My Go-To Art Tools for Tired Days

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Creative Comfort: My Go-To Art Tools for Tired Days

Abstract digital artwork featuring vertical, fluid-like streaks in vibrant colors such as magenta, green, blue, and peach. The streaks blend and flow together with a marbled effect, creating a sense of movement. Overlaying the background are numerous translucent and opaque circles in varying sizes, mostly in shades of blue and purple, resembling bubbles or droplets. The overall composition is dynamic and layered, with a mix of soft gradients and sharp contrasts.

Even on the most exhausting days—like today, when I’m recovering from a bug—I still crave a bit of creativity. But let’s be honest: when your brain is foggy and your energy is low, ambitious projects are out of the question.

That’s when I reach for a few trusty art tools that let me play without pressure. These are my go-tos when I want to stay connected to my creativity without burning myself out.

1. Procreate’s Liquify Tool

It’s almost meditative. I’ll take an old artwork, smudged photo or even a blank canvas with blended blobs of colour, then start swirling, pushing, and twirling with the liquify tool. There’s no plan—just movement and colour. It’s satisfying and often sparks ideas for future pieces.

🔗 Procreate’s Official Liquify Tool Guide
🎥 Watch a Quick Liquify Tutorial on YouTube

2. WOMBO Dream (or other AI art tools)

Sometimes I’ll plug in a random prompt just to see what visuals it generates. Even if I don’t use the results directly, it gives me visual stimulation and a little creative nudge without needing much from me in return. When used ethically and collaboratively, AI art tools are a great way to explore ideas for your own future projects.

📲 Download WOMBO Dream on iOS
📲 Download on Android
🌐 Visit the Official Site

3. My “Mess Making” Sketchbook

This is a no-judgment zone—just a place where I let loose with doodles and creative experiments. When I’m tired, I don’t worry about making something “good”—I just let my hand move and see what happens. Sometimes it’s all about the process of creating rather than an end result of a finished piece.

📝 Layering Scribbles: Sketchbook Ideas from Polly Castor
🎥 Textured Backgrounds for Sketchbooks – Tutorial

Your Turn

What are your favorite creative tools or habits when you’re feeling drained? Drop them in the comments or tag me on Instagram (@tepearley) if you post your own sleepy-day art session. I would love to see them!

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Digital artist and graphic designer, Teresa Cowley

My name is Teresa Cowley, and I'm a digital artist and graphic designer from Vancouver Island, Canada. I focus on abstract and fantasy art as well as digital collage, and like to utilize AI art tools as part of my design process to create new, innovative pieces of art. I strive to create new, unique designs that tell imaginative stories, and I am eager to push the boundaries of what can be expressed with art and technology.

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