How do I start being creative?
Have you ever thought to yourself “I just want to do something, make something, create something beautiful…” and then just sat there not having a clue about what that something is or where to start?
Yep. Me too. All the time. Well, that’s what it feels like most of the time. Next thing I know, I’m several cups of coffee and a packet of biscuits heavier um… lighter in the pantry.
I am one of those people who figures out all sorts of amazing things, learns all sorts of awesome bits of information and advice and then goes right on ahead and forgets it instantly. We all know the information is there in our brains, filed away, somewhere safe, probably in the rustiest cabinet at the back with a missing key… Okay, so maybe that’s only my brain. Doh! But wouldn’t it be great if we had access to a cheat sheet? Questions and answers, tips and tricks to remind us its not that hard to get started. One of my goals is to get better at recording these handy bits of advice and information so it can be referred back to when I get stuck on something or I am asked “ Hey Trace …. how do I?”.
So with that in mind, I recorded my first cheat sheet! But I think I’m going to call it my inspiration sheet because a cheat sheet sounds like we haven’t put a lot of effort into anything, when we jolly well have! What could inspire our minds to start wondering and thinking, and kicking into gear? I don’t know about you but usually for me it’s a question or a statement that just begs an answer or reply.
So I hope these questions help get you thinking about how you can start being creative and giving something a try. On my printables page I have linked a PDF of the questions and a blank response form that you can record your answers on. Keep it handy. Type it out again in your own favourite fonts and format, pass it on, pin it to the wall, doodle on it. Until it becomes a habit for you to ask yourself questions, to wonder what if? and to spark an idea or a learning path that allows you to be creative, create confidently and to feel joy in something that is just for you. You can choose to keep that something to yourself or you can choose to share it with friends, family and the world. What makes you happiest?
How do I start being creative?
What resources do I already have or have easy access to? children’s paints, markers, coloured pencils, balpoint pen & printer paper, recycled materials, HB pencil, food colouring, scrapbook papers, old magazines, scissors & glue, beads, threads, wool/yarn, stamps, inks, dyes, scrap fabric, cardboard boxes, stapler, gel pens, newspapers, what else?
What skills or techniques do I want to learn or practice? drawing, sketching, art journalling, doodling, painting, ink drawing, portraits, landscapes, collage, embroidery, knitting, toy making, printing, stamping, origami, paintbrush skills, colour theory, quilting, embroidery, what else?
What can I already do? Can I – draw? copy or trace? paint? rip, cut or tear paper? use scissors? paste & glue? fold? sew? knit or crochet? tie a knot? use a paintbrush? colour in? paint by numbers? quilt? embroider? use a stencil? draw shapes and lines? colouring pages? what else?
What do I like to work with the most? Paint, paper, cardboard, glitter, charcoal, pastels, crayons, pencils, markers, thread, textiles, plastic, plaster, wire, beads, metal, gel pens, paintbrushes, printing inks, dyes, chalks, clay, stamps, punches, paper mache, pictures, do you want to stick to tried and true? or do you want to try something new?
I bet you didn’t realise how much you already knew huh? But you do. Keep asking yourself questions! Can I use this? Could I try …? What if …? What happens when I …? Can I combine …? What can I substitute? Look at your common answers – what can you see? Is there a pattern emerging?
So, what is stopping you from giving it a go? Use what you have, try what you can, and be amazed at how truly creative you are!
Ka kite (see you again)
Tracye