The INSTANT you said to not draw anything and just listen all I wanted to do was draw. I mean, it really was just that quick and easy. I'm forming a new religion around this guy

"I'm ripped and I'm friendly." LOL

"if you can go ten minutes without drawing you win" I fully expected you to start trying to teach me math

*puts piece of paper in the center of my desk* *Puts pencil on top* "If you can go 10 minutes without drawing, you win." *immediately starts sweating*

"I'm ripped and I'm friendly" Steven Zapata, 2021

I don't claim I have an art block, I only watched this video to see what mister Zapata has to say about it and... it's amazing. He may be as good at psychology as he is at drawing.

I don't have art block but I didn't start drawing through the video. I was so immersed in the conversation and it enjoyed every second of it.

"Could you get out of here? I need to think about how I'm not drawing, and super vividly imagine all the cool pictures I'm failing to do." Who gave Steven permission to record inside my critical mind with such ferocious accuracy?

"I won... but at what cost"

From looking at other people, it seems that almost all art blocks result from mental health problems - primarily depression, anxiety, or both. Burnout is also a culprit. Accounting for that, I'd say art block is seems quite rare among healthy people who aren't overworking themselves.

"Yes, I'm ripped and I'm friendly." That part cracked me up.

I love the "thanks for drawing today" at the end He fucking knew

I think artist block comes when we don't have a focus, but also when we can't focus on where to start. We think of the rendered picture and pretend to arrive there even knowing we don't have the skills. Art school and references saved me, having a purpose almost came secondly.

Ah okay. So I don't have artists block. I just suck at drawing.

This was arguably one of the best art videos i have watched.

Just listening to the words, "look at the pencil and do nothing." fills me with anxiety. I can't. Cannot. There's something trapped in that pencil, and I have to let it out.

First time I faced true artist's block must have been when I was ten or eleven. I was sitting at a psychiatrist's, who'd asked me to draw something, anything, and the very fact that I couldn't no matter how hard I tried, that the ideas fled off the page and I couldn't put pen to paper in such a brutal, concrete way ... it made me cry. Ten years on and I still draw and make things, occasionally, but it's a inverse exponential curve. Once I used to measure my productions in kilos, then in folders. Now I haven't even filled a folder since high school. Artist's block may very much be more of an absence of something than an actual "thing", a vacuum if you prefer, but to be frank this is even more bleak of an interpretation. Similarly to depression, we'd rather hope that we were "still in there somewhere", instead of half dead, intellectually and emotionally drained. The problem with associating artist's block and depression, or anxiety, or any other mental disorder is that it's essentially a catch 22: one of the best ways to treat these issues is art, but vanquishing artist's block requires dealing with these issues (as is the case with anything surrounding mental illness, the growing incapacity to do anything at all, making it harder to get out with every passing day). The thing is that I've forced myself to draw. Draw anything, to ignore whether I'm satisfied with it or not. Besides, I have no ultimate goal, even if seeing my hand resist my every stroke, feeling like I'm drawing with a fork, is painful and unrewarding. I've even given up on getting "better", because contrary to popular belief and cold hard logic, I don't get better at things the more I do them, I get worse (this isn't even some vague impression, even the people closest to me can't deny that it's my every day life). And yet I still can't muster the strength to stick to drawing something, even an angry scribble, every day, week ... or whenever I feel like it. Lest I "get lucky". And yes, this is sounding very much like burnout, but there's very little I can do without killing myself that can really cure that in a tangible way, because every time I lower my standards, the vacuum follows. The most painful thing about artist's block is the fact that art is such a special, delicate, childish and vulnerable passion, but it's being relentlessly battered and broken by bigger, darker, infinitely more terrible parts of oneself ... it's like a knife straight to my very soul. Safe to say I "won", or rather I lost. Probably a very long time ago. And at this point I feel so helpless that I can do little more than hope ...

