Start Small, Start Simple: Cultivating a Creative Habit with Mini Art Sessions
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting an art practice? You're not alone. Many aspiring artists get discouraged before they even begin, thinking they need hours of dedicated studio time and expensive materials. But the truth is, you can cultivate a thriving creative habit with just a few minutes a day and simple tools. The key is to start small, start simple.
This approach is all about making art accessible and sustainable. Instead of aiming for hours of daily practice right away, begin with bite-sized sessions of 10-15 minutes a few times a week. This makes it less daunting and much easier to stick to, especially when life gets busy.
Why Start Small?
Reduces Overwhelm: Big commitments can be intimidating. Starting small makes the idea of creating art less scary and more manageable.
Builds Consistency: Short, regular sessions are easier to fit into your schedule, leading to a more consistent practice over time.
Fosters Enjoyment: When you're not pressured to create masterpieces, you're more likely to relax and enjoy the process.
Creates Momentum: Small successes build confidence and motivate you to keep going.
Simple Mediums to Get Started:
Choosing simple and accessible materials removes another barrier to entry. Here are a few ideas:
Sketchbook and Pencil: This classic combination is incredibly versatile and affordable. You can practice sketching, shading, line drawing, and more.
Example: Spend 10 minutes sketching the objects on your desk or practicing simple geometric shapes.
Watercolors: Watercolors are portable and fun to experiment with. You can create washes, gradients, and simple paintings.
Example: Dedicate 15 minutes to painting a simple landscape or experimenting with different color combinations.
Phone's Drawing App: If you always have your phone with you, a drawing app is a convenient way to create art on the go.
Example: Use a stylus or your finger to doodle during your commute or while waiting in line.
Colored Pencils: These are also easy to use and a great way to explore color and shading.
Example: Try creating a small still life drawing of some fruit or flowers.
Simple Collage: Use old magazines or newspapers to create a quick collage.
Example: Cut out different textures and colors and arrange them on a piece of paper.
To help you stay consistent with your mini art sessions, here's a printable a simple weekly creativity tracker.
Download here FREE PRINTABLE: Creativity Tracker
How to Use the Tracker:
Print out the tracker or create a similar table in a notebook or digital document.
At the beginning of the week, decide which days you'll dedicate to your mini art sessions.
After each session, fill in the medium you used, the time spent, and any notes about your experience (e.g., what you practiced, how you felt).
Making it Work for You:
Be flexible: If you miss a session, don't worry. Just pick it up again the next day.
Celebrate your progress: Even small steps are worth acknowledging.
Adjust as needed: If 10-15 minutes feels too long or too short, adjust the time accordingly. The most important thing is to find a routine that works for you.
By starting small and keeping it simple, you can easily incorporate creativity into your life and reap the many benefits of a consistent art practice. Remember, it's about the journey, not the destination. Enjoy the process!
