Venting I get physically ill when ever I try to draw.

[De4dX3nd]

Drawing used to be something that gave my life meaning, and I really started getting into it because of a close friend. We would draw stuff for each other, talk about OCs and stories, some characters wouldn't have existed if it wasn't for them. It's been days since they cut contact with me and just now i tried to draw again to calm myself down. But I couldn't bring myself to draw a single line, then all of a sudden I just started crying, and I felt like I was gonna vomit. I wanted to be a character designer and comic artist, and have the stories i wanted to tell be published one day. But the act of drawing holds so many bitter memories. Should I just give up on art?

 

[iwishiwishiwish]

No! Don't ever give up!

Just think of all the people that have drawing as a hobby outside your ex-friend. Also, do you think your ex-friend is going to stop drawing because of you? Probably not, so why should you?

Take control and strive forth. Become that amazing artist you are destined to be. Maybe put on some headphones and blast some music to drown out thoughts of that friend whilst you draw?

 

[NeoN0va]

I don't think you should give up on art because of those memories; Instead, dry drawing out those memories, create a whole story based on those memories. I feel like art is what our true self feels like. Some of those things we cant describe by words, so we just start drawing them. When I was suicidal, I used to draw during every lecture those creepy and sad, but somewhat peaceful characters stargazing or standing between galaxies. They would never look back, but instead look infront of themselves. I sucked at art (and still do), but Ive had the urge to draw so much during my worst mental health state that it was actually insane. I found meaning and emotions in that art of mine, nearly as if it was a call for help drawn by my soul.

So if I were you, I would try my best to keep drawing, as it definitely helps during recovery (at least for me).

 

[De4dX3nd]

No! Don't ever give up!

Just think of all the people that have drawing as a hobby outside your ex-friend. Also, do you think your ex-friend is going to stop drawing because of you? Probably not, so why should you?

Take control and strive forth. Become that amazing artist you are destined to be. Maybe put on some headphones and blast some music to drown out thoughts of that friend whilst you draw?

Tried that, But no matter how much I do I feel like I'm on the verge of throwing up

I don't think you should give up on art because of those memories; Instead, dry drawing out those memories, create a whole story based on those memories. I feel like art is what our true self feels like. Some of those things we cant describe by words, so we just start drawing them. When I was suicidal, I used to draw during every lecture those creepy and sad, but somewhat peaceful characters stargazing or standing between galaxies. They would never look back, but instead look infront of themselves. I sucked at art (and still do), but Ive had the urge to draw so much during my worst mental health state that it was actually insane. I found meaning and emotions in that art of mine, nearly as if it was a call for help drawn by my soul.

So if I were you, I would try my best to keep drawing, as it definitely helps during recovery (at least for me).

Maybe i just gotta push myself,

 

[Mirrory Me]

No, you can't just give up on art, you'll be hooked on making it for a long time,... The fact that you can express yourself in different creative ways- that you can draw your own picture, is an enchanting and unique experience.

 

[mortalityisbadass]

If you can, scribble. Getting something on paper counts as drawing even it doesn't make any sense is still art. Making new stuff helps replace bad memories over time. I've done a lot of projects and work while crying, sometimes crying is necessary to keep doing stuff.

 

[dexdbxtchthewxtch]

Oh my, it's like I could have written this myself.

I am also a digital artist who develops OCs and stories! My two roleplaying/drawing partners and close friends recently got into it and our entire group has been destroyed. I don't want to be torn between two friends so I have stepped away.

I adored this, it gave me a small sense of an escape; y'know, designing a world where we had total control. It was awesome! But similar to you, now they bring bad memories and I've been struggling to draw anything anymore.

I have decided, and maybe you can try this too, is to search out for new partners, or gather inspo for something entirely your own! I am searching Disboard (discord listings) and places like Artfol. Looking up inspiration on Pinterest of things I like, could work with, etc. Just find ideas you like, but you don't have to draw yet. Just sit in the creative element you so clearly enjoyed; maybe it will come back to you slowly as to comic ideas or characters that make you happy. If you need someone to talk to, DM me!

 

[Forever Sleep]

I expect for now, it will stir up all the sadness around your friend but I suspect given enough time, those feelings will pass. Maybe you need a little break or, maybe it would be enough to come up with a markedly different subject/ theme to draw perhaps.

I'm sorry you've had this experience though. Being creative used to be so central to my life. I know how distressing it is when that is threatened.

 

[Hvergelmir]

It's been days... [...] Should I just give up on art?

Days are not enough time to 'give up' on something that has been important to you.
I would probably take a break, and try to find what's still inspiring about it.

Maybe try new art forms(?).