How do you get past a bad art day?

[flowershop]

Does anyone else have days where they feel really down about their web comic and art? How do you keep yourself motivated and get past these negative thoughts?

[lynestjules]

If I have a bad art day, either that I just can't draw anything properly that day or that I'm in the right mindset to work on my comic/other project.
I always walk away from it. I'll go for a walk outside if it's nice out, watch a movie, listen to some music, clean. Really, anything else will do. I'll come back to my projects in the evening or a few hours later and try again. Sometimes, all you need is to clear your head or relax.
Two weeks ago, I had a bad art week. That was torture! I decided to write instead and plan my future chapter bit by bit. I also kept busy with other things and relaxed. I do this on my personal time.
But, if I'm having a bad art day at work, I usually go online and look at random designs. Usually something triggers me and I end up being able to design whatever assignment they gave me. If that still won't work (extremely rare cases), I go on break and have a snack. It sounds stupid I know, but I'm on deadline, so I have to push through somehow. I just know, stepping away from it, usually helps solve the issue.

[CarlPiers]

Sometimes if I'm having a bad art day, I just take a break and come back to it later or the next day. And sometimes and try to power through it and sketch a least one or two panels. Both work most of the time, but I think I do the second more often. It all depends on how bad of a day it is.

[Kelheor]

100% agree with @lynestjules on everything, sometimes there's nothing you can do with it, so just give yourself some rest and do something else! Absolutely without sitting and looking at your art, step away from it.
But if you see that you are starting to procrastinate and doing nothing for more than like 3-5 days, try to pull yourself together, look at something inspirational like art or photos (maybe other artworks will make you feel more unmotivated, but then some cool photos with interesting colours will trigger something), maybe watch a favourite movie that can put you in a mood you need.

[rajillustration]

I talk to my IRL friends who aren't artists. They always help put stuff in to perspective and remind me of how BS most online art achievements are. To them we live in such a weird niche world, and it's just...I forget about the world outside, sometimes. This is just a job, it's not as glamorous as I think we make it out to be.

[AmataLenna]

The best thing to do is take a break. Walk away, relax, do something not related to art at all.

[demthorshie]

I haven't had a bad art day in a while, but when I do, I just step away from my comic for a bit. Never overwork yourself for the sake of consistency, that's when your hobby becomes like a chore.

[Ardelvion]

Does anyone else have days where they feel really down about their web comic and art? How do you keep yourself motivated and get past these negative thoughts?

Yeah, I feel that way sometimes. I just listen to music on YouTube, watch animated movies, listen to the birds chirping outside my window, or stop drawing for a while. It's hard to draw at my best if I'm not in a good mood or if my health isn't good.

[humhumsong]

As for me, I've always went to this community for a chat or read some topics like today because talking with other artists and authors here makes me feels better rather than my closed friends since they didn't take interest in art or comic.

So keep doing this if you have troubles, there will be someone who will support you since we are in the same boat. (^ω^)

[DukeOfOool]

I stop drawing seriously and do sketches for later panels or paint mesmerising shapes. Just something you can turn off your brain and just do, while being somewhat productive.

[NickRowler]

I thought from the title you were talking about days where you feel like everything you draw just looks wrong. On days like that I usually spend my time free drawing where I just draw whatever and not focus on being perfect. It also gives room to experiment with different styles and line work and it might even inspire new ideas and techniques. Also note, it is not necessarily something you upload, it can be just something you do for yourself for fun.

[TheDoublekey]

Yes, it happens to me every time I feel kinda tired or demotivated as a whole. I sort of "force" myself to draw so that I can get ahead with the story, but it seems as if there's nothing to do. Sometimes I'm not even capable of drawing basic things!
When I get my hype and motivation up, though, I start sketching and drawing like never before, and I often notice my skills have improved. I don't know about you, but sometimes, when the "bad art day" occurs I notice that my artstyle has somehow changed/improved.

Then again, I'm happy someone brought this up, I thought I was the only one who had this kind of frustrating moments.

[gmaximin]

Funny, me I try to focus on good art day, one of these few occurrence when I’m actually satisfied with my drawings. I guess so called bad art days instantly upgrade to just... normal days, ranging from “need rework”, to “meh” or “that’ll do for now”... and then, every now and then comes a day where everything just flows right. I strongly believe these days are built on all these normal meh days...

[NeonLightsShifter]

I do what makes me happy, play some games, chill and listen to music or voice chat with friends

Basically give yourself time to breath, enjoy the moment, and relax.

Though if your are itching to create, I recommend trying another medium or play a game that you do creative stuff in. Like Minecraft, Terraria, or decorating in animal crossing!