How to be more creative - Top Tips
Top tips to power your creativity
Here are some of the best ways to be more creative!
Make it habit
The best way to make any change is to start small and do it often! Do something creative every day and it will build to something big! Scrapbooks or diaries are a great way to start. You’ll have paper or pens with you all the time boosting your chances to scribble, sketch and stick!
Do something different
Of all the creative strategies I’ve looked into it all pretty much boils down to this one. If you want to be more creative with your work, life, home, family, art etc. just try something new, make a small change, hey, make a big change. Take up a new hobby. Look at something from a different angle. It’s incredible how powerful it can be to get a fresh perspective!
Make it abstract
Don’t confuse creativity with technical skill! Don’t jump in thinking you’re going to be able to paint a Michelangelo. The best way to start is simple and abstract. Just grab any art materials you have to hand and combine them in a way that make sense to you.
Make something together
It’s way easier to form a habit when you’ve got the energy of others around you. You can bounce ideas around, help each other and show off your incredible art. You’ll hold each other to account and make sure you all keep it up. Being creative is also a great way to get to know people. Whether you’re on your first date or you’ve known each other for years, the act of making will bring you closer!
Find your craft
Shop around. Don’t just try one craft, try as many as possible! Some are harder to start than others, some just won’t be for you. Find something that inspires you and gives you energy to keep going!
Make something for someone
The national treasure that is Merry Berry always says that the reason she loves to bake is that you can give someone you love something they’ll love! Making a crafty gift for a special person is always rewarding. It’ll keep you motivated, especially if you’re working towards a birthday deadline. And don’t panic about it not being perfect, your special person will really appreciate the effort you put in and won’t even spot the little mistakes!
Keep it simple
Being creative doesn’t need to be complicated or take a long time! Start with one colour, and a simple canvas. Make a few patterns, engage with the colours, relax and enjoy!
Creative destruction
A lot of us have a fear of that blank page. A cool way to deal with that is to start by committing to destroy what you’ve made. You’ll feel much lighter and be more willing to experiment when you know it’s just going in the bin anyway!
Make a space
We all keep a dedicated space to create in or homes already! The kitchen! Rather than just using it for edible wonders, why not keep a craft cupboard so you have a quick way to get at your craft stuff and make space for your arty side!
Make it green
Crafting can be a super messy business! Most craft kits and materials come packages in layers of single use plastic! Maybe try crafting with natural, found materials from the garden? Otherwise try to find companies that reduce packaging and single use plastics so you’re not left with the waste! Don’t start by buying too much stuff that you won’t use BUT buy in bulk where it makes sense. One big package is better than hundreds of little ones. We do everything we can to reduce single use plastic in our craft boxes. Where we have to use plastic at all, it isn’t single use, and you can even send it back to us and we’ll refund the costs and then some.
Be inspired
Artists steal! Use other artists as inspiration. Whether it’s techniques, ideas or colour combinations, you’ll always take something away. Every one of our crafts was inspired by an artist we love!
Share with pride
Be proud of what you’ve created! Put it out there on social media. People are generally more impressed that you think they’ll be and it will inspire them to get creative too! You’ll get such a confidence boost.
Craft on autopilot
Here’s another technique for getting over the fear of a blank page. OK this sounds odd but go with it. Sit down to make, then picture a little version yourself sat behind you watching. Imagine you’re that guy just interested in seeing what happens but not engaged in the process. Get your subconscious to do the work and go with it!
Put your phone down!
Next time you’re randomly scrolling, think of the time you could be spending on creativity. We spend so much time on our phones these days. Take a break to at least plan your next make.
Pick your phone up!
OK so what’s he on about!? Phones are not the problem! It’s what you do with them that counts. There are loads of arty apps you can use to get creative wherever you are. So next time you’re waiting for your mates in the pub or sitting on the toilet, make the best use of the time. Err you know, make some art! I’ve had a go with one app and it’s addictive. More to follow!
Meditate
Hey now that’s a bit random? There are tonnes of studies that support the idea that meditation or mindfulness supports creativity. I’ll write more about this later on but at a basic level, be still, close your eyes and don’t do anything for five minutes. See how this effects the way you approach creativity. You’ll be surprised!
OK that’s a good list to get started with for now. I’ll write a bit more about these and how I’ve used them each week with some examples of what I’ve created.
Creative book recommendations
I’ve read and loved all these books. They will inform and inspire you!
Great for inspiration and ideas. Great way to get to know the story behind some really influential artists.
Full of great exercises for getting creative!
Full of great ideas on how to take the messy approach to creativity and innovation.
If you need more help and inspiration, please check out the rest of the website and consider subscribing, booking us for your group or coming to an event.