Finding your creative groove can be a frustrating experience.

In a world where we are torn in multiple directions, it can be nothing short of overwhelming. We are constantly stimulated by the unending flow of sensatory media, with no real reprieve presented to us. We must take initiative, and find our place of quiet not only for our general well being, but for our creative selves. I’m not getting all spiritual here, but simply suggesting that we need to allow ourselves to CHILL OUT, as part of our daily routines. Do I do it? Heck no. But it’s something that I’ve been thinking about a lot, and when I think of what a balanced and successful creative life could look like, quiet reprieve is always in the equation.

It’s very important to me, and many other creatives, I suspect, to have an outlet for venting all of the raging concepts and directions swirling in my brain. It’s simply crippling at times to want to accomplish so much, with so little time, and let’s face it, so little money.

What are some things we can do to soothe and accommodate the beast within us? Well, I’m no expert, and these are in no particular order, but we can try these:

1. Keep a visual and/or written journal. Find a pocket sized sketch book (or slightly larger) that you can carry around with you for those moments when inspiration strikes.
2. Exercise. I can’t stress this enough. Exercise WILL balance you out in ways you never thought possible. Whether yoga, running, palates, dance or a daily walk it can only help in what ails you, mentally and physically, leaving you a greater capacity for creativity.
3. You know this is next … EAT as well as possible. You can only survive on coffee and power bars for so long before you loose your freaking mind.
4. Take yourself out for a meal, or beverage, (alone) and journal about your thoughts, fears and dreams.
5. Write a 101 in 1001 list … 101 things you’d like to accomplish in 1001 days – big or small.
6. On a fair day, people watch. Have your sketchbook handy. And maybe a digital camera.
7. If you smoke - QUIT SMOKING!!!! Not only are you continually compromising your immune system, but you are killing yourself, and your health affects you and EVERYONE in your life. You may use it as a coping mechanism now, but it will certainly cause you unecessary stress in the not-so long run. Of course there are plenty of other habitual hazards, most of which we all already aware. And if you are a smoker, it’s tough, but you CAN kick it. Maybe find a way to use your annoying cravings as creative fuel.
8. Start with something small and manageable, and build on it. Maybe it’ll take on a life of its own and take you on a creative journey you didn’t previously consider attainable.
9. Write down or tell someone about what you fear. Fear can be crippling when you keep it to yourself. You will be amazed at how you turn the tides on fear, when you allow yourself to talk about it.
10. Never underestimate the power of a decent nights sleep.

These are some of the things that can help you in your day to day adventure. Be kind to your body, and it will be kind to you.

I’m currently working on my own #8, starting with a simple pattern and slowly varying it, allowing myself to enjoy discovering my creative process as it applies in this situation. I’m calling it Moo Moo 100: One Hundred Ways To Do the Moo Moo.

Have you discovered your creative process?

Jules Mae (aka Julie Prescesky) is a Canadian independent artist and designer.
You can contact her through her website or her blog.

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Ten Ways to CHILL OUT and Get Your Creative Groove On
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Finding your creative groove can be a frustrating experience. In a world where we are torn in multiple directions, it can be nothing short of overwhelming. We are constantly stimulated by the unending flow of sensatory media, with no real reprieve presented to us. We must take initiative, and...

© 2010 - Fashion Students Online