I'd like to thank Steven Zapata, for making this video. Your art knowledge and Philosophical approach towards realty of art and artist has been quite a massive help to me and other artists alike. Thank you for uploading video today

I laughed so hard just two minutes in the video. Bravo! no artist ever sat 10 minutes staring at the blank paper and not drawing a line on it. I will remember this every time I think I have artist block... This made my day. Thank you so much, it's such a pleasure to listen to you and discover things.

Im really thankful ,we don't see every highly professional Artist talking about things this deep.Thanks Steven

Incredible illustration

Man, just loved your approach to this one, the writing/speaking is so good. I can't watch one of your videos without drawing, and it's been really helping me understand the practice from another perspective and just keep doing it. Thank you for the great work!

you know I really liked the part in the video when you ask whether it's actual art block or if it's some other worry creeping in. I definitely have discovered in my own personal experience that many blocks, be it avoidance of art, of relationships, of doing some kind of thing or another was very often related to something else exausting me from the sidelines. So without realizing, often it was anger, shame, insecurity, self loathing, even hate, anxiety and sadness that i cut off from myself, and maybe made go away through distractions, maybe a game or something. And of course packing all this crap under a rock called ''artist's block'' was a great way for me to rationalize everything in a tidy fake thing that I could even blame myself for, whilst putting every other emotion under a rug and misdirecting myself from the real problem that i (consciously) knew would hurt if i confronted it. And as my therapist reminds me often, it's exausting work to suppress emotions. We pay a mental price for avoiding feeling all that negative shit that we know will hurt when we deal with it. But allowing those parts of me surface and actuallt let the pain take its course has definitely improved my energy and disposition/motivation to draw, even though it was scary and tough as fk. This is only my personal experience, but if artist's block or heavy avoidance of anything is a recurrent thing in your life i definitely advice consulting an actual therapist. Don't deal with it alone folks, who knows what kind of festered wound might pop out from our minds. Our capacity for self preservation and making defense mechanisms to hide from inner pain is terrifyingly good, sometimes even to our detriment. Thanks for the video and the gateway for self reflection as always, Steve o/

"you're just trying to trick me into losing this little game" Allan Watts would be so proud

i don't know how you do it or what you possibly put in my water by sheer mental force, but i tried everything from brown noise to tooth brush ASMR videos to quell my monstrous anxiety - all didn't work out. and then i run across one of your videos by chance in my darkest hour (well. not darkest darkest. i had a finals deadline.) and somehow that video managed to disintegrate it in a singular ten-minute blast. no more blocky, just worky. that was around winter last year and i've been doing a little victory dance every time you upload a new video ever since. i don't know what kind of strange word magic you weave, but it's doing a great job and i keep returning here whenever the fabled beast of "can't do thing because i'm not immediately good at it" threatens to eat me, so sincerely, thank you.

This went from drawing companion to "Get out of my head!" real quick. Thank you!

my environment has been freakishly messed up since november. so i didn't really draw much all this time. but the task at hand is extremely overwhelming and i continue to put it off.

what a conversation

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen, and trust me I have watched a lot of art videos. Thanks so much for all the videos you create, especially this one!

Thanks Mr. Zapata!

I always had similar images but lacked a lot of things to express them as close to perfection as you, now I know what I have to outdo, thank you for the videos that you share.

you have really an awesome channel, not only about art, but also with really good conversations. Love them

I think artist block is a real thing , i dont know about others but for me personally it is caused by bad experiences while studying arts and later on while trying to do something with it , sometimes you just feel like nobody cares like its not needed and other times like the art that you do is wrong or not good enough. Sometimes i imagine the drawings i could make but that doest make me to actually draw, i think its a long journey within yourself to understand what is actually holding you back.

