Last month, I realized I was spending too much time on my generative art.

I was sitting at my computer, trying to get my artwork to look right. I liked some parts, but the whole piece wasn't coming together. I kept making changes and hoping it would fix everything. It didn't. I eventually became aware that I was going nowhere, and put it aside for a few days.

When I came back from the break, I had so many new ideas.

Working on your art when you're no longer productive wastes time and energy.

Forcing it is understandable -- you want to finish your piece! But you can make it worse. Making uninspired changes can mean adding things you don't like, or messing up parts you do.

Here's what you can do instead.

1. Work on multiple pieces of art at the same time.

When you're actively working on one piece, your subconscious is working on others. When you switch back to another piece, you'll be able to approach it with fresh eyes. The juxtaposition of ideas from two different pieces can be its own inspiration!

2. Use non-productive time to do less creative tasks.

If you're creating your own libraries, this is a great time to maintain them. Consolidate functions from several files into one library. Document your functionality. Make a function more general, or error-proof.

3. Give yourself permission to take a break!

You don't always have to be accomplishing anything! Go for a walk. Read a book. Take a long bath. Your art will still be there when you get back.

If you're spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere, you might as well stop. Only by working with yourself will you create something great.