Tips for Starting a Creative Practice
The other day I was chatting with some friends about resolutions, and I mentioned that I aim to get in three things every day: prayer, exercise, and creative time. It’s no easy task to get all three in, but the days it happens are good days. So, that’s what I aim for. Anyway, my friend said that she wouldn’t even know how to get started incorporating creativity into her daily routine. Well of course that got me thinking…
Now, I’ve talked before about how my creative practice doesn’t always meet my expectations, and that there’s beauty to be found—and creativity to be expressed—in the daily happenings of our lives. But, if you are interested in getting started with a more traditional creative practice, consider these tips:
Dedicate a space & keep your supplies out and ready.
I know this can be a challenge, but honestly I think this is the most helpful thing to start and maintain a creative practice. You don’t need a lot of space—a corner of the dining room table, a sketchbook & pencil on your night stand, or a foldable TV table in your living room. Just a little spot that you can keep your paper or sketchbook and favorite supplies ready and waiting. Ideally this would be some place you see and pass by frequently throughout the day. As they say, “Out of sight, out of mind.” So, if you want to practice a craft, make it visible and accessible. Let your little space beckon you to begin!
Choose materials you’re excited about.
You don’t have to get fancy, you just need to be jazzed about the materials you have. That might mean investing in a great set of watercolors OR it could simply mean using a color palette that makes you feel happy. Don’t be afraid to try new things or use what you have around you. Especially when getting into a routine, it helps to brush aside any thoughts about your art having to be a “certain way” or “just right.” The point is to start and try!
Use your supplies — don’t be precious about it!
I was always always always the kid to get some sparkly stickers or special pen or something and NEVER use it. Ugh. If you have it, use it! Don’t save it for a project that’s “worthy” of it — your creative expression deserves to be as elevated as you want every time. You never know what trying a new medium or supply will unlock creatively for you. Don’t wait. Just do!
Have a plan and a “backup plan.”
Okay, so you’ve got your space set up, supplies at the ready, but what now?
Deciding what to draw or paint can be really daunting. A blank page can seem to haunt you if you let it! My advice here is two-fold: first, just do something. Scribble, splatter, sketch. Anything to put something to start with on the page.
And second, seek out a guide. You might find a book with prompts to get you started. Or look online—there are a ton of online communities posting and rallying around prompts. One I love to look at is @roomportraitclub. I’ll also add that even if you have an idea you are bursting at the seams to try, consider having an ongoing project or a prompt plan when your energy or inspiration is lacking.
Find a buddy.
Finally, tell someone about your desire to be more creative, and invite them to join you. Even if they don’t want to do the same type of art or craft as you, chances are good that they are wanting to start or learn something new, too.
Together you can talk (or text! or write letters!) about your experience, and you can help encourage and celebrate one another.
I’d love to hear about any creative skills or hobbies you’d like to learn this year. And, how can I support you? What other art-related questions do you have?