why is it that the shortest weeks always feel like the longest weeks? things have been in overdrive for me, between teaching, day jobbing, side hustling and general living… although i know it’s temporary it still has me feeling a little bit frazzled, for lack of a better word. when i get frazzled, i tend to overlook details, rush through jobs that require a bit more love and have a really hard time staying in the moment.
my solution? i’m going to to start a creative workout. what does a creative workout entail? well, it’s loosely defined for me right now but the goal is to get my brain working and start thinking and creating. it’ll be a mix of tackling my own personal projects (like sketching out ideas for new stationery lines) to participating in workshops (like camera ready). i’m also going to use my creative workout as a way to get myself out of my comfort zone. my design work has become a little too predictable for my liking lately, and nothing shakes that quite like trying a new technique or messing around with some charcoal.
here’s an initial list of my smaller, self-driven projects (i’m going to be adding to this list, i’m sure):
- have fun with watercolors
- draw something using charcoals
- linoleum block cut designs
- screen print something
- experiment with letterpress techniques
- hand letter a phrase (and then print it)
- try out calligraphy
- work on a creative DIY project
- create a hand-bound journal
- get back on dribbble and actually critique work
and now the list of the course-driven projects (i’m not holding myself to taking all of these, by any means… i would be broke if i attempted it!):
- camera ready
- hand lettering via skillshare
- intro to the laser cutter at as220
- stationery academy
- blogshop video
- offset printing at as220
- bookbinding at north bennet street school
i’m going to start off with this being a weekly endeavor of sorts but hope to see it become a more daily part of my life. i’ll be keeping track of my progress and projects via twitter/instagram and you can follow along with my #creativeworkout hashtag. in fact, feel free to participate yourself if you’re looking for a bit of a creative challenge… i’d love to see how you’d approach this project!
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Love this! I think I’m inspired for a creative workout of my own this weekend :)
love it! i’d love to see what you come up with! :)
What a fab idea! It’s not easy to push ourselves out of our comfort zone – thanks for reminding me how important it is!
it’s so easy to keep on trucking but i think it’s really important to allow ourselves time to play and create. especially if it forces us out of our comfort zone! :)
This is a great idea! I’ve been partaking in tiny DIY/home décor projects around the house to keep my creativity flowing. Super jealous that you’re attending The Stationery Academy this year. I could only dream.
that’s so great! i love small projects because they make me feel accomplished without stressing me out about the big picture. i set a lot of goals when it comes to creative projects and then get overwhelmed and never do anything about it… so maybe i’ll have to take some smaller projects into consideration for the creative workout!
i’m hoping to win a seat to stationery academy this year… although i may be able to sign up after everything goes through with the house… i’m definitely trying to make that happen, though!
This is really cool! I think it’s all definitely going to help, and I can’t wait to see all the fun stuff you make.
P.s. I might be up for taking the hand lettering class with you! I’ve been dying to get better at it, but never set aside the time to practice.
i’m really excited to see where this takes me, especially since i want to experiment a bit more than i have in the past. yes, take the hand lettering class! i’ve done minimal hand lettering in the past but it’s a skill i’d love to get better at!
Creativity workout! Perfect way to address the winter doldrums!
it really is! and it’s so much more productive than watching a ton of tv and movies (although that’s always fun to do every once in a while, too!).
Love this! It’s so easy to put off the creative things you want to do for yourself. I signed up for a map design class this week even though it’s been the craziest week — I figured it’s time to do something creative just because I want to do it! It’s nice to be creative in your work, but there’s nothing quite like doing it just for fun.
it’s definitely so important to do things for yourself, just because. it helps you grow and gives you a creative outlet to create without pressure… which is a really nice change from having to work on things because you have to so you can pay the bills (haha). i was thinking about taking that map design class, too! i may just have to sign up!
I’ve been feeling the exact same way! I’ve been so overwhelmed by busy life that I too, have been on autopilot! I love this! I want to follow your lead and do the same- I hope you don’t mind?!
yes! i would love it if you tried out a creative workout with me! definitely keep me posted on what you do… i’m really excited for this!