Ugh, burnout. We've all been there—scrolling instead of writing, staring at blank scenes, wondering if the spark is just… gone. Whether you're halfway through a comic or haven’t opened the app in weeks, this post is for you. Here are 5 ways to get unstuck and start creating again—Toongether-style.
It’s Closer Than You Think!
Write Something Weird
Let’s be honest: trying to write a “perfect” comic when you’re burnt out is like trying to sprint on a sprained ankle. Instead, give yourself permission to write something that makes zero sense.
Forget the “perfect story.” Just write a quick scene or a few lines of dialogue—something fun, weird, or dramatic. It doesn’t have to lead anywhere. It doesn’t have to mean anything. The key is to shake off the pressure and get back into storytelling mode.
Yeah, I’m a talking cat bro!
A vampire barista in love with the moon?
A cat detective solving noodle-related crimes?
☝️ One panel.
💬 Two lines of dialogue.
🌈 No pressure.
It’s not about making something “good”—it’s about making something fun. That random scene might turn into something later… or it might not. Either way, you’re moving again.
Bonus spark: Try writing one panel as if it were the end of a totally unknown story. Then imagine what could’ve led up to it. Reverse-engineering is a great creativity unlock.
Shrink the Goal, Spark the Flow
Instead of aiming to finish an entire comic, set a small, achievable goal—like drafting one panel or writing a single line of dialogue. Small wins can build momentum and make the creative process feel less daunting.
Think of your creative energy like a match—not a bonfire. You don’t need to light the whole story at once. Start small.
Let’s imagine you're brand new to Toongether. Maybe you’ve scribbled ideas in a notebook for months. You know your characters, maybe even your ending—but turning all of that into episodes? ✨Overwhelming✨
Greetings traveler...
...You’re far
from home.
I can
do it!!
Here’s what to try:
💬 Write one line of dialogue for your protagonist.
😳 Pick one emotion they feel in your first scene.
🖼️ Sketch out one panel idea—even if it's stick figures and text bubbles.
That’s a start. And that’s enough.
Go Back to What You Love
Sometimes, inspiration strikes when you least expect it. Re-reading your favourite comics or watching a beloved show can reignite your passion and remind you why you started creating in the first place.
Inspiration doesn’t always come from within. Sometimes, it’s hiding in the stories that made you want to create in the first place!
Take a moment to go back:
🤩 Re-read a comic you adore (yes, even that messy one from years ago).
📺 Watch that comfort show you’ve memorized.
📝 Scroll your old notebooks or character sketches.
What made you fall in love with storytelling? A plot twist? A soft moment? A character you couldn't forget?
Even if you’re not ready to write yet, you’re reminding yourself of your “why.” That’s huge.
💡Soon: We’ll be spotlighting creators and the stories that inspire them—want to be featured? Leave your go-to inspiration in one of PocketPixie’s comment sections!
Switch It Up,
Literally!
A new setting can do wonders for your creativity. Try creating in a different room, visiting a café, or even just rearranging your workspace. A fresh perspective can lead to fresh ideas.
Here’s a challenge: open one of your old drafts—the one you never finished—and try rewriting it in a completely different tone.
Turn your tragic love story into a comedy.
Make your villain the main character.
Write one panel in the style of a fairy tale narrator.
You don’t need to post it. You don’t even need to finish it. But this playful “remix” often unlocks the creative side of your brain without triggering pressure or perfectionism.
This also works with other creator’s stories: read a comic on Toongether that’s totally outside your genre and imagine how your character would behave in that world!
Are you stuck in the magical kingdom in The Tale Of Hikaru by JoshuaM94?
Or are you exploring the fractured realms of Interlinked by HyperGlitch?
Reach Out (Even if You Don’t Feel Like It)
You don’t have to power through burnout alone. We are built on community—people who get what it’s like to be mid-story and out of steam.
Try this:
🏅Leave a supportive comment on someone’s latest episode.
👋 Message a creator you admire on Discord (seriously—they’ll appreciate it).
🧩 Ask for feedback on one small piece of your story.
🏁 Join our next Theme Challenge even if it’s just a sketch idea.
You might be surprised how many others are in the same boat—and how uplifting it feels to connect. Share your struggles, seek feedback, or collaborate on a project. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.
Your Turn!
What helps you bounce back from burnout? Share your go-to trick or drop a line from your “comeback” comic on Toongether’s Discord—your words could help someone else reignite their spark!