5 exercises to get started being creative
1. Just play
Don’t overthink it, just start doing something. Make a little puff ball shape with your pen and put feet and antenna coming out. Two dots for the eyes, and you’ve made a monster! Don’t worry about what any one thinks, just start creating.
2. New is fun
With just a few dollars, you can buy a new pen or brush or paint color, something that gets you excited about making marks and trying something new. It’s easy to spice things up with one new object.
3. Flip it
If you’re right-handed, try doing things with your left hand! It takes concentration and it’s totally okay if things look wonky! Have you ever written your name with the opposite hand? It can be hard but with practice you can teach yourself good hand control. This often helps learn more control in your dominant hand too.
4. Word chain
On a piece of paper write any word that comes to mind. Then think of a word related in some way. Then a third word related to the second word, and so on. For example… cereal, breakfast, eggs, chicken, feathers, ducks, white, snowflakes, christmas, cookies. Making connections with words and not restraining yourself is teaching your mind to explore without restrictions.
5. Make your mark
Grab a cool sketchbook from an art store or a simple lined school spiral from the grocery store. Start a habit of making marks and doodles every day. Write words or inspirational quotes, anything that lifts your heart.
As you start to do these things you’ll find yourself connecting with yourself in a way you haven’t in a while.
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