3 Easy Strategies to Boost your Motivation to Create

Hello beautiful human! Welcome to my blog, where I reflect on creativity, printmaking lessons-learned, discuss new project ideas, and dive into the process of creating my art pieces. I like to think of this as my personal artist journal... a space where I can dump my thoughts while helping you learn more about printmaking and hopefully sparking your creativity. I want to hear your thoughts! If you read something that resonates with you, or stirs up any new questions, feel free to contact me.

 

I constantly have ideas swirling in my head, but sometimes I get hit with analysis paralysis and simply can't decide what project to choose or where to begin. Or, I I don't have enough time to make a lot progress on a project, leading to feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. 

That is why I like to have strategies in my back pocket for those days where I really do want to create, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting a big new project or can't decide what to do. I hope that these give you the motivation you need to show up creatively, however you are able to!

1: Photo Inspiration Folder

Keeping a folder of photos on your phone (or physically printed photos!) that you find inspiring is great to have on hand to spark your creativity. I would like to emphasize having a specific folder-- something I know all to well is scrolling through thousands of pictures in my camera roll, and before you know it I am sucked into a trip down memory lane. 

For a fun creative challenge, simply select a photo at random and draw it in your sketchbook. Limited on time? Add to the challenge by setting a timer!

2: Start a Themed Weekly/Monthly Project 

One great way to get myself to consistently create is starting a weekly or monthly themed project. For this, you will want to pick a subject that is generally interesting to you, whether that is as specific as "Oranges" or as general as "Animals". Also, instead of or in addition to a subject, you can choose a medium to focus on as well. For example, you could choose "Watercolor" (medium only) or "Pen Drawings of Hands" (medium and a subject). I am currently doing a monthly wildflower woodblock carving--see my first completed one here!

Having a weekly or monthly themed project is a great way to ensure that you are showing up consistently, and takes the guesswork out of deciding what project to work on. 

3: Phone a Friend

Sometimes when you are in your own head, it can be super helpful to talk through your thoughts with someone else. You can even ask them a question to get a new art prompt, such as: if I were to draw something for you, what would it be? Or, can you send me a few of your favorite photos that you have taken? 

You can even take it a step further by inviting someone to join you for a creative hang-out session! For this, you can either both work on individual projects or make something together. This can really help you to get out of your head and simply enjoy creating. 

 

These three things have helped me immensely to create even when I am lacking time, motivation, or inspiration. I hope having these strategies will help you to keep showing up creatively, no matter your skill level! 

Do you have more suggestions or advice to add to this list? Leave them in the comments below or reach out to me via email or social media!