TIPS DESIGNED TO GET THOSE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING!

a   Your surroundings are worth documenting. Why not make a visual or written record of your creative space? Isn’t it neat to see the paintings of famous artist’s studios or hear writers describe the place that inspires them most? You can do that too! Make your creative space your time capsule. It’s part of your history; why not record it for "future generations" to appreciate? : )

a Make a "play" jar! Cut up some blank paper into small squares. Now write on each piece of paper and exercise you can use as a break when a block hits you or work becomes tedious: "doodle for 5 minutes," "write a nursery rhyme about your circumstances," "make a poem out of the thoughts running through your mind right now," etc. Think of as many creative exercises as you can. Then fold up the papers and place them in a jar that you can draw from at random. It can help break up that block and expand your thinking!

a Are you the kind of person who doesn’t like to wait in line for anything? Next time you’re stuck in a line, try "writing" a story in your head about the other people waiting in line with you! They are all characters in this great drama called life. How would they react to the unexpected? Are they patient or impatient? What kind of music would they listen to and why? What might they be imagining as they wait in line? Of course, you must do this as discreetly as possible, not staring at people! Maybe one of them will end up on the blank page waiting on your desk!

a Review your creative goals for this year. How committed to them have you been? Were your goals attainable and realistic? Did some of your goal become meaningless to you? How can you reevaluate your goals so that you can accomplish what you had set out to do for this year?

a Make a sweatshirt with some of your art or writing on it and wear it to your holiday gathering! You can purchase iron-on paper that can be run through your computer’s printer at home. If you have a scanner, scan some of your art and print it on the iron-on paper to transfer it to a sweatshirt. Or take a poem and transfer it to a shirt. Watch how friends and family respond!

a You just found $200.00 on the street. What would you do with that money? How would your face look? How would finding that money change your day, your attitude, your outlook? Now capture that moment for one of the characters you are writing about, or do a sketch based on the most vivid emotion you felt just now.

a Take a nap! You know you need one. Could it be a lack of sleep that’s been making you feel irritable lately? A 15-minute nap can be beneficial to your health, restful to your mind, and energize your creativity. It may even release the creative solution you’ve been looking for. Try it (after you finish perusing my website, of course!) : )

a A pat on the back: Do you get enough credit for what you’ve accomplished throughout your day? Does anyone recognize the good that you did today? At the end of the day, make a list of the good things you accomplished. You probably did more than you realize. Try this for a week, then take a look at your lists at the end of the week. What good tasks do you repeat everyday? By looking at these lists, what qualities stand out as your strengths?

a Time for a stretch! – When was the last time you enjoyed a full body stretch, accompanied by a few deep breaths? Try it, it is absolutely invigorating. While you’re at it, why not incorporate an ergonomic exercise along with the stretch? Flex those fingers and arms, exercise those eyes!

a Thank you very much – When was the last time that you said thank you to someone and really meant it? Why not take a moment right now to write a note to someone, expressing your thanks for their kindness? Think about what makes that person a meaningful part of your life and let them know how you feel. You never know how much that will brighten someone’s day (especially yours!)

a Make time for play today – Yup, I mentioned this tip before, and will mention it again until you actually do it! : ) Take 5 minutes just to doodle, paint with your fingers, mold something with clay, write a silly story, or sing something that makes you happy. Let that pent up positive energy from your creative spirit within manifest into something exotic, playful, and fun. You’ll feel refreshed afterwards, like a good stretch!

a Write a love letter to yourself – Has it been a while since anyone said anything positive to you about you or your art? Take a moment and write a love letter to yourself! Remind yourself of the great qualities you have as a person, as an artist. Remind yourself that your art matters and has meaning. Tell yourself how much you appreciate the task you just completed. Tell yourself the words you long to hear, and see if you don't feel better by the time you finish writing it!

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If you have a creativity tip you'd like to share, send it to me and I'll post it here.