Sometimes making art can feel like a waste of time. It isn't exactly a creative block, it's more of a, "Why is my house filled with art supplies?"  "What is the point of making art?" This phenomenon is commonly known as Creative Burnout. 

Is this you? You've been making art, posting to social, making random sales and you feel flat.  When you look back over the years, your creative highlights mean very little to you now and a big part of you feels like giving up, like finding some hobby to fill the void or finding a job that doesn't take so much out of you as art seems to lately.  

I have just the thing.  This tried and true framework will help you gain clarity and realign you with the positive effects art has on your well-being and the well-being of the world, giving you the push you need to not only get back to work but to uncover deeper meaning in your art.  

The Four Quadrants Framework 

Quadrant #1:  Inspiration

Look at art. 

Inspiration is key.  It's the curiosity, the why, that guides the most meaningful art.  This can come from anywhere but often, the initial spark comes from looking to nature, history, our childhood and other artists.  Artists share their art with you, you in turn feel inspired to make art.  This could be a framework within itself, but let's go deeper!

Quadrent #2: Skill Development

Do you need to brush up your skills to level up your art?  Do you simply need to practice?

“I will not just be a tourist in the world of images.” Anais Nin

The acquisition and refinement of artistic skills and techniques form the cornerstone of the skill development quadrant.

When you learn and practice, you hone your technical abilities, experiment with new approaches, and expand your artistic craftsmanship. (Also, skill development in art extends beyond the artistic realm, as it enhances cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking but that's a conversation for another time.)

If you don't feel like creating art or honing your skills by watching a Youtube or attending a workshop, go back to Quadrent #1.  What you need is inspiration!

Quadrent #3: Context

Where does your art fit into cultural, social and historical contexts? Spend time doing research.   

What artists do similar work to you? What can you learn from them? How are you different.  Developing research skills will help you describe your work better.  It will also help you understand why you make art the way you do, who you're making it for and often times will lead to creative breakthroughs.  

“This is the only note to self: Other people are real. That’s all there is to learn. It takes forever, but you can start now.” Frank Chimero

Art is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and historical contexts. The contextualization quadrant encourages you to understand and appreciate the significance of your work within a broader story. By exploring the cultural heritage, societal influences, and historical connections,  you can create art that resonates with your audience on a deeper level.

Contextualization encourages empathy, cultural exchange, and the exploration of diverse perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected society. 

If you land on Quadrant #2 and struggle to make progress here, go back to the "Skill Development" Quadrant.  You need to create more artwork and work out some technical issues before you discover the underlying context of your work.  

Quadrent #4: Engagement

Show your work.

At the heart of the artistic experience lies the engagement quadrant. This quadrant focuses on the interaction and connection between the artist, the artwork, and the audience.

You  possess a unique ability to evoke emotions, communicate ideas, and establish profound connections with your viewers. Engage your audience.  Give them the opportunity to interpret, participate, and respond to your artwork, creating a dialogue that transcends language and cultural barriers.

Have an art show, send your portfolio to some galleries, post to your social, text a pic to your dad.  The point is to show your art to other people.  

Through engagement, art becomes a universal language that unites people and sparks meaningful conversations.

Made some artwork but don't know how to even begin to show it? Go back to Quadrant #3.  Work out what you're trying to say with your art and who you want to say it to, then come back to Quadrant #4. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, don't give up, give in! to one of the four quadrants in this framework,  inspiration, skill development, context and engagement.  Settle into one for a while then move clockwise.  Don't know where to start?  Inspiration is always a good place.  Don't know where to find it?  Go to your local library, go to a museum or go outside.  You have all the tools you need to overcome creative burnout.