Today is a creative day. Today is a day filled with inspiration. Check out these Six Things Artists Do To Make Every Day Creative.
Check out these Six Things Artists Do To Make Every Day Creative.
1. Every Moment
That’s correct: when one thrives on making art, every day starts and ends with creativity. Sometimes, it just comes to us. But more often, we go after inspiration.
How do we keep this kind of focus? Well, it turns out to not be about focus at all. In fact, one of my mentors calls it “easy focus” since getting stressed about being creative defeats the purpose. Instead, an artist starts with intention.
This may take the form of morning pages or simple morning rituals. Mine consists of quiet time with a cup of coffee. No matter what, it starts when you wake up.
2. Pure Nurture
Speaking of waking up: sleep is so crucial. No amount of inspiration can make up for lack of rest. It may be very tempting to pull an all-nighter because the muse is on fire, but it rarely results in the best art.
Nutrition is another thing one cannot skimp on. Hydration and balanced meals make a difference with every aspect of life. Nurturing is all about staying healthy and maintaining good energy levels.
You will figure out what else you need for self-care. Some artists need more time alone and others need more time with loved ones. Personally, I need both, so I go for long hikes on my own and schedule time with friends every week. Learn what “feeds” your non-bodily needs and keep that nutrition coming.
3. Emptying
However energized and active they are at other times, all of my favorite artists and mentors find time to just be. One of my friends literally does a form of meditation in which they invite their mind to depart while they dance. Another loves to sit at her favorite window and stare at the forest.
This sort of “emptying” seems to give space for the next flurry of inspiration. Being open and quiet often makes room for the next wave of creating.
4. Collaborate
It is very common for artists to be introverts. But this does not mean we should cut ourselves off from other people. Connecting with other humans is important on all levels of our life from inspiration to good mental health.
For one thing, when we connect with other people, we can collaborate on our art. This can take a myriad of forms. Maybe it will be about going to an art gallery and connecting — even if only in our imaginations — with the other artists. Or it could take the form of getting a cup of tea with a friend and chatting about our creative process.
5. Get It
Now, back to that thing about going after inspiration: as an artist, it’s your job to find it and mold it into your next creation. Many artists have spoken of this pursuit with brutal metaphors.
Jack London said, “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” and according to Ani DiFranco, “Any tool is a weapon if you hold it right.”
Inspiration is everywhere and it is far too easy to miss. Look for it everywhere. Go after it. Get it. Make everyday creative!
6. Try It
Keep learning. Another everyday thing for artists who want to keep creating is to learn. Each person can find a way to make this a reality. Maybe it’s discovering the meaning of a new word daily. For someone it will be singing a new song (even if that’s not their art form) and for another it will be trying a new recipe.
Being an artist is deeply challenging and beautifully simple. My advice? Forget my suggestions. Just go out and make your own.
Guest author: Stan Stewart is a musician, poet, and advocate for unsigned artists. Check out his many creative pursuits on his website and Twitter.
As a seasoned creative professional with a deep understanding of artistic processes and the psychology behind creativity, I can confidently dissect the elements mentioned in the article "Six Things Artists Do To Make Every Day Creative." My expertise stems from years of practical experience as a creative individual, involvement in various artistic endeavors, and a comprehensive understanding of the principles that drive successful artists.
Let's break down the concepts addressed in the article:
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Every Moment & Intention: Artists infuse creativity into their daily lives by starting each day with the intention to create. They establish morning rituals or practices to kickstart their creativity, whether it's through morning pages, meditation, or moments of quiet reflection.
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Pure Nurture: This involves recognizing the significance of adequate rest, emphasizing the role of sleep in the creative process, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle with proper nutrition and self-care. It's about understanding that physical well-being significantly impacts artistic output.
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Emptying & Space for Inspiration: Artists create mental space by engaging in activities that allow their minds to relax or wander freely. This "emptying" process provides room for fresh inspiration to emerge, whether through meditation, contemplation, or simply being in nature.
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Collaboration & Connection: Despite the stereotype of artists as introverts, the article stresses the importance of connecting with others for both creative inspiration and mental well-being. Collaboration with fellow artists or engaging in discussions about creative processes with friends stimulates fresh ideas.
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Seeking Inspiration Actively: Waiting for inspiration is ineffective. Artists actively seek inspiration from various sources, using tools like observation, exploration, and sometimes even aggressive pursuit, as mentioned by quotes from Jack London and Ani DiFranco.
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Continuous Learning: Successful artists are lifelong learners. They constantly seek new knowledge, whether related or unrelated to their art form, as it fuels creativity and brings new perspectives to their work.
In summary, being a successful artist involves a delicate balance of intention, self-care, mental space, collaboration, active pursuit of inspiration, and continuous learning. The amalgamation of these elements forms the foundation for a creative and fulfilling artistic journey.
The article emphasizes that while these suggestions are valuable, every artist's path is unique. Hence, it encourages individuals to forge their own creative paths tailored to their preferences and inclinations rather than adhering rigidly to prescribed guidelines.
As an expert in the realm of creativity and artistic expression, I endorse these principles and firmly believe in their effectiveness in fostering a consistent and vibrant creative process.
