Art and Creativity

Practice Makes Perfect

Creating art, in whatever form it takes, is one of the better tools I've found for a healthy mind. It gives your hands something to do while your thoughts settle, and it's one of the few activities where getting something "wrong" is actually part of getting better. I've spent years working across different mediums and techniques, and I want to share what's worked for me, in case it helps you too.

Why Make Art at All?

There's real value in creativity beyond the finished piece. Working with your hands, focusing on color and line instead of your inbox, and giving yourself permission to make something imperfect are all small acts of mental rest. Art doesn't have to be good to be good for you. It just has to be yours.

Tools I've Worked With

The list is almost endless, but here's some of what I've used over the years:

Colored Pencils and Crayons
Markers and Gel Pens
Pen & Ink and Charcoal Pencils
Watercolor Pencils and Paint
Washi Tape and Stickers
Soft and Oil Pastels
Makeup and Food
Solvents and Blending Pencils

Ruined Picture or Excellent Lesson?

Practicing new techniques and using new materials can push you out of your comfort zone, but that's the only way to improve. Don't get discouraged if something looks "wrong" while you're making it. It often looks better once it's finished than it did halfway through. I look back at older pieces I thought were failures at the time, and I'm surprised how much I like them now. Even when something really doesn't work out, it's still a lesson in what to try differently next time. Worst case, a ruined piece becomes practice material or scrap paper.

We tend to be hard on ourselves, but creativity needs to be nurtured, not judged. Look for what's working in everything you make, not just what isn't.

If you want more, I write about specific techniques, supplies, and lessons learned on the Art blog.

Enjoy the Process

Remember that hobbies are supposed to be fun. If you're hard on yourself, consider finding a group or community that shares your interest for feedback and encouragement. A piece that doesn't match what you pictured in your head can still look great to someone else.