Cinnamon Pink

101 Tips on How to Become More Creative from Michael Michalko

Here's another source on the topic of Creativity. Check out this post written by creativity expert, Michael Michalko - 101 Tips on How to Become More Creative. These ideas are tips to help you change your usual mental thinking patterns. Here are a few of the ideas that I especially liked:

• Give yourself an idea quota of 40 ideas
• Imagine your idea and its opposite existing simultaneously.
• Keep a written record of all your ideas. Review them weekly. Can you cross-fertilize your ideas?
•  List 20 ideas or thoughts into two columns of 10. Randomly connect ideas from column 1 to column 2. Combine the ideas to see what you get.

Choose a tip from Michalko's list and put it into action today.

For insightful articles on Creativity, visit Michael Michalko's Web site, Creativity Thinking. There you will find creativity exercises, articles, techniques and more.

51 Ways to Explode Your Creativity from DUDYE

Image from DUDYE site

If you regularly read my blog, you know that I love exploring the topic of creativity.

And what's even better than creativity to me are tips to increase creativity - which brings me to 51 Ways to Explode Your Creativity from the DUDYE site. In fact, I even love the opening paragraph of their post:

"Creativity is the ability to find solutions to problems differently and with added value. Creativity is thinking about perception, its using thought as a tool to be more fluid and flexible. The purpose of creativity is to change or to flow with change. Creativity is therefore heretic, it's disruptive, it changes assumptions, it kicks in doors, it faces fear and it destroys conformity."

Check the tips out - Print them up - Tack them on your wall. Then when it's time to create, you'll be ready to go get 'em.

 

 

Jumpstart Your Creativity with Ideas from 'Write to Done'

I discovered this post on the write to done site - Seven Steps to Creativity - How to have Ideas written by Simon Townley of WriteMindset. Although the article is targeted primarily to writers, I believe mixed-media artists, and bloggers too, could benefit from the ideas.

Basically, the steps come down to:

• Gather the information
• Sift it
• Let it percolate
• Let the ideas flow
• Shape and mould the ideas
• Share them with others
• Put the feedback into the loop; and repeat the process to strengthen your ideas.

However, to get the full benefit of this article, check out the complete post

I also enjoyed reading another article on the site, 201 Ways to Arouse Your Creativity written by Katie Tallo of Momentum Gathering. Lots of food for thought here.

Get Your Monday in High Gear and Jumpstart Your Creativity Today!

25 Creative Catalysts from Gail McMeekin

Image from The Creative Mind site

Via The Creative Mind site, developed by Douglas Eby, I discovered this interesting article entitled, Creative Catalysts  written by Gail McMeekin. The author offers these tips to help arouse your natural creative gifts.

Here are a few of the ideas that I especially liked:

1. Keep a daily excitement list about WHY you are passionate and committed to your exploration or project

9. Find a symbol or prop that represents your project and carry it around with you.

19. Collect objects like your project and keep them in a basket to ponder.

McMeekin suggests that you try 3 of the 25 strategies to jump-start your creativity! Check out her article to read the complete list of 25 Creative Catalysts.

Also, take some time to explore Douglas Eby's other sites for more information on creativity.

29 Ways to Stay Creative on Behance

Image from Behance site

I LOVE this infographic that I spotted on Behance. The graphic, 29 Ways to Stay Creative, was designed by Islam Abudaoud. He is one talented guy!

 

12 Most Striking Tendencies of Creative People from 12 MOST

Image from 12 MOST site

Here is a fun and informative read for today: 12 Most Striking Tendencies of Creative People from 12 MOST (Savvy Smartitude for Busy Professionals in Easy-to-Digest List Posts that Mean Business).

This post was written by Kim Phillips*. To read this article in its entirety, visit 12 MOST.

Lots of juicy, informative Lists on this site - Check them out!

*Kim Phillips is the founder of Lucid Marketing and author of the "Lucid at Random" blog.  With over 30 years of experience in corporate advertising for a major financial institution, sales and marketing, Kim provides clients with marketing communication strategies, branding, content management and creative services.  She is a teacher and speaker, and she finds time for musings and the occasional rant on her personal blog.  You can connect with Kim on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

How Simplicity Can Help Creativity: from Zen Habits

Leo Babauta, creator and writer of Zen Habits, offers us an inspiring post on How Simplicity Can Help Creativity, Briefly.

