1. Denial
You draw a few lines and erase, then you draw a few more lines and erase again. No matter what you do, nothing seems to come to you. This morning in class, you couldn't stop drawing. That inspiration has got to still be there somehow. During this stage, you may find yourself staring at a blank page at 4 a.m. with no detectable brain activity. This is a very dangerous place to be. Go to sleep.
2. Anger
It's been days since you drew something you liked. You've been more on edge than you've been in months. Friends and family have learned well to not mention your art in front of you, lest they suffer your wrath. You've thrown more sketchbooks at walls and snapped more pencils than you can count. If you like to go for the pricier art supplies, be very careful. This may be a very expensive time for you.
3. Bargaining
You've prayed to every deity you can think of for just an ounce of inspiration. At this point, you would sell your soul to regain your passion (you've even had a couple of offers for it). You've tried every combination of placebo and pseudo-psychology. There is very little you wouldn't try. This is a very vulnerable time for you. If you're not careful, you may end up as a card-carrying member of the Church of Scientology. Don't give in.
4. Depression
Nothing is getting you out of your slump. Your passion for art has all but completely dried up, and your drawing hand has gone numb. Looking at other people's art makes you feel even worse. You may find yourself wandering art museums, dragging your way through the impressionist section. This can actually be a very helpful stage. Record your feelings. You may be able to use it in art-block stages to come.
5. Acceptance
You've finally given up, and you're okay with that. You may never be inspired to draw by anything again, but you'll survive. Your sketchbooks are no longer a painful reminder of lost passion, but a bookmark in a closed chapter in your life. Maybe you'll never draw again. Or maybe, you'll pick up a pencil and...nope. Still nothing.
