My Studio Setup: Sketch. Pen and graphite. 8 x 8 in. Copyright 2008, Tania Nault.
Today, over on Making a Mark, Katherine Tyrrell asked the question, “What increases your artistic activity?” and challenged her readers to “show off and/or fess up.”
So… here’s my list:
1.) My artistic productivity increased dramatically when I set aside a dedicated space to do art. Carving out a space to do my work was symbolic to me (and others) that my work was a priority. It’s also very practical because even if I only have fifteen minutes to do art, I don’t have to waste time setting everything up or taking down. I know that everyone can’t set aside an entire room for their work, but I think even claiming a desk in the corner of the bedroom, or clearing out an armoire (oh, come on, how many sweaters do you need, really?) means that your work is worthy of its own space.
2.) Another thing that I recommend is: keep a sketchbook. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “A sketchbook! I hardly have time to do the real art I want to do, why should I waste time with a sketchbook?!” Artists, particularly those of us who also have a day job, children or other external draws on our time, can’t afford to wait for inspiration to strike when we finally do get a moment or two to sit down and make art. We have to be ready to go, now. And a sketchbook is a great way of a) keeping ideas from getting lost in the laundry, and b) letting the idea “simmer” until you can come back to it again. The instant you open the page and look at it again you’ll know what you need to do next.
3.) And my last tip: go outside. There’s just something about being outside that stimulates creativity. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s the association with building tree forts or sand castles when we were kids, or maybe it’s because you’re surrounded by Mother Nature (yes, even in the city). But “get the hell outside” is probably the best advice any parent ever gave a kid and I think it holds true here.
Things that drain my creativity and I, therefore, recommend you avoid like the plague are:
1.) Showing a pre-draft version of a work to anyone. I recently broke that rule when I showed you the early versions of my polar bear sketches. Huge mistake. Somehow, even without hearing any criticism, all I could think about were the problems with each composition. It was paralyzing and a mistake I hope I won’t repeat soon.
2.) Wanting things to be “perfect.” Note the “Serenity Prayer” in the sketch above. Endlessly tweaking a thing, hoping to improve it, is probably the single biggest drain on my creativity. It’s something I struggle with endlessly.
3.) Television. I love TV. I love “Grey’s Anatomy” and “House” even “Roseanne” reruns. But every second I spend in front of the television is time I spend watching other people practice their art and another second I didn’t spend making my own. If I had the guts I’d drop the damn thing out the second storey window.
I just thought of one more thing that works for me, well, sometimes at least… trying new ideas I hear from other artists! Let me know what works for you, I’d love to give it a try.