Here's a little background on his site in Leo's own words:

"Zen Habits is about finding simplicity in the daily chaos of our lives. It’s about clearing the clutter so we can focus on what’s important - create something amazing - and find happiness."

"The site also happens to be one of the Top 25 Blogs and Top 50 Websites in the world with about 250,000 readers."

Take some time to tool around his inspiring site. New viewers should start here: The Beginner’s Guide to Zen Habits: A Guided Tour. 

 Read a few of his posts and you're bound to get your weekend off to a positive beginning.

 

Creativity Cards via Innovation Tools

 

Image from Innovation Tools site

Via Innovation Tools, I found these Eye Wire Creativity Cards in a PDF format. Cut out these cards and paste them on index cards. Then use them when you need a creative jolt. 

 Choose a card - Do the exercise - and Apply the new creative solution to your next mixed-media art project. Include a few extra, blank index cards so that you can record your own ideas for Creativity Cards

 Although Innovation Tools is targeted toward business executives, there are many informative articles on the site that may help you jumpstart new ideas for your art projects.

For example, I enjoyed reading the article, What Artists can Teach Creative Thinkers written by Danielle Feliciano. Check it out!

How's Your Creative Attitude Doing?

In his book, How To Be More Creative, David D. Edwards believes that a “Creative attitude allows you to establish a mental environment in which your creativity can flourish.”  Conditions which foster, and inhibit, creativity include: 

Encourages  Creativity	Inhibits Creativity
Positive Mind-Set	Doubts
Willing Suspension of Judgment	Judgmental Attitudes
Sensitivity and Awareness	Tight Control
Openness to Experience	Pressure
Flexibility	Anxiety
Sense of Psychological Safety	Excessive Motivation
Absence of Evaluation and Criticism
Quiet, Relaxing Times

Each day, try to eliminate the creativity inhibitors in your life. Instead, encourage a creative attitude by working on the the creativity builders on the left side of the chart.  

 

100 Art Therapy Exercises from Nursing School Blog

Image from Nursing Schools site

I've always been interested in the field of Art Therapy. Ironically, I came across this informative post - 100 Excellent Art Therapy Exercises for Your Mind, Body, and Soul on a Nursing Schools site. 

Although these are Art Therapy exercises, I believe you can also use many of the ideas as Art Journaling prompts.

Categories include: Emotions, Relaxation, Happiness, Portraits, Trauma & Unhappiness, Collaging, Self, Gratitude, Inside the Mind and Miscellaneous.

Check it out - You may just find an exercise that will jumpstart your creativity for the day. If you don't have time to do an exercise today, save the link for your next art making session.

 

Inspiration from the Web

Photo by yurigordon from the We Love Typography site
 

As you probably know, I love Typography as well as Handlettering Tutorials. Via SwissMiss, I came across this site: We Love Typography which is a collaboration between John Boardley and Kari Pätilä. 

In the upper-right hand, corner box of the site, type in a word and discover wonderful typography. I typed in Baroque and this is one of the designs that appeared.

Via Tanner's site, Creative Something, I came across this intriquing article, Creativity as Intelligence and Day Dreaming. Check it out and his other articles too.

In one of  Tanner's post, he displays the above image.

Tanner says, "This is the simplest manifesto you’ll ever see for creatives, and it’s that way because it works. Save it to your desktop, post it on your blog or Facebook wall, share with the creatives you know. Never forget." 

For many years now, I have been practicing this premise. On a daily basis, I create some form of art, whether it's a collage, a quick sketch - or a more involved mixed-media project.

Via the The Guardian, I came across this provocative post, Top artists reveal how to find creative inspiration. Lots of good stuff here.

I hope I provided you with a shot of inspiration today. Now, go out there and Create!

Wake Up and Flourish with C.A. Kobu

Via the Medieval Muse blog, I found this thought-provoking post, 19 Reasons Why You’re Not Making Headway (and 19 Things You Can Do Today to Change It) written by C.A. Kobu.

Kobu is the host of the Wake Up and Flourish...Because the World Needs Your Shine blog. She calls herself an Creative Alchemist™ and Project Midwife.™

I especially agree with Kobu's suggestion to Pursue Something that Excites You or Fires You Up. She further cautions that, If you aren't 100% passionate, you will fail miserably. Check out her post for more great ideas on how to make headway with your creative projects.

