We all struggle sometimes
Show me an artist, and I’ll show you someone who has struggled to create. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to making art or have years of experience—there are always those moments when inspiration dries up and motivation fades. Sometimes life feels too heavy, or the blank page feels too intimidating. It’s part of the creative cycle, even though it’s never easy to sit in.
So, how do we push through those low points in our creative practice?
For me, the answer often lies in returning to something simple—something tactile and familiar that gets my hands moving without the pressure to create something “good.” One of my favorite ways to jumpstart my creativity is by making a collage master sheet.
What’s a Collage Master Sheet?
A collage master sheet is exactly what it sounds like: one large background filled with paper scraps, textures, colors, and bits of visual interest. It's not meant to be precious. It’s meant to be freeing.
All I need is:
A large sheet of paper (newsprint or drawing paper are my go-to choices)
A glue stick
A messy pile of paper scraps
And often, a TV show or movie playing in the background to take the pressure off
There’s no planning involved. I simply start gluing scraps down—layering, overlapping, covering edges, leaving gaps. Sometimes I work quickly, sometimes slowly. The point isn’t to make a masterpiece—it’s to move my hands and quiet my inner critic.
Why This Works
There’s something magical about busying your hands with repetitive, low-pressure tasks. It gives your creative mind a chance to wander and rest at the same time. This process reintroduces play into my practice, which is often the spark I need to return to more complex or conceptual work.
Also, let’s be honest: we all have those accumulating piles of scraps—cutouts from old magazines, painted paper bits, torn pages, experiments that didn’t quite work. This is the perfect way to use them.
And the best part? These collage sheets can be used later as backgrounds, journal fodder, or cut up for new pieces. It’s a win-win: creative warm-up and future material all in one.
Other Ideas to Try When You’re Stuck
If collage isn’t your thing, here are a few other low-pressure practices to get unstuck:
Scribble or doodle with your non-dominant hand
Swatch your paints or inks and label the colors
Flip through old sketchbooks or art journals for ideas
Take a walk with your camera and focus on texture or color
Create a tiny series of 2x2" abstracts just for fun
The key is to lower the stakes. Creativity doesn’t always begin with a burst of brilliance—it often begins with humble, imperfect scraps glued to paper.
So the next time you feel stuck, don’t panic. Pull out your glue stick, turn on a favorite comfort show, and start gluing. Let the act of making guide you back to yourself.
