The Blank Canvas: Fear It or Embrace It?

The blank canvas. It’s often painted (pardon the pun) as something to fear a daunting void, staring back, daring you to make the first mark. But for me? It’s never really blank for long.

Over the years, I’ve developed a process that keeps creative blocks at bay, a rhythm that allows ideas to flow naturally. Whether I’m working digitally or traditionally, my approach is about curiosity, play, and trust in the creative process.

From Brain Dump to Brushstroke

Before I even sit down to draw, my ideas have already started forming. It all begins with a brain dump, scribbling down thoughts, themes, or snippets of inspiration that pop into my head. I let them percolate, turning them over in my mind like a puzzle, twisting them this way and that. Sometimes, I’ll go for a walk, letting the fresh air and movement stir up new connections.

By the time I’m ready to sketch, the ideas are there, waiting. I might do a few loose drawings, test out compositions, or just play with different approaches. This means that when I finally sit down to bring a piece to life, I’m not starting from nothing I’m simply refining what’s already taking shape in my head.

If It’s Not Flowing, Play

Of course, not every day is a smooth creative journey. There are times when I sit down with an idea, and it just doesn’t work the way I imagined. When that happens, I don’t fight it, I step back and let play take over.

For digital work, it’s easy. A blank screen? No problem. I can erase, undo, or start fresh without a second thought. When I’m working traditionally, I embrace the messiness. I’ll start by making marks on the page, scribbles, doodles, random strokes of color. I might turn the paper around, add unexpected shapes, and just see what emerges.

There’s something freeing about not being too precious with that first layer. It reminds me that a blank canvas isn’t a test to pass, it’s an open invitation to explore.

The Magic of Stepping Away

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your work is to walk away from it. When a piece isn’t coming together, I leave it alone for a while. Overnight, my brain keeps working in the background, and more often than not, when I return, I can see a new way forward.

Journaling is another tool I turn to. I do a daily stream-of-consciousness writing session, just letting my thoughts spill onto paper. Sometimes, the act of writing clears space for new ideas. Other times, the words themselves spark a visual concept. I always keep a notepad nearby while journaling because creative ideas have a habit of appearing when I least expect them.

No Right or Wrong, Just Flow

We’re often taught to fear the blank page, to believe that inspiration has to strike before we start. But I’ve learned that creativity isn’t about waiting, it’s about showing up, experimenting, and trusting the process.

A blank canvas is never truly empty. It holds every idea waiting to be discovered, every happy accident, every unexpected twist. Whether I plan meticulously or fly by the seat of my pants, one thing is always true: the moment I make the first mark, the page stops being blank, and the magic begins.

So, if you ever find yourself staring at an empty page, unsure where to start, just start. Scribble, play, write, move, step away, return. The ideas are there, waiting for you to uncover them.