Check Out "Making Ideas Happen" from Todd Anderson

Illustration: Oscar Ramos Orozco from The 99% site

I know that I just recently mentioned The 99% site, but today I found another inspiring article that I think you might like entitled, Collected Wisdom: 25 Bits of Advice on Making Ideas Happen compiled by Todd Anderson. Check out the above, cool illustration from Oscar Ramos Orozco.

These Bits of Advice are so good that I'm going to print them out and regularly refer to them.

My Collage is Featured on the Daily Truths Page from the Brave Girls Club

I'm thrilled to report that my Bird Collage is featured on the Daily Truths post from the Brave Girls Club. Thank you so much Melody and Kathy!

In addition to sending inspiring Daily Truths to subscribers, the Brave Girls Club also sponsors online classes. These include: Soul Restoration, Brave Girls Camp and Life Art A La Carte courses. Find out more details here. You're going to love what you see.

  

'Little Birdie' Featured
Artist of the Day:
Darlene Maciuba-Koppel
Hertford, North Carolina, USA
cinnamonpink.typepad.com
www.etsy.com/shop/koppelstudio

10 Ways to Get Inspired by the World Around You from HOW

As you probably remember, I'm always searching for ideas on how to be more creative and/or inspired. Today, I came across this neat article on the HOW Web site entitled: 10 Ways to Get Inspired by the World Around You. The article was written by Sam Harrison.

Although HOW is targeted to graphic designers, I believe this article applies to everybody who is involved in the Arts.

How do you get inspired?

Outside the Box Creativity Tips from Chris Dunmire.

  
I'm always interested in tips to increase my creativity, especially on rainy days like today. I found this entertaining and insightful article, Outside the Box Creativity Tips, written by Chris Dunmire.

Chris is a creativity enthusiast, humorist, artist, writer and workshop leader,who lives for inspiring people of all ages to embrace, engage, explore, and express creativity. She is also the founder of the well-known Creativity Portal.

So what do you think? Will you try one of these tips today?

Ten Creative Starts

Sometimes, I’ll have days when I can’t immediately settle down to serious art making. At these times, I need to slowly ease myself into producing art. Here are some creative starts that I use to help me get into flow.

1. In your Art Journal, create background washes for future, mixed-media art projects. If you usually use acrylic paint, try watercolors, oil pastels or diluted ink.
2. Design some quick, simple borders on your background sheets.
3. Go on the hunt for uplifting phrases that you might use in future mixed-media art pieces. Sort through travel brochures, catalogs, magazines, advertisements or old books.
4. Search for unusual images (either in printed materials or online) that you could possibly use in your collage work. Or, look for images to add to your collection of reference photos for your drawing projects.
5. Make an inchie. The goal is warming up for art and not perfection.
6. Create a background for a postcard, or Artist Trading Card (ATC), using small scraps of assorted paper. I actually collect small pieces of decorative & wrapping paper, old watercolor scraps and small rubber-stamped images in business-sized envelopes. See my postcard background example above.
7. Instead of writing out a list of art project ideas, doodle up a list. Create small drawings to represent your ideas.
8. Thumb through various books (fine art, mixed-media art, crafts; even zines) to help jump-start your idea making machine.
9. Work with embellishments. Choose an unfinished piece of art - dive right in and start embellishing it. Or, take out a tool that you haven’t used in a while and begin playing. For example, try Stickles, a white gel pen, or seed beads   
10. Take a 30 – 45 minute walk outdoors to clear your mind and prepare you to create. Today, I did just that and came up with the creative starts for this post.

 

Revive Your Creativity

Stuck in a rut? Then read Jenn Joyner's article, Ten Ways to Revive Your Creativity. Joyner is a columnist for the Handmade News blog, billed as the largest handmade craft blog on earth for artisans by artisans

In fact, take a little time to review the site to get news on the latest trends, marketing and business tips, inspiration and lots more.

Believe in Something Better

Last week, I was driving to work and worrying about my busy schedule for that day. Suddenly, the words on a billboard caught my attention, Believe in Something Better.

Although the sign was promoting a cellular service, and not good vibes, I realized how the words could relate to my current day as well as any other day in my life.

I've now adopted those billboard words and use them whenever a dark cloud of a thought, or concern, overcomes me. So, if you're having a frustrating day today - or an art project isn't working out, take a minute to Believe in Something Better. It may just come true.