The Sarcasm and The Storytelling in this video is on next level. Even though your talking with the same voice, I was still able to follow what's happening, even while simultaneously being mesmerized by your art. subbed

This was quite a fun break from all the existential dread, thanks :)

I've never had a block, I've drawn stuff i don't like but I've never felt compelled to not draw. It helps to take inspiration from simple things like the clouds in the sky, or the way people walk.

Drawing: done Depression: cured

Whenever I think I have an "artblock", when I sit down and start with drawing doodles, after a few minutes I start to sketch something new. The hardest part is to actually sit down and start, without thinking too much.

I was literally savoring this video and finally have time to listen and watch it with care 🙏🏻 I found your art via prokos vids a month ago i guess? and I really binged almost all of your videos on one stand! Love your relaxing voice and ofc your vids!

Bro Steven ! Not only your draftsmanship and skills are next level and amazing, but your philosophy is so good I Have to watch every video twice !!! 🙏🙏🙏 Steven Z the Guru of drawing

brilliant Steven, as always!!!

Another great one steven. Love you're humble down to earth approach. KZfaq is often too flashy and doesn't have the substance. Your channel is different, the way you go about things is great. Thanks bud! Hope all is well!

Yessssssssssssss, THANK YOU SO MUCCHHH I'VE BEEN REQUESTING THIS FOR A WHILE NOW💖🙏😀

I had artist's block, until yesterday, when I drew a comic book page, after a year of not drawing my comic book!

Couldn't agree more, internally we critique ourselves so much that our inner self just blocks all that juice of imagination, excitement, creativity and fun that make us draw in the first place. I used to be so frustrated at myself for not doing something 'good enough', like really mad, and this is just my own fault for demanding so much of something that should be fluid. Nobody created that bar but me, and then I would just beat myself up for not being able to reach it. After years taking time to know myself better, now drawing became something fun! Everybody should take their time doing this.

All my support from France, keep going the good stuff !!

You, my friend, are a god! I can't think of an artist block now, that I've listened to you. It's exactly like working out and people who claim they "do not have the time for it". But what if your health would be critically affected if you are not working out, would you have the time to work out then? I bet 99% of people will say "damn right I have time to work out", lol. Thank you for this, Steven!

man, I love your videos

ooooh boy, I can already tell this one's gonna be good!

I didn't think artist's block exists but I was struggling with a drawing and by the end of this video I just realized I was drawing naturally, without thinking in judge myself =v jajaj thanks!

That was not just some random rant about some elaborate excuse about not being able to draw, that might be real, might be not,(that shan't be named) it was really entertaining to listen, draw and let the imagination free to it. Thank you

For me is more like not able to draw as well as you usually do and run out of ideas to visualize efectively on the paper, is a mental state i try to avoid setting myself on the right mood, otherwise would waste hours drawing and erasing.

I love your art its extremely impressive.

My god this is in depth and inspirational!! great!

Steven was sounding like a long distant hispanic relative I never knew I had who inspires me and pushes me to reach for the collective galaxies. Thank you brother.

Best video on your channel in my professional KZfaq viewing opinion.

It took nothing for me to just subscribe, I can tell how good this channel is for me already.

Shit gets in the way, but I'd rather do something miserably than miserably do nothing.

The last time I've drawn was last month. I've just been busy with life stuff and totally ignored art but thanks for curing my "artist block" XD

That's such an awesome piece😄

Artist block does not need to be all suffering or even occurring. We over complicate ourselves by tying some identity towards our passions. I sympathize with this but I’ve found a more simple solution, if I really don’t feel like drawing or are frustrated I simply don’t. Leave the drama out of it. I trust that I’ll draw later or even if I feel like I won’t be drawing in a while I’m ok with that. Of course this type of mindset while it can be instantly transformative, is usually cultivated over time. Meditation and wisdom from others has helped me significantly. But for now the best advice I can give is don’t overcomplicate things and simply accept whatever outcome may be( whether you draw or not). Our mind is our greatest enemy or friend.

