Are you tired of staring at a blank canvas or sketchbook, wondering when inspiration will strike? Well, fear not my creative friend, for I have 5 tips to help you establish a regular art routine! And don't worry, I won't be using any fancy art jargon or pretentious language.
Make a date with yourself
Just like you make a date with your significant other or your best friend, make a date with yourself to create art. Set a specific day and time each week to sit down and work on your craft. It doesn't have to be a long time, even just 30 minutes can make a difference. Treat it like an appointment and make sure to stick to it. And if someone asks you to do something during your art date, just say you're already booked - because you are!
2. Create a designated workspace
If you're constantly moving from one room to another, searching for your favorite pen or brush, it can be hard to get into the creative mindset. So, create a designated workspace where you can keep all your art supplies. Whether it's a corner of your living room or a separate studio, having everything in one place will make it easier to get started.
Here's some inspiration for your art space from Soraya Nullah.
3. Start small
Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create a masterpiece every time you sit down to create. Start small with simple sketches or doodles. You don't always have to complete a canvas/page/spread. The act of creating is far more important than the final product. So, don't worry about making mistakes or not being perfect. Just enjoy the process!
If you crave some guidance on daily basis join our 100 Small Steps course for 100 art journaling prompts , guidelines and ideas.
4. Be on constant look out for inspiration.
Whether it's visiting an art museum, intentional browsing through Pinterest, or taking a walk outside, find inspiration for your art. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so keep your eyes open and your mind curious. And when you find something that sparks your creativity, jot it down or take a picture to refer back to later. And if you find it difficult to know what's inspiring to you, then let me help. Whenever you see something and think "Oh, that's beautiful!" that's your moment! Pay attention to what you find beautiful about this object/landscape/moment, analyse the ingredients, make a note. This is potentially your next source of inspiration.
5. Be consistent.
Consistency is key when establishing a regular art routine. Don't let a busy week or a lack of inspiration deter you from creating. Don't wait to feel motivated or inspired to do your art. I always say that it's like with sunshine and going to work. You wouldn't say to your boss: "I'm only going to come to work on those days when it's sunny." No, you show up every day and do your job. The same approach works for my art practice. Do something regularly, regardless of your mindset or mood. Even if you can only spare a few minutes, make sure to sit down and work on your thing. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be to stay motivated and keep creating.
So, there you have it, my 5 tips for establishing a regular art routine. Remember, creating art should be fun and enjoyable, not stressful or daunting. So, grab your favorite art supplies and get creating!