Getting Ready to Create

Many painters like to make thumbnail sketches before they commit to creating art on canvas. I've discovered that making artist trading cards (ATCs) or inchies often give me new ideas for larger mixed-media art pieces.

I usually begin with a playful approach by sorting through my files of images and text. I might also look though old catalogs, brochures and magazines. I choose pictures and/or words that catch my attention - and then I begin arranging the pieces of paper on an ATC, or inchie, blank card. After I'm satisfied with my selections, I finish the small work of art by gluing the pieces down.

I created this ATC with no particular goal in mind. After it was finished, I decided that there may be some possibilities for a larger work done on canvas, with acrylic paint. But I might use different designs, colors or fonts. I liked what the message, on the card, was telling me.

How do you come up with your ideas!

New Year - New Ideas

Whether you're seeking new designs for your art projects or your small craft business, it helps to write down your ideas. To make sure that you don't forget any fresh insights that you've come up with, try keeping an Idea Notebook.

I created my Idea Notebook from an inexpensive composition book which I purchased from a discount store. I made the label with card stock and rubber stamps.

Once you begin writing down your ideas, the magic starts to happen and even more ideas come tumbling forth from your imaginative spirit. Just remember to carry the Idea Notebook with you every where you go. Your goal is to capture every idea that you dream up. Later on, you can review your notebook and further refine your ideas - and keep the ones that will work for you.

What Do You Do with Your Ideas?

A Single Idea Can Transform a Life, a Business, a Nation, A World. - Dan Zadra

A while back, I saw the above quote on Pam Garrison's blog. I love ideas!!! When I come up with new ideas, I hold them tightly to my heart for the promise that they may ultimately bring.

I believe that ideas are like fragile little buds that have to be carefully nurtured. You can't give up on them too soon or they will wither away beyond your grasp. You need to record your ideas. Then, you can reflect back on your initial creative bursts - and grow them into full-fledged opportunities or projects.

When I work in my Studio, or troll the Internet, torrents of ideas seem to floor my mind. Usually, I grab the closest scrap of paper and jot down my thoughts for safe keeping. These little paper scraps eventually pile up. And then I become dismayed at the mess that I created on my desk.

I did try to neatly record, and organize, my ideas in a small, hardcover book. But, when new inspirations came to me, I soon started scribbling my thoughts all over the pages of the book in a Mad Hatter-type of frenzy. So I gave up on organizing my ideas and decided to be messy. 

Months later, when I sort through my paper scraps, or scribbled book pages, I rediscover these small treasures of thoughts. And then I am so glad that I saved them because they inspire me anew to create future projects.

What do you do with your ideas?

Max Out Your Art Making Moments

In the recent issue of Body & Soul magazine, I read an article which quoted Martin Boroson, author of One-Moment Meditation: Stillness for People on the Go. He talked about fitting meditation into all those little "lost" moments that people generally think of as a waste of time, e.g., being stuck in traffic or standing in line at the grocery store, etc.

Boroson says, "Most of the time we fail to realize the enormous potential of a moment." He goes on to say, "The word 'moment' actually comes from a Latin word that means a particle sufficient to turn the scales." Boroson believes "A moment can be revolutionary. It can turn your life around."

I liked what he said about moments and thought of applying his ideas to my own daily art work. After all, isn't creating art the ultimate meditation? I know that there are many moments in my day when I can fit in a quick sketch, whether I'm at home or sitting in the waiting room of the doctor's office.

I also thought of moments that I could salvage during the down times of my day. I already have developed the habit of sketching, at night, while the TV is on. But I could probably produce more paintings, if I put my watercolor paints, brushes and water container out on my studio table - and/or in a corner of my kitchen counter - ready for use.

For today's post, I acutally did a quick sketch using some "found" moments. I'm intrigued by this idea of "revolutionary" moments and I hope to explore this topic again.What will you do with your moments today?
 
 

Hearts and Creative People

When I look at mixed-media magazines, and the Web sites/blogs of artists and crafters, I notice that hearts frequently appear in creative works of art. I'm also very fond of hearts and regularly use them in my art.

Make Art from the Heart may sound like a cliche but I do believe we create our art from the deepest parts of our soul and spirit. And that this passion shows through in our creations. Whenever I finish an art piece, I always feel a profound sense of satisfaction - similar to a big sigh of contentment. I guess that's why I enjoy creating art daily.

