How to draw a six pack?

I've completely lost my ability to draw?

• I used to be very good at art and was studying to A level standard then suddenly my ability just dropped and I can no longer draw even the most simple of objects. I mean it I didn't even take a break it happened just very suddenly it's like a plane that randomly crashes. I try and try and try and nothing, It's even now gone past the point of using a childrens 'how to draw a cartoon bunny guide' yes I am being serious even one for six year olds I couldn't draw. I really want to become a tattoo artist and my work used to be really good now and so suddenly it hasn't and has not improved for months. I am eighteen years old and driven on detail. I've also lost my ability to do proper photo shoots as well as I used to do photography I can no longer even take a picture properly. I really love to draw and I've been so frustrated because I feel like my whole person is trapped inside someone elses body and I'm controlling it but I can't make the art work come out of my hands, I've still got my 'artists eye' and stuff but nothing is working I have had classes and tried everything I just can't get the art out I've even tried drawing just casually hoping to accidentally produce something nice and sat for hours at the same piece of paper in the end I just walked away I can't make the art come out. My eyes have been tested, no health problems etc. What has happened this has been happening for quite some time now I sit and I cry and I'm so depressed because I really am not good at anything else and now I've lost this there just isn't any hope any more. What should I do? Should I pack up all my art stuff and put it away for good because it's literally all gone and I can't even look at my things without crying now all of my dreams have slipped through my fingers and gone straight down the toilet. Help? and don't say keep trying because I've been doing that for months on end and been getting worse and worse I am not 'between stages' either.

• Answer:

  I myself am an artist and this has happened to me many times. There could be multiple reasons why you're having such artist's block. I'm no expert, but I can give you a few ideas that may just help. One thing you touched on briefly was depression. If some big or even small change occurred in your life recently it could be affecting your ability to draw. Whether it's physical or emotional everything in your life affects your artwork. You could be out of sorts especially if you're feeling disconnected or lost. Another thing to consider is the fact that many things in life you have to learn over and over again. Sometimes once you get really good you lose everything. You have to slowly let it come back because it will come back. Some things have to be learned three or four times before they stick, but your work will be stronger each time it comes back. When I say it will come back, I mean it. But, you have to start out slow. Don't try doing anyt big projects and get all frustrated. Do some exercises. Drawing ability needs exercise just like the rest of the mind, or like a muscle. Just doodle or scribble on a piece of printer paper. Don't try to draw something. Let your mind just throw out whatever it wants. Then try drawing with colors, again be abstract. You just need to let your emotions flow back into your work. You can't force artwork to come out, wait untill the mood strikes you or you find sudden inspiration. And when you do get inspire again don't try to crank out some major piece. Look at more artwork and things that you feel will give you a little bit of inspiration. I can tell that you're frustrated, but try not to be because frustration will give you the opposite of what you want. Hope something I said helps!