Studio Files .17
a creative tune-up and two must reads.
As a life-long creative, I’ve turned to my art and writing practice again and again as a way to keep my hands busy, to process change and keep anxiety at bay, or to simply have some fun, playing with color to pass some time. It’s a practice that guided me through ending my 22 year corporate career, transitioned me through divorce, helped me to launch first a branding agency and then a wallpaper company. It’s a practice I’ve shared with girlfriends over wine, with kids over snacks, and with students as an adult art teacher.
Suffice it to say, I know the value of a healthy, consistent creative practice.
These days though - large chunks of time can pass in between my studio sessions. One more load of laundry / walk around the block / email to answer / errand to run / baseboard to clean…turns out I’m a master at productive procrastination.
Studio time is something I hold sacred, precious, needed.
Some time, just for me, to create - with no end goal in mind - offers a chance for my hands to be busy while my brain chills a bit.
Lately, I’ve been occupying my creative time a bit more passively - soaking up the brilliant words and inspirations of authors Amie McNee and Martha Beck. Their latest books, We Need Your Art : Stop Messing Around and Make Something and Beyond Anxiety : Curiosity, Creativity and Finding Your Life’s Purpose are like having an art coach and a therapist gently inviting me to come back into practice.
Written from two vastly different perspectives, each intensely compelling me to get my creative s*it together and get back to making. If you’re needing a refresher, or an invitation to find your own creative passion - including the science and benefits behind it - I highly recommend a read or listen of either (or better both) amazing reads.
Reconnecting to this practice reminds me of the value in play, in flow, in no rules or expected outcome that is so refreshingly different from the rest of my structured life. A chance to experiment with color, shape, materials and mediums - stepping away from my ever expanding to-do list and just BEING PRESENT in the moment.
It’s by far my healthiest addiction, and anytime I stray too far from it - my brain, body, spirit and family all beg me to get back to it. So today, in honor of reclaiming my time in the studio as worthy, important and necessary - here are my top five reminders to make some art.
My best tips to get (re)started on your own creative journey.
1. Set a timer, keep it short. Start with short daily doses of creativity. Most days, I do mine first thing after school drop off, with a cup of coffee or tea, for 10 – 15 minutes. Other days, if I’m scheduled for other work in the morning – I’ll sneak it in right after lunch. Find a time that works for you, set a timer and keep it short and consistent. Eventually, you’ll find the benefits so amazing from this little sliver of time, you’ll start carving out more time in your schedule. Start small, start doable, start today.
2. Do it for the process, not the outcome. The goal of daily practice, or any creative habit in my book – is to enjoy the process. Creative practice increases joy + purpose, invites connection and reflection. It quiets anxiety and reduces stress. By calming your mind and focusing on the process, you’ll experience these moments of joy and fun daily – which will begin to carry over into the rest of your day.
This joy + fun, that's the point. The actual art you make? Sometimes will be terrible. Other times will be great. But that’s not for you to concern yourself with. Focus on the process, on the benefits and let the outcome just be.
3. Make the setup special. I get inspired to create by working with beautiful supplies that make me happy just to be using them. I use a simple sketchbook versatile enough for collage, sketching and painting. Tools for marking from beautifully pigmented Japanes watercolors, small batch indigo ink, colorful markers and sketching pens. I store my most favorite and most used supplies in curated arrangements for ease and beauty. Out and visible. This encourages both my daughter and I, and most days any visitors we have as well to spend a few minutes just playing. If that doesn’t work for your home, find a spot that keeps them neat, organized and grab-ready. Make the set up an invitation to calm your mind and start your practice. If you’re scurrying about looking for materials daily, you’re less likely to enjoy the process and switch into happy creating mode as quickly. So pick a spot, gather your materials and make it inviting.
4. Set a goal for your practice. I am on a mission to be present and slow down - especially this year. I tend to approach much of life as work, with a crazy to-do list and intense self-grading system, usually forgetting to enjoy myself as I power through the tasks.
Creating daily is a natural connection to fun and joy. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moments as they go. For me, color is an instant shift into my happy place, so I focus on color exploration and unique combinations in my daily journal. Whatever your intention, get clear on it, and remind yourself of that each day as you begin your work.
5. Keep a bank of inspiration. Start a folder of coasters, cards, gift wrap, magazine swipe, photos, anything that inspires you. Curate a Pinterest board to catalog color combos or art that speaks to your soul. I use both methods and reference them often when I’m stumped for an idea. My work never looks like the inspiration, but it’s helpful to have a starting point – especially when you’re new (or blocked) to the practice.
My hope is that once you begin this journey – you’ll find the time well spent. The calm, joy, and beauty that this little practice invites into your routine will color the rest of your day. Leaving you inspired, looking for beauty and sharing your passion with others. Go make something!
To support your own creative journey, a few other tools I find helpful:
Take a class. Find something that interests you and enroll, or follow along for free. A recent favorite of mine is Sarah Short’s Abstract Collage Course. Fun, engaging and just short enough to get through it at your perfect pace. YouTube is also a great free resource, Adele Sypesteyn’s robust channel is my go-to when I’m needing some painting inspiration!
Find your groove. I always have a little something playing in the studio - I’ve found it gets me into the mess-making mood a little quicker. Here’s my April playlist to get you moving.
Find an accountability partner. Someone who you can tell about your creative acts, as much or as little as you want to share. For me, having to report to someone else on if I’ve stayed on track with my practice is sometimes just the jolt (guilt trip) I need to keep making. If you need someone, raise your hand in the comments. I’ll start a weekly thread to keep us creating!
Need an even bigger reason to make art today? Don’t take my word for it - listen to these expertly curated TED Talks on the role of art in saving and shaping democracy. Create like it’s your daily act of resistance!
xx. Jill
Needs this reminder and motivation 🧡 thank you!
Tucking this away for reference when I can start creating again next month. Love this.