Art is everything blog
7 Ways I Stay Creative (Even When I Don't Feel Like It :-)
Amiri Geuka Farris
Here are seven steps that will help make you more creative!
1. Make Time for Creative Activities If you want to be creative, you need to make time for creative activities. This means setting aside time each day, or each week, to focus on your creative pursuits
2. Set Some Structure While it’s important to have some time that is unstructured and free for creative exploration, it can also be helpful to set some structure for your creative endeavors. This could mean setting a goal for each creative session, or having a specific project in mind that you want to complete. I find that if I have too much structure, I start to feel constricted and my creativity suffers. But if I have no structure at all, I can often get lost and end up wasting time. So, I like to find a happy medium
3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and end up doing the same thing over and over again. If you want to stay creative, it’s important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. I like to do this by Challenging myself to use new materials, or to experiment with techniques that are outside of my comfort zone. For example, if I normally use acrylic paint, I might challenge myself to use collage material. Or, if I’m comfortable with painting, I might try my hand at sculpture. By pushing myself to try new things, I ensure that my creativity stays alive and well.
4. Be Curious Curiosity is a great way to stay creative. If you’re curious about something, you’re more likely to want to explore it and to find new ways to approach it. I like to be curious about everything. I’ll often find myself asking “what if” questions, or wondering how something works. This curiosity leads me to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
5. Be Persistent Creativity doesn’t always come easy. There will be times when you feel like you’ve hit a wall and you can’t seem to come up with anything new. If you want to stay creative, you need to be persistent. I like to remind myself that these creative blocks are only temporary. I know that if I keep working, eventually something will click and I’ll be back on track. I also find it helpful to take a break when I’m feeling stuck. I’ll step away from my work for a little while and come back later with fresh eyes.
6. Be Open to Feedback and critiques it important to be open to feedback if you want to stay creative. This feedback can come from yourself, from others, or from the world around you. I’ll take note of the reactions that my work elicits, both positive and negative. This can help me to see what is and isn’t working and to make adjustments accordingly.
7. Take Care of Yourself If you want to stay creative, it’s important to take care of yourself. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. It also means taking breaks when you need them usually I get inspired by these time out or walk.
So stay cool and make art!
Unleashing Creativity with New Materials: can spark Artistic Innovation
As artists, we are constantly seeking new ways to push our creative boundaries and express our unique perspectives. One of the most exciting ways to spark fresh ideas is by experimenting with new materials. Exploring different mediums and textures can inspire unexpected discoveries, challenge traditional approaches, and breathe new life into our work.
Why Experimenting with New Materials Matters
In the ever-evolving world of art, staying inspired requires a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones. Introducing unfamiliar materials into our creative process allows us to engage with our work in a more tactile and experimental way. Whether it’s incorporating natural fibers, recycled elements, or innovative synthetic materials, each new addition brings with it unique properties that can alter the way we approach composition, color, and form.
I created this piece, entitled, circle spark
from objects, found around my studio. I love using comic books, paint, tape and other found object objects to create works that are more three-dimensional and tactile!
Tips for Incorporating New Materials into Your Practice
• Start Small: Introduce one new material at a time to understand how it interacts with your existing mediums.
• Experiment Freely: Let go of expectations and allow the process to guide you toward unexpected outcomes.
• Seek Inspiration: Explore how other artists are using innovative materials and draw inspiration from their techniques.
• Document Your Process: Keeping track of experiments with photos and notes can help refine your approach and uncover recurring themes.
By embracing new materials , artists can continue to evolve their creative expression and keep their work fresh, dynamic, and meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, experimenting with innovative materials is an exciting way to expand your artistic horizons.
Stay tuned for more insights and creative tips on how to enrich your artistic practice with fresh ideas and materials!
