Image and imagination are opposing concepts.
It happens rarely—but when it does, it’s unforgettable.
That eerie feeling that you’ll never again come up with anything to fill a blank page.
And every creator—musicians, writers, visual artists—has felt it at some point.
At that moment, you’re convinced there’s no way out.
It seems like you’ve reached the end of your creative mine, drained of all precious stones.
In my case, drawing portraits from pure imagination should protect me from that.
But it doesn’t.
Even when I use public domain photos as loose inspiration, the void still creeps in.
Sometimes I forget how to draw a nose—or curls, or eyes—and I wonder if I ever knew.
The only remedy I’ve found?
Grab the pencil and start drawing—without thinking.
You begin with a vague idea, and that idea evolves as the drawing grows.
Step by step, the focus shifts. Even the meaning of the image can transform.
It’s movement that defeats paralysis.
So if you feel stuck, don’t wait for clarity.
Start with chaos.
The hand moves, and the mind follows.
That’s how the image comes to life—and imagination returns.