So, yesterday was my birthday!
I've always loved celebrating my birthday (and everyone else's around me). Why not take any opportunity to have fun and celebrate yourself (and those around you) whenever the opportunity arises?
I thought that in this inaugural blog post of mine, in celebration of my 28th birthday, it would be fun to list out 28 ways that I practice or make room for creativity in my life. Being creative is extremely important to me, and I've come to realize that it is not about the outcome. It's about slowing down, releasing expectations, creating just to create and getting to know yourself a little bit better in the process. This list ranges from specific to broad examples, and includes both tips for reaching the state of wanting to be creative and tangible ways to explore that creativity.
So here it is...
28 Ways to Practice Creativity:
- Calligraphy. Of course this is one of my absolute favourite ways to be creative. This could look like using a pointed dip pen and ink, a brush pen, or just getting fancy with the regular 'ole pen and paper you have laying around!
- Listen to music. Sometimes, listening to music has to be the main event. And leaning into this audible art can evoke feelings or emotions that encourage creativity in your self.
- Curate Playlists. One step beyond listening to music is curating your own playlists. This takes listening to the next level and is so much fun to do. To combine how you're feeling (or hope to feel) and engaging in the active search for songs that will be in alignment with that is such a fun task. And once curated, that playlist is on hand for whenever you need it in the future!
- Write. One thing I've been embracing lately is writing what pops into my mind. In all honesty, this was a bit weird at first. What am I writing? Why am I writing it? Should I share it? What's the point if I don't? But after getting past that initial awkwardness, this is one of my favourite ways to be creative.
- Paint. Calligraphy is something that comes very naturally to me, painting is definitely not. Ha. But I enjoy the physical act of picking up a brush and exploring a new way to be creative. Painting sessions for me definitely include the mental hurdle of releasing expectations and enjoying the creative journey.
- Go inward (ask yourself first). I believe that curiosity is at the core of creativity. When you don't immediately go to external sources, you are forced to be curious and get creative with your thoughts/answers.
- Have fun with makeup. While I don't wear makeup on the regular, I find the act of applying it very creative and enjoyable. It's always fun to get out of the comfort zone and try something new, whether it's a graphic eyeliner or a bold lip!
- Embrace the quiet. When you embrace the quiet, you're given the space and opportunity to fill the gaps in creative ways.
- Use a paper planner. Taking a bit of extra time to plan out my day with my paper planner, using colour-coordinated pens and highlighters is always worth it in my books.
- Schedule time for creativity. It's easy for creativity to be that thing that you'll always "get to when you can". By scheduling it into my calendar, I am giving myself the time and space to make it a priority (which for me, it is).
- Switch up mediums. It's always exciting to explore new mediums whether that's switching from pens to brushes or physical to digital.
- Use an online learning community like Skillshare. I love to use Skillshare to spark creativity or learn more about ways that other people are creative. You can select from tons of courses and work through them on your own time!
- Get fun nail designs. One of my absolute favourite things to come up with, with my nail tech is what fun new designs will be going on my nails next.
- Journal. This one is pretty straight-forward; journalling is a great way to get those thoughts and feelings out on paper and more often than not, it makes the space for creativity in return.
- Utilize the notes app on your phone. The notes app is a super easy and accessible way to do a lot of the items that are on this list! I use my notes app to write out ideas, pop down lists that I've thought of while out and about, write a reminder of a creative project that comes to mind, make a quick journal entry, the list goes on...
- Doodle. This is the best thing for boredom or stagnation. Whenever I'm not feeling creative or have had trouble getting into a creative state, I just doodle. Sometimes these doodles are legible and sometimes they are nothing more than random scribbles, but just the act of putting pen to paper often helps.
- Use journal prompts. 2 email lists that I love for encouraging self reflection are by Fab @dolifework (https://www.dolifework.com/lifework-shop) and James Clear (https://jamesclear.com/join)
- People watch at a coffee shop. It's always interesting to people watch and think of all the other lives that are being lived out there at every moment in time.
- Try something new. This one can be scary, yes. But getting into that beginner's mindset is never a bad thing.
- Travel. Even to a new city close by! While I love to travel outside of the province/country/continent, that's obviously not always feasible. I love to switch things up by going somewhere different or new. PS mini road trips are great opportunities to play some of those newly curated playlists you've made!
- Read. It's always fun for the mind to dive into a good book and "travel" in that way, as well.
- Collaborate. While I love being creative on my own, there is something special about collaborating with a friend or another business owner. It definitely gets that creativity flowing!
- Find a new class or workshop. I recently tried a wheel-throwing pottery class and absolutely loved it. This can couple up with other points on this list like trying something new, collaborating, switching up mediums...
- Get outside. There is something inspiring about being out in nature. For me, fresh air always seems to spark ideas and creativity (make sure you have your phone on hand to jot down those happenings in the notes app).
- Follow a DIY video on Youtube. Sometimes it's hard to just come up with creative ideas on your own, so this tip is helpful for when you're struggling to get started. All you have to do is follow instruction and this action often has a snowball effect.
- Switch up your environment. A new environment can help initiate ideas and creativity. Next time you're struggling with getting creative, try switching up your environment by moving from your desk to the couch, the couch to the table, your home to a coffee shop or park, etc.
- Cook a yummy meal. Cooking has always been a creative act for me. My favourite thing to do is scour the cupboards and come up with something delicious from all the odds and ends within. But finding a new recipe to follow is also a fun and creative action to take!
- Make that morning coffee (or tea or water or breakfast) a little extra fancy. Sprinkle some creativity into the start of your day by taking some extra time to steam your milk, add some fun flavouring, use a new mug, add some electrolytes, add garnishes etc.
If you've made it this far - yay! We made it to the end of Ink & Insights very first blog post! If you've enjoyed this post please share it and feel free to stop by over on Instagram @bowandved
Have a topic in mind for future blog posts? Or have a question about any of the points from today's post? Reach out by email at bowandved@gmail.com or on Instagram @bowandved