The comparison game is tough. It’s hard not to beat yourself up for not getting into the studio enough. Or what you think is enough.
I have three boys, my stepson is 12, my oldest is 2 and my baby is 1. To say it has been a struggle for me to find time to paint is an understatement! I have come to terms with the fact that I just can’t be in the studio every day for 10 hours like some of my peers. But, I can have a creative life! In fact, I NEED to live a creative life – it makes me a better mom, a better wife, and a better friend.
I get into the studio when I can. My work is done in tiny bursts and from 8 pm -10:30 pm and during weekend naptime. But, I also sneak in creativity in other ways too…
Here are a few of my tricks to living a more creative life.
Carry a mini sketchbook with you everywhere you go.
Marks are everywhere! Capture what you see and what sparks joy. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or elaborate. Just get it down. You never know when inspiration will strike or what will spark your creativity later.
Truthfully, I don’t always have time to actually pull out my sketchbook, but I do snap a lot of pictures of cool tree bark, beautiful clouds, really anything that moves me. Then I try to spend a few minutes at night scribbling out the day’s marks or at least moving the photos to my inspiration folder on my computer before I begin in my studio.
Curate your space.
Decorate your house. I used to dismiss this, but it’s really about curating your space. How do you want to feel in your home, how do you want your family to act and feel in the space or whoever comes to visit?
Add a fun accent wall or mural.
Here are some fun dinosaurs we painted in my son’s room.
Even the scent matters. Think about when you walk into Anthropologie. Every Anthro is slightly different, but the scent is the same. You always know where you are. 😊 We can do the same thing with our homes.
Make art with your kids!!
These tissue paper and popsicle stick suncatchers are a favorite activity of my boys.
Craft with friends or by yourself.
Bust out your hot glue gun! Who says the only way to be creative is to sit all alone in your studio painting?! Crafting is one big way to weave creativity throughout your life.
Throw pillows are something I recently made, and these upcycled boots were a fun makeover too.
Forage for mark-making supplies.
Try hunting for mark-making tools while you’re on your next walk. Sticks, grasses, pinecones, dip them in paint, and see what kind of marks you can make. The possibilities are endless!
Organize your art supplies and studio space.
Even if your “studio” is just a kitchen cabinet, a couple of rolling carts in your hall closet, a spare bedroom, or your formal dining room. (My art studio has been all of these things over the years. Currently, it is my formal dining room.) When you organize your supplies you’ll be able to make art more quickly because your supplies are organized know what you have and right where things are.
I’m always excited and want to create after touching all of my art supplies!
Wear the things that make you feel good, happy, and creative.
Put it all on! Find the things that spark joy and repeat them – daily! Or at least often.
Madelaine Albright wore a pin every day and to her, they symbolized different things – are supposed to be reflective of whatever issue we’re dealing with or what I’m feeling like on a given day or where I’m going strength, courage, compassion, eagerness, and even silliness. Once she put a pin on for the day, that little symbol made her days brighter and helped her set the intention for the day. You can do the same thing with your jewelry or wardrobe.
When it comes to clothing, the thing that makes my heart happy is patterns. I can’t say no to a great pattern, but even more, I LOVE mismatching patterns. So, I try to incorporate patterned fabrics into my outfit every day. I know I feel the most like myself when I have on a flannel with a striped or floral tank top underneath and some fun patterned shoes (or my black Vans. I always feel like myself in my Vans 🙂 ).
What are your tips for living a more creative life? I’d love to know! 😃
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