I got some Disco Elysium vibes from this video (that is a game where you get to talk to various parts of your mind). Love the idea to put an angel somewhere to balance the critic)

Yes it doesn’t exist; thank the guru for making that distinction lol

Man draws rad demon while accessing essential truths of the universe on the side.

NO MAHORAGA! Don't become Steven Zapata's art!- Mahoraga:

You speak deep truths that stir the soul.

thank you so very much for this, I just draw something for the first time in months because of this video!

I realized my art block phases always came from me not willing to put an effort of some sort into the work, on way or the other. So now I fight my dumb brain actively by boring it to death. Oh Señor feels like stabbing me in the back like this? Alright we gonna stare at the wall and let those thoughts going. No games, no film, no music, no nothing. Just a pure experience of the self. Those blockage periods that lasted sometimes weeks now are reduced to the occasional 1 day crisis. A brain is so afraid of itself nowadays it's beautiful how easy it gets to have it moving.

Looks fantastic! Amazing artwork! keep it up... 👍😍👍

I like how u did dat vid bro I think dis da first one I seen by u and da drawing is doooooope 💯💪🏿 +1 subscriber

I lost the game somewhere halfway through this video because I forgot I was trying to not draw.

This channel is so good 😂

Steven Zapata Audiobook pls, thanks

How some people can hate this great master and character? Thanks for this content, Zapata Sensei.

It’s not that I don’t want to make anything, it’s that when I try I make garbage and forget how I did stuff and have foggy brain

I just feel like honestly I hit a skill walk as to where I know better work is possible but I don’t know the next step to get there , I’m lost in a way but know I can progress It’s like being in a dark room and you know there’s steps ahead of you but not knowing where to step because the room is dark Although I suppose the first step is to start walking

Hell yeah another video

I don't believe in artist block but I'll tell you what, I sure believe in the depression that's ruining my life causing me to not eat, oversleep, and lose the will to get out of my bed for days at a time, isolating myself for months.

I’m so confused cause I’ve had depression over my work for months and having no creativity I cry over it every night. What I got is Sever artist block and anxiety I also feel like my future is never gonna be of my dreams

I started drawing and watched this on 420....so dead ass, smoked a blunt, and listened to this, and then next thing I knew, I drew some ill ass shit that I am very proud of :)

oh yeah? ill draw you drawing circles! how do you like them apples now Steve

Haha if quote..."you could if you just get out of your own ass" xDDD pure awesomeness

Thats true, art Block doesn't exist, only hard work, good mood and fresh head!

As soon as I read the title I thought "it's about time someone said it" I was beginning to think I was the only one I usually roll my eyes whenever I scroll passed a video that says something about artist block but I will say I think it does exist in a way for other people I think it's more a mentality or frame of mind rather than someone suddenly losing the ability to draw. Even if everyone who says they have it were to define what it is I feel like they would all describe it as something else entirely I'd rather hear someone say they don't feel like drawing or that they're not motivated than to say something is blocking them. yeah this became kinda long thanks to whoever for reading it.

Dope, dude....

my art sucks. and im making tons of mistake..and im enjoying it.

For anyone who is looking for even more difficult challenge to not draw. I would recommend first, putting both straight and curved lines on the paper in no particular order, or meaning behind them. And then, start doing what ever Steven tells you not to do.

