Art Every Day: Why You Should Make Something, No Matter How Small
"Begin at once to live and count each separate day as a separate life." – Seneca
Ever feel like your creative spark ebbs and flows like the tide? Some days, you’re on fire, and others, not so much. Here’s a secret every artist should know: maintaining a daily art habit, even if it’s just a quick sketch, is like planting your flag on the moon each day. It’s a small adventure, a declaration of presence, a way of saying, “I was here and I made this.”
The Power of the Daily Grind
Think of your daily art habit as your personal playground. It’s about showing up, putting pencil to paper, and seeing what happens. It doesn’t have to be a big deal—a doodle while you sip your morning coffee, a few brush strokes after dinner. What matters is the doing part. Each action, no matter how minor, beats sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike. By engaging in daily practice, you continuously nurture your skills and creative thinking.
Action Over Inaction
Waiting for the perfect idea? That’s a fast track to getting nothing done. It’s like waiting for the perfect wave before you surf—you'll end up watching from the beach. Instead, grab your art tools and make the first mark. Remember what Beethoven said about making music? “To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.” Mess up, make weird art, but whatever you do, make something. Every stroke and mistake you make is a step toward improvement and discovery.
Setting Up a Fail-Proof Plan
Start simple. Aim to do one small thing each day. A sketch, a blob of paint, a line that says, “I tried.” This isn’t about filling galleries; it’s about filling pages, learning bits and pieces along the way. Each piece of art is a mini-adventure, a chance to explore a new corner of your imagination. Consistency in small efforts builds a habit that sustains your creative journey.
Watching Yourself Grow
One of the coolest parts? After a while, you’ve got this pile of daily adventures. Flip through them, and you’ll see your progress, your experiments, your growth. It’s like keeping a diary in colors and lines. You’ll spot trends, see what feelings pop up often, and really get to know your artistic side. This retrospective can be incredibly motivating and enlightening, revealing patterns and breakthroughs you might not have noticed day by day.
Accepting the Ups and Downs
Some days you’ll do more, and some days less. That’s okay. The key is to keep at it. Miss a day? No sweat. Just pick up where you left off. This habit isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being consistent. Understanding that creativity ebbs and flows allows you to be kinder to yourself and maintain your passion without unnecessary pressure.
Keeping the Spark Alive
Setting up a daily art habit is more than just churning out pieces—it’s about staying in touch with your creative spark. It’s about having a daily chat with your muse, keeping the lines open, and always being ready for when the big ideas hit. This ongoing dialogue with your creativity ensures that you are always primed and ready to capture inspiration when it strikes.
Start Your Adventure
So, for anyone staring at a blank canvas or an untouched sketchbook, remember: every little bit of art you make is an adventure. It’s not just about filling up space; it’s about adding a bit more color and excitement to your day. Start small, but most importantly, just start. Each new mark is a step forward in your artistic journey.
See you in the studio!
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