For many of us our days can be jam packed and just downright busy on top of all the life stresses we are facing right now, it’s just not easy these days. This can lead us down a path of exhaustion. BUMMER! How the heck can we jump start our creative energy when we feel so completely depleted?
Well, fret not dreamers I got you! Below is a list of 10 things you can choose to do to help recharge and reset your art batteries! I have done them all at different points and find these to be helpful and they have really worked! Proven results—YES!
So let’s get to it! Here are 10 different ways you can approach a creativity boost. These are easy practices that can help raise your energy when you are feeling drained and exhausted of creative ideas. Pick one or two and get ready to boost yourself up!
1. KEEP A SKETCH BOOK!
The number one way I boost my creative output is to simply show up and make marks! I love keeping a sketchbook multiples in fact! Some for words some for images others for both! Be generous and open.
Having spaces where you can literally scribble is freeing and helps open our minds to make clearer connections and connect dots. I like 5x8” or 8.5x11” blank books personally. Keep it near you always. NEED HELP GETTING STARTED? CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST!
2. SET TIME ASIDE EVERYDAY
Our days can be BUSY! That is why I find it super important to carve out some set times where you allow yourself the room and time to make stuff and get your hands dirty the good dirty not the germy virus dirty. Dedicate some time just like you brush your teeth! You still do that I hope! A little goes a long way! LISTEN TO MORE ON DEDICATION
3. LOOK AT YOUR OLD WORK
Take the time to really ponder and look back at your work! Be enamored with your past creations let them wash over you maybe even inspire you. Make connections from work you created years ago to newer work. Or maybe seeing your older work can spark new ideas. This is one of my favorite exercises on this list aside from number 1. SEE HOW TO LOOK BACK.
4. TRY SOME NEW MATERIALS
Trying new art materials that you are unfamiliar with can allow for more creative freedom and forgiveness as you approach things with a beginners mind. Let yourself be like an explorer figuring out how things work... go for it, do things wrong, mess up, get it right! Have a party with the unfamiliar supplies—really get to know one another! Maybe even commit to one another for future projects?
5. GET OUT IN NATURE!
Nature is healing in so many ways! Walking and seeing the natural world can do wonders from inspiring our senses to just clearing our energy and allowing a full reset. Hike, walk, garden just get out there! Nature is medicine!
6. AUTOMATIC WRITING and AUTOMATIC DRAWING
If you are stuck this is a fantastic way to get unstuck. Don’t censor yourself, go nuts, make nonsense, don’t hold back—just get it out. Images or words both are great catalysts to jumpstart ideas and clear any art clogs you may have blocking you. You will be surprised at the results when you make connections to new ideas. For either one just draw or write nonstop for 5 minutes to start, you can go longer if you get in a flow.
7. KEEP AN ART JOURNAL
Similar to a sketch book—this however is all images all the time dedicated to form, color, shapes, lines and concepts. Just show up and fill it with all the things. Pick a shape every day or even weekly and focus on that as a visual meditation or maybe pick a few colors you explore. It’s a space to get intimate and to feel safe. Explore and grow in this book.
8. MAP YOUR CREATIVE DNA & REFLECT ON THEM
Map out your creative dna! Look back at your influences and visual roots from your formative years and beyond. It can be really comforting to connect those dots and feel part of something greater in our human history. Making those connections can help shape or push you further than you had been.
Austin Kleon speaks of this and it’s a great idea to help connect you to your creative ancestors. Mapping your “artistic genealogy” can be really helpful in rooting your creative path as well as helping you grow forward on a solid foundation. Check out what Austin has to say on this here
9. SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX
Do Nothing. Don’t log in. Ignore algorithms stop scrolling just be in your present moment. Disconnect and daydream! Stepping away from the constant stream of information can really clear some space and give you peace. We control the algorithm in the end with our reality.
10. SPRING CLEAN YOUR SPACE
Organize & deep clean your work space.
Color optimize your environment.
Sort old art supplies
Consider workflow & systems
Curate objects of inspiration
Optimizing your work environment can really boost your energy. Think of it not as just cleaning but also psychological tweaking to enhance creative flow and emotional response within that environment. Think of what colors effect you or maybe you like plants. Surround yourself with things that refresh you and destress you.