Things To Do While Taking a Break from Art

Every artist knows the struggle. They are on a roll, creating many pieces, until suddenly they create a little too close to the sun and seem to be completely unable to do their thing. When we reach this block, the only thing we can do is take a break and continue on once we're refreshed and perhaps improve our creation habits to be more sustainable. But hey, who is ever going to learn their lesson? Everybody knows that nobody makes their habits healthier after facing the preventable consequences of their actions!

So, while you're taking your break, consider doing one of these things to help you rest and make your return to your work stronger than ever. 

Try a new artist or piece of media

There are three ways artists can improve their craft. Study, practice, and exposure. Experiencing and consuming art expands the imagination and introduces you to new techniques you may not have thought of otherwise. 

You don't have to create things yourself in order to immerse yourself in art. You can write down notes if you must have that mindful feeling, but simply having something play in the background while you do something else will be enough.

Attend a local event

Look, you know the kind of list you clicked on. Some variation of "go outside" is inevitable when talking about taking breaks, especially when it comes to an activity where the majority of participants are chronically online hermits. Believe me, I am a chronically online hermit, too. But going outside is good for your brain, and if you are in an area where events happen, then it's a great way to do what every hermit dreads: networking.

Explore new mediums

When my brain is pooped when it comes to whatever medium I have been focusing on, I found that my brain is completely fine with a different medium. In fact, it would often be enthusiastic and I can knock out some serious productivity. So, if you only work with one medium, this would be a fantastic time to try out a new medium you have been curious about. Your brain will thank you for the new way to engage it.

If you're an illustrator, I personally suggest giving photography a shot. Odds are, you already have everything you need to get started, and you can make your own references to use. Those are not the only benefits you would get from photography. There were enough reasons to warrant its own blog post! You can read here to learn more: https://dextiveblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/benefits-of-getting-into-photography-as.html

Write down any ideas you get

A creative brain may still create while at rest. If it comes up with an idea that you like, then write it down. Ideas get lost quickly and writing them down is the best way to ensure they're still present when you're ready to get back to work. You can always curate your ideas when that time comes.

Catch up on chores

Finally, this is a great chance to catch up on those chores you have been neglecting. You're not doing the thing you would normally be doing anyways, and you likely have a lot of things you "will get to later." Well? Hello! It's later! Why are you reading this blog? Your dishes and laundry won't clean themselves!

Conclusion

The most important thing you can do is let your mind rest. Your tools will still be there, and your skills are not going away anytime soon. You can either take these ideas to heart, or you can lie around and do absolutely nothing. Perhaps you'll play a video game or read a book, something that is not producing creative output. They are your breaks, so I can't tell you how you should or should not spend that time.

If you would like to know some more ways to spend your time, I have an entire blog post filled with more ideas. Feel free to read it if you would like: https://dextiveblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/coolest-ways-to-spend-your-time.html

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