6 Ways to Kick Start your Creativity…
As a rather busy moon lighting, multi-tasking illustrator and Mum, I know how hard it is to find the time for yourself, yet alone use that time creatively when you just want to slump on the sofa, scoff a packet of jammy dodgers and watch some trashy TV!
I have lockdown to thank for my initial creative kick up the proverbial; I started painting again as a therapeutic way to cope with everything that was going on. Perhaps you’re looking to start up a creative hobby again, or maybe you just need a little nudge in the right direction to inspire yourself, but whatever the reason this is a great place to start…
Here are my 6 top tips to kick start your creative juices and get your arty mojo back!
Adapt your existing day to inject some creativity
Here’s something to ease yourself into a more creative you; can you work in a different location for a day? Can you move your desk for a new view or perspective? Can you change your desk decor a nudge? Add your favourite affirmation, nik naks or photos. Can you add a plant to your desk space, perhaps treat yourself to some fun new stationery or jazz up your existing with some jazzy washi tape or wallpaper samples? A quick little spruce of my desk on Monday mornings makes me happy and ready for a creative week ahead designing new hand illustrated greetings cards and working on commissions. Whilst most may think my little desk nik naks are ‘a bit of old toot’; they make me smile, make me grateful for what I do and inspire me.
2. Inspire yourself… with a little treat!
Treat yourself to a new notebook and pen or pencil that’s just for your creative ideas; keep it to hand or in a set place so that when you do get some creative mojo you can get straight to it! I love nothing more than a new notebook and pens… oh, the time I have whiled away in stationery shops drooling over new pens for my doodles! I liken it to that feeling when you slide into your freshly laundered bedding… Mmmmmm :)
3. Get outside
…(whatever the weather!) get away from gadgets, phones and urban areas if you can; fresh air improves your attention, boosts positivity, reduces stress and lowers your heart rate. The great outdoors is called that for a reason… it gets those dopamine’s flowing which in turn helps get those creative juices going. Don’t worry about those fit bit stats, it’s not about how far you go or how many steps you take, it’s about connecting with nature, inspiring yourself and getting that arty mojo going.
Flamina, my best selling illustration of a flamingo was inspired by a family trip to Paignton Zoo. This little doodle which I did for fun turned out to be the most liked whimsical animal illustration in my collection last year! You’ll now find a Flamina the Flamingo birthday card, wedding card, engagement card, and now even eco wooden decorations too. You name the occasion - Flamina is so versatile and everyone’s favourite it would seem!
4. Try something new
Getting out of your comfort zone can help change your brains perspective on things. Listen to a new podcast, do a jigsaw, go to a museum or gallery, sign up to a new class - drama, art, writing, fitness - what have you wanted to try for ages and just not quite done it yet?
I recently started going to a new fitness class; I have put this off for so long thinking that I wasn’t good enough, that I wouldn’t be able to keep up or that I would trip over myself or fall off the treadmill aka Bridget Jones. But you know what; I haven’t made a fool of myself (yet) and it feels great!
Inspiration really can be found anywhere; on a little canoeing adventure last Summer my husband and I spotted a compass jellyfish, just bobbing along there beside us. It was beautiful; and inspired my quirky Jelly and Ice Cream greetings card design, perfect for any marine lover or under the sea themed birthday!
5. Carve out some time
Are you a morning person or evening? Can you set aside even just 5 minutes of uninterrupted you time during your ‘best part of the day’? Put your phone on airplane mode, no distractions.
I always find that a good brain dump (where you write down all those pesky thoughts, worries and to do lists which usually get in the way of creative things) helps clear my head to channel my creative juices.
6. Believe in yourself. You can do it
It may sound obvious but the more you create, the more you crave doing it. Don’t let those comparison ogres come calling. As an audience we love to see and feel like we are a part of someone’s creative journey; it feels an honour to see inside someone else’s creative mind. Talk about it, share it (even if you are doubting yourself) and you will find your cheerleaders and inspire others at the same time. You may be a beginner or you may be venturing back into your creative side, but you should be SO proud that you are making this creative time for you.
I hope that this little list has given you some food for thought or even better; a friendly little nudge to implement one of these ideas.
Do let me know if you find these tips helpful or if you ever need a cheerleader to shake their pom poms at your creative accomplishments I am here for you!