stare at Canvas

3. Close Procreate, just a little more sad than before

That was what inspired me to start this Doodle of the Week challenge for my community!

By focusing on prompted doodles, the pressure to find a new idea is taken away- and you get the extra fun of collaborating with other artists. It's all about finding inspiration where you wouldn't think to look.

In celebration of that spirit, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite places to find inspiration for my character designs.

My Desk! 

I take a look at my desk and pick an object, any object. It can be a computer, coffee mug, a little figurine, even my mousepad has starred in a few sketchbooks of mine!

From there, I challenged myself to translate that shape language into a full character. 

Want to see this in action? Today let's go with my mouse! 

Step 1: Take a close look at the shape of your object. A benefit of having something tangible is your ability to pick it up and examine it from different angles!

In my case, my mouse has a flatter bottom and more narrower top, creating this squishy egg shape.

Step 2: This is where you start adding the outer details of your character. You'll be creating their overall silhouette. 

In my case: the line where the buttons click is the most identifiable feature when viewed from above. So I made sure to work that into my design. From there, I add the arms and legs to help give shape to my new friend!

This is also a good place to sketch out where you want your shading to go. My mouse has this cute pink detailing around the edges, but these desk doodles are a great opportunity to study how light interacts with objects. What side are the shadows cast?

Step 3: This is where you start adding the 'personifying' elements. Personification is what it sounds like- turning an inanimate or non-living object into a person!

I decided to add an adorable face to my mouse, as well as bring in another element of the original object with the curvy tail.  

Step 4: This is where you start adding the 'personifying' elements. Personification is what it sounds like- turning an inanimate or non-living object into a person!

I decided to add an adorable face to my mouse, as well as bring in another element of the original object with the curvy tail.  

Congratulations! You beat art block, and probably have a new appreciation for your desk. 

Want to be featured as the Doodle of the Week? Send in your Desktop Doodle to my weekly drawing challenge.

Plus, you get to connect with hundreds of other artists and access free tutorials, guides, contests, and freebies before anyone else. 

Keep Creating,

Carlianne