An Artistic Plan ~ How to Enhance Your Creativity Even as a Beginner + Downloadable Journal Page

Pablo Picasso said "the chief enemy of creativity is good sense."

This is probably true, but as you can tell there are some inherent issues with this statement. I am certainly not trying to argue with the master of creativity who would surely say that his art came before anything else.

But many of you out there live in a home, possibly have a car, have some type of job, and eat on a regular basis. Most would say their family comes before anything. Having good sense allows us to keep our homes and jobs, eat decent meals, and stay out of jail. That being said I cannot be a complete proponent of throwing good sense to the wind.

But if we can laser focus our good sense to our artistic endeavors, I think the advice is perfect.

Rejected

A few years ago I was chosen to illustrate a children's book. The text was lovely and I instantly had an idea of what the pictures should look like. I quickly put together several images and sent them over--and they were just as quickly rejected. 

So I tried again, and again, and again--no luck.

All my great ideas were gone. 

At this point I had nothing to lose. I drew a far more grown up image, but the made me happy. I loved the colors and the whirling dreamy background. I figured what the hell! At least I could go out with a bang.

Accepted

 Those were the pictures that were chosen for the book. 

I had nothing attached to them--no fear, no worries, no preconceived notions. I figured it was already too late, and a tiny voice in the back of my head said the images would never work. So I sent them.

My roundabout point is this: sometimes the thing that gets in our way the most is our own negative thinking. 

So when it comes to art, do what they say in Frozen: LET IT GO!

If any of you are true beginners here is my advice:

* Go out and get whatever you like to create with--markers, paints, yarn, fabric--whatever! (Even if you are scared and you never tried, all the more reason to go for it.)

* Find a magazine or Google article about whatever medium you chose. 

*  Choose a project--a picture, a painting, anything--and copy it. (That's right--copy. You can trace, copy, recreate, or do your own version of anything you see. Some people need this little kick start for their creativity--especially if they have not used it since they were little. Plus copying or tracing actually helps you learn very quickly. Before you know it you'll be itching to create your own stuff.)

*Start right away and DO NOT worry about being perfect.

* Finish it!

* Start another.

* On the same day you start this project, get a notebook or journal--even a piece of paper will do, and write about your artistic dreams each morning. Feel free to tear out the page and rip it up after you write if you are afraid someone will read it. (Great idea from a friend). The point isn't to have a book to read when you are done, but to get your mind on creativity and what it means to you. Just do one page, and try and include one positive thing you are feeling about your creative process. Also, follow Picasso for this too--just write with abandon, write from your soul. This could be something you have waited to do for years. (I have included a downloadable journal page to hopefully inspire you HERE. It is free, and you can rip it up when you are done if you like.)

* Last but not least, do art with kids. Watch how free they are, they are not worried, just happy to be in the creative moment.

I'd love to see your work--especially if you are just starting. I feel art is so important and can be a wonderful way to express yourself.

Here are some words of wisdom that every. single. creative needs to hear. Only two minutes and super worth it. Click HERE

Video Cat

Today's video is How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Cat. If you like it I hope you share it with a young person who likes art too.

Don't forget to enter the Six Shades of Grey Faber-Castell Giveaway HERE for a chance to win SIX Faber-Castell PITT artist pens. Good luck!


xo