Making time for creativity
The benefits of adding creative time into our lives are many. Dr. Brene Brown, a researcher on vulnerability, shame and leadership, explains in her book The Power of Vulnerability, that those who make time for creativity in their lives, live a more whole hearted and authentic life. I know from personal experience that when I carve creative time into my week, it can have a very positive impact on my stress level and happiness.
So you want to make time to cultivate creativity, but find something (insert any of life’s commitments) is always getting in the way of making that happen? I have some ideas to get you going.
Keep in mind, when I talk about being creative, I am discussing my favourite way to be creative (painting, drawing and mixed media), but being creative can be any outlet that you enjoy doing such as and not limited to: photography, sewing, baking (although you can’t do that in a car), beading, knitting, gardening ect. You could still use a sketchbook to plan out your garden plans or your beading designs.
1) Be flexible and intentional about when you can create.
Sometimes I find myself squeezing in 15 minutes here and there to work away at a piece of art. While I wish that I had hours to sit down and paint, life’s commitments don’t always allow for that. So instead of saying that I “just don’t have time” to be creative, I carve in these little spurts and they actually add up overtime, to some very productive work. What’s interesting, is that I find that these little spurts of creativity actually allow me to remain loose and open to exploration, and give my work “space to breathe” in-between my creative moments.
Another way that I sneak creative time into my life is by utilizing time in the car (if my husband is driving) when we are driving places for my kids’ activities. While in the car, I’ll pull out my sketch book to do a little drawing. Waiting rooms, pick up lines, moments between one activity and the next… instead of scrolling on your phone, make an intention to use that time to create something in your sketchbook.
2) Buy a sketch book and use it! A sketchbook is a great place to practice and develop ideas. Think of it as a personal visual journal, where you can play with marks, jot down ideas or observations, or try to develop your skills in a certain area. Sketchbooks are also very handy and portable, making them easy to sneak into your bag (don’t forget to bring a pen or two to use). Ps. If you are local, you should join our monthly sketchbook club meet ups! We meet monthly for an informal time to sketch and connect. Join my email list to be informed of the next meeting.
3) Keep your supplies handy. I love to keep my most used and special art supplies in a basket that I can easily grab and use. In my basket I keep my sketchbook, any recent art book that I am reading, a pencil case with my most loved supplies, scissors, paint brushes and more. Think of this basket as a special place to keep your most favourite supplies and maybe tuck in a few inspirational images or quotes to keep you engaged. Keep your basket nearby and in sight! You’ll be more inclined to use it, if you see it and if it’s accessible.
4) Have an art date with a friend or your family. Why not shake up your usual time spent with others, by incorporating some creativity into the mix. One of my favourite things to do with my long distance friends, is to set an “art date” with them and to hop onto FaceTime together to make some art. It’s the perfect way to make time for creativity and to connect with others. Or if you can meet up with a friend in person, why not bring a long your sketch book and have a coffee/art date at a local coffee shop. Another idea would be to have an art night with your family. Put on a Youtube tutorial or better yet display a bunch of fun and open ended supplies in an inviting way and ask everyone to create something with those supplies.
I hope these ideas are helpful and inspire you to carve in a little bit of time for creativity.
Yours,
Johanna