I told myself I had artist block for 21 years. Seriously. Don't do what I did. I used to lie to myself and say I was too tired, or that it was just too hard to put in the time and the work. Or that I "needed" a professional instructor to guide me. There was always later, tomorrow, or the weekend. Except when those times arrived, videogames and TV looked WAY more appealing. I'm now a middle aged adult with 2 kids. I miraculously have ZERO interest in videogames. Never thought it would happen, and I now v realize what va giant waste of my life they were. I decided to finally put in the serious work in, and I've made more drawing and painting improvement in 1 year than I did in all my years when I just did it when it "felt fun" to do it. Seriously. I spent 21 years without doing a SINGLE drawing. Now I kick myself for wasting all that precious, youthful time. I would be a professional artist by now. But guess what, my age and circumstances will NOT be an excuse anymore. I may or may no longer have the chance to be able to live off of art anymore. But I now know for a fact, that I can become the artist I want to be, if I just put in the work. No special materials, teachers or circumstances needed. Just DO THE HARD WORK. If you are under 40 years old and are reading this, simply DO THE WORK. No teachers or schools needed. Literally google and print out master drawings and copy them. Keep working on it till you are super bored, and then KEEP DOING IT. There is no secret "sauce" or knowledge that others know that you don't. KZfaq and patreon are FULL of awesome artists sharing their knowledge. DON'T buy dozens of courses and books. Buy ONE course or book at a time and MASTER it before buying another one. Anything that stops you from putting in the actual work (pencil or brush to paper or canvass) is just an excuse and a lie you are telling yourself to avoid the discomfort of working hard. In other words LAZINESS. Don't do that. Just do the work.

Ouch.

If you don’t know what to draw, think of something, and start from that. Your artwork doesn’t have to have a result anything alike with what you started with. You could also just practice anatomy, but saying you have artist’s block is the same thing as “I don’t wanna draw right now.”

Before i wanted to be an artist i dreamed about being a writter, and one day i saw an interview by Neil Gaiman talking about how you dont need no be inspired to create someting, that changed my life, if you want to be an artist the most crucial labour is to get to work every day even if you dont want to. My best method for that feeling is doing master studies, some cool piece of work that could be a challenge, and it allways work.

oh artist block is real. but only as a fancy word for laziness lol

This gave me a big smile while listening 😂 it's crazy what the mind does to sabotage itself, but we can *always* think more conciously when it happens... Easier said than done though 😅

Well, you got me. I know it is all in my head, a bunch of badly learned behaviours and self sabotaging thinking patterns. But I still don't know how to get out of it. I'm not sure I should. Maybe art was never for me. I sometimes feel like I never was up to the level of enjoyment other artists get from it. I produce so much less even in my good times. I'm bad at learning, I don't know where to even start practicing. It's all just too much. I'm not sure I even have fun with it anymore. But I don't know where else to go. Art is everywhere around me. I built a nest out of it. All of my social media is full of it. I love art but I hate it too. It is a blockage inside my head, just finding excuses and unreachable goals to the point I get angry at the thought of even drawing anything because it will be bad. Because I am just not learning but I hate practice so much, because it's just producing bad things, it's frustration after frustration and I can't take that. I'll have to if I want to get better but I don't feel capable. Because after I manage one thing there is just more to learn and more frustration. And that just goes on. Just hitting one wall after another. I can't do that. And that's why I am blocked.

Well, if this video didn't work i must really hate myelf huh

0:44 "you do not have depression, because it doesn't exist. but fine, prove it to me, if you have depression, take it out, show it to me so i can help you with it. but you can't, it's not a physical object" -parents

So its just unrealistic expectations and Goalsetting that were not meeting? and we should dispense with those goals and be more accepting of what comes out

I haven't been able to draw since2020 started, got all the time of the world, all the interest both I'm still not able to do anything, since I was a little child the only thing keeping me alive was drawing, used to finish sketchbooks as if they were candies, the last one is in my backpack like a reminder of what I used to be, and totally white, lost my job, lost my clients and everything drawing had made me archived Suicide is turning into a very tempting idea each day that passes and Im only becoming hollow Art block exists

This is just manipulation 101. I have a real creative block that has prevented me from drawing for YEARS.

This guy...I just found a treasure. Finding your and AdamLucidpixuls channel hahaha, just wow. Apart from that, great Video. I love listening to you while I'm drawing, since your extremely positiv and calming. Would be nice, if you'd make more longer vids. The Video is almost done and I just drew a medium quality nose. So, again, i'd love longer videos.