Many of us know how moving it can be to create art. When you make art, knowing where to start can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t often try a variety of creative activities.
Creating art has many benefits, especially for new artists. Studies even highlight how art therapy can benefit people with mental illness, like depression, anxiety, and trauma disorders.
If you don’t typically make art, start small. You may want to try a “paint and sip” night or an art lesson at your local library. If your area doesn’t have many art events, you can even try watching a YouTube video on mastering an art form that interests you.
Below are some other easy ways to unleash your creative energy.
- Doodling on paper or on a napkin.
- Taking pictures using your phone.
- Making a nice meal.
- Dancing in your home.
- Hosting a craft night for friends.
- Creating handmade cards for an upcoming holiday and sending them to a hospital or nursing home.
- Visiting a museum or reading a book about art for further inspiration.
If you want to continue creating art, here are some tips to help you:
1. Practice, practice, practice.
Understand you won’t be an expert overnight. Still, the more experience you gain with making art, the easier your creative process will become.
2. Give yourself grace.
Not all art turns out the way you planned it, and that’s OK! If an art piece doesn’t come out the way that you hoped, try again. Be gentle with yourself throughout the process.
3. Dabble in different mediums.
If painting isn’t your favorite, try sculpting, drawing, or making origami. Just because one medium doesn’t work well for you doesn’t mean that you can’t be a phenomenal artist!
4. Allow yourself to be bored.
While some may find inspiration from the things that they see, others may struggle to find inspiration when they turn off external stimuli. The good news is that studies show that letting yourself experience boredom can actually help you come up with plenty of creative ideas!
5. Change your scenery.
Whether you choose to explore a new neighborhood on your daily walk or strike up a conversation with someone you ordinarily wouldn’t, changes in your scenery can make a big difference. When you switch up your routine, you may find inspiration for a new creative project!
Whether you want to start painting, dancing, songwriting, or cooking, unleashing your creativity can make your life feel more fulfilling. Remember to start small, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
How did you start creating? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Photo by Thiago Barletta on Unsplash.