This morning, I played with some heart shapes just for fun. What did you create today?

Inspiring Creativity from Pikaland

I'm always on the lookout for ideas to increase my creativity. Amy, from the Art and Illustration blog pikaland, recently posted an article about Inspiring Creativity: 9 Tips to be More Creative. The article is a recap of a talk she gave on Etsy's Virtual Labs. You can read the article here.

She also publishes the Good to Know Project which is a zine that is "full of advice and inspiration from artists/illustrators/designers on creativity, business and life." I always feel refreshed after I hear the views of other artists. Fill up on some creativity at Amy's blog.

Zentangle

Recently, I was surfing the Internet looking for more information on doodling and I came across the Zentangle site.

According to the site, "Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being."

Check out the site for more information and examples of this art form. There's even a kit which you can purchase. Here is my take on Zentangle. I decided to include female images. Try creating a Zentangle today - It really is a lot of fun.

Invest in an Erasable Board

In "The Creativity Book," author Eric Maisel, PhD, encourages creative people to invest in erasable boards (i,e, white boards).

He suggests using the boards to:

•  Plan big projects
• Keep track of (daily, monthly) goals  
• Highlight affirmations
• Capture new ideas
• Record to-do lists
• Feature favorite quotes

I used a large (3' by 4') erasable board when I wrote my second book. But when I moved, I gave it away. I recently purchased a smaller (blue) board to keep track of mixed-media art projects, generate new ideas and display art. Try purchasing an erasable board and see if it energizes your creative juices.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Check Out the MEGGIECAT Blog - She's Back!

Recently, I was looking at some new blogs when I discovered that the MEGGIECAT blog is back online. I had always enjoyed reading this blog because of its' unique posts.

The blog is described as a "Weblog of inspiration, images, tools and tips for my creative life." Make sure you check out the Blog Archives and Label links. You will find some interesting stuff.

The MEGGIECAT Logo:

Inspiration E-Zine from Design for Mankind

Erin, from the Design for Mankind blog has published issue two of Inspiration e-zine (2.25.08 post). The issue is fabulous, free and 24 pages long. See the cover below.

Also, check out her fantastic blog entries. Soon, she will be revamping her blog. I'm sure we will see more great ideas from her.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Doing Art Every Day

I've noticed that many bloggers are celebrating the year of 2008 by making art every day. I think that is a fabulous idea. Think of all the creative energy that we are putting out into the world. Good Karma! By participating in and spreading the word about these projects, I'm sure we are also increasing our individual imaginations manifold. We're all into this art thing together and we need each other for continued success. Wow, I'm really getting excited now! Here are two examples:

Aisling has created the 7/30/365 Art Card Project Bloggers are challenged to create an art card every day. She recommends beginning the project in small steps. First, create cards, every day, for a week. Then challenge yourself to create a card a day for a month. The biggest challenge is making cards for a full year. You can create your cards in any media. Check out her site for more information.

Leah Piken Kolidas has launched Creative Every Day 2008  The Challenge is low pressure. Creativity is meant in the broadest sense and you don't have to post every day. Go to her site to get more information.

Here's a card that I created today in the spirit of doing art every day:

Jumpstart Your Creative Ideas with SCAMPER*!

When I need to come up with some fresh artistic ideas, I use the SCAMPER* approach. In fact, I have a SCAMPER check-list hanging in my Studio for whenever I need a jolt or two.

 S – Substitute – Apply brightly colored ink instead of acrylic paint to your new drawing.

 C – Combine – Look at two, or more, of your completed canvases. Take an idea from each canvas and combine them into a new work of art.

 A - Adapt – Borrow an art idea from the window display of a department store.

 M – Magnify or Modify – Change the color, shape or form of your usual art pieces. Increase or reduce them in size.

 P – Put to another use – Modify your art form. Reinterpret a recent painting into a sculpture?

 E – Eliminate – For your next project, restrict your choice of colors to only two.

 R – Reverse or Rearrange – What if you created the opposite of your current art work?

 *Just to give you a little history, Alex Osborn was the originator of classical brainstorming. Michael Michalko, in his book “Thinkertoys,” talks about this mnemonic which were originally arranged by Bob Eberle.

Here is an example of a modification - a tiny art book.