How to improve artistic creativity is what we are going to talk about in this discussion. In general, creativity is the ability to conceive, design, and build items that inspire and also inform others, often in artistic ways.
Artistic creativity refers to the ability to express oneself in different media of art, such as painting, sculpture, poetry, fashion, style, and others, especially in ways that are outside of the norm.
Just like any other skill, artistic creativity can be mastered and practiced. It just requires diligence, commitment, and consistency. In order to harness this talent, it is important to enjoy the process so that one can maximize the learning.
How to improve artistic creativity?
Each one of us has a certain knack for art, and it is manifested in different ways. Some become legends because they were able to augment their talents with consistent practice, constant support from family, great mentoring from coaches, and with proper education.
There are also others who excel in their respective crafts just by sheer effort. For example, not everyone has the resources to learn an instrument, but there are special ones who thrive despite this.
Usually, elite talents started practicing their art and craft at a very young age. Some were trained in a certain art medium because their parents were also prodigies in these fields.
Commonly, expert violinists want, and tend, to train their children into learning the same instrument as well. There are also individuals who, due to lack of resources, were self-taught.
This means that they learn just by watching others perform the craft and by practicing the same on their own. Consequently, we shall look into ways to improve one’s artistic creativity.
Just like in any ability or discipline, there are basics that one has to learn first before he or she could train for the next level. The good thing is that harnessing one’s artistic ability is not rocket science, it is not impossible to achieve. Consistency and practice are key.
What creativity exercises are needed for artists?
So, practice is key, right? This means that there are certain basic exercises and activities that one could do in order to master his or her artistic creativity. For artists, the following are some of the recommended exercises.
Keep an art-related idea notebook
The first exercise is to keep a notebook, whatever kind that is, with you all the time. This helps you in capturing ideas and references which you can use later on.
You do not want to trust your memory in everything because our memories are prone to mistakes. So, make sure that you write everything when an inspiration comes up.
Writers usually term this as their swipe files. But of course, this does not that you will resort to mere plagiarism. The point of the notebook is to record your inspirations that will guide you as you are already making your own art.
You still have to be original somehow and that is the best way that you could learn, by taking in new ideas and making them your own, in your own unique way.
To avoid plagiarism, always make sure to acknowledge your source in order to give where credit is due. While active thinking could be good in looking for inspirations, we often find them in the most bizarre of ways.
Sometimes, we get inspiration when we are commuting, or doing something entirely different. So, when that time comes, you better be ready to record them in your notebook.
Put up an art-related board
The logic with the need for a notebook can be applied here. Once the ideas in your notebook have reached a considerable number, it would be hard to be inspired by them in that form.
Visual learners would suggest putting up a bulletin board, or whatever board for that matter, wherein you could put in all your ideas and inspirations.
Seeing all of them at a single glance helps in connecting the dots and in formulating more inspirations.
Have your own idea treasure chest
Just like any treasure chest, yours [art treasure chest] is supposed to keep your artistic treasures, which could be anything from photos to quotes to postcards.
The range of things that you could keep is unlimited, just keep what would be more valuable to you. Arrange them in a way that is manageable and easy for you to check from time to time.
Once you are able to accumulate a considerable amount of “treasure”, the experience will be amazing and rewarding. Plus, the more you look into your treasures, the easier it is to stimulate your brain into creating artistic ideas.
Keep tab of your energy levels
We are just humans, and our energy is finite. That is why we need to be strategic and smart with the way we expend our energy especially when we are doing some creative work.
When we are at our best, we have to do the most important art projects or art marketing tasks that demand the highest level of creativity. Save the simpler tasks for when your creative tank is low.
But because we are humans, we should not forget about taking some serious rest. Good rest will not only replenish our energy levels, but is also helps in incubating ideas.
True artists know that the best ideas are not the ones that are forced. Sometimes, an artist needs to incubate and the great ideas will just come out sooner or later.
Artists have different time spans, and they can produce quality creations in different times of the day. You have to understand your body and be sure to respect its needs.
When your rhythm goes off, it’s time to move on to something else where your energy is fresh, or better yet just take a rest.
Do not overwhelm yourself, split your tasks
You are not Superman so do not big tasks in one go lest you will be overwhelmed and will lose the inspiration to move on with the tasks.
It is always wise to chunk your tasks into smaller tasks especially because our creative juices are so limited and artistic tasks are so demanding.
Always take breaks as you go, you may use methods such as the Pomodoro technique wherein you work religiously for 25 minutes straight before having a 5 minute break, and so forth.
You will enjoy the work better and have a more consistent experience of satisfaction if you split your tasks into smaller and more manageable ones.
Modify or even let go of boring tasks
Art is supposed to make us happy so when you are doing art and it is taxing for no good reason, then it is a good sign to reconsider. Maybe you are doing it incorrectly?
Or maybe the task is not right for you. Do not be afraid to try and experiment. If an artwork is not giving you joy, then something is wrong. Think of ways to modify or learn to let go, and move on to the next task.
Do something else from time to time
Just like in anything, sometimes a little distraction is helpful and refreshing. No matter how enjoyable something is, there will come a time that a little break would help break the monotony.
But of course, if there is no monotony and you are consistently enjoying what you are doing, then by all means, do not stop. There are just moments wherein doing something that is not related to art is what helps keep the rhythm in the long term.
Adapt as needed
Sometimes, you are already finishing your current artwork but then you realize that something is a bit off. Maybe you had a different goal in mind? In that case, you might want to learn how to adapt.
Even then, no matter how great our initial goal was, we may need to adjust our goals to avoid frustration. There are instances when we are just surprised to see that we are able to create something accidentally.
Nevertheless, they are as beautiful as our initial goal. Be adaptable especially during practice.
Find other artists and mentors
Isolation, especially in art, may be a good thing. However, there are instances when it is equally important to reach out to other artists and mentors who could teach and inspire us more into doing our art. During our bad days, it is important to have a support group.
How can you be creative in something?
Becoming creative in something means that we have to be willing to do the hard work. Anything is achievable with a focused mind and humble attitude. Firstly, we need to be willing to try something.
Say for example, your goal is to learn how to sketch. If you are not naturally skilled or trained in creating sketches, expect your first tries to be not ideal.
All you need to do is to accept that it is a learning process and getting frustrated will not help in achieving the goal.
Moreover, you have to learn from others. Watch lectures, join art courses, or talk to artists. Get tips and the basics from them then practice until you make those tips your own.
Final Thoughts
Harnessing your artistic creativity is possible with a focused mind and humble heart. Be willing to practice and to learn from your mistakes. Make sure that you understand that this is a learning process.
Therefore, you should look at a long term goal. Do not rush things and enjoy the process. There are tips everywhere and guidance that could be had from a lot of skilled and experienced artists.
All we need to do is harness them and reach out to them. As you learn more, do not forget to enjoy the ebbs and flows of the process.