Cinnamon Pink

Ten Tips to Draw More Daily

As I mentioned before on my blog, one of my 2009 goals is to draw daily. I had a similar goal in 2008 and I did draw almost every day. However, this year I want to Create More Art.

As I reflect back on 2008, I think one of the obstacles that prevented me from being more prolific was creating the perfect circumstances for drawing. I told myself that I couldn't draw unless I was in my Studio.... or until I had a longer block of  time to create. And so on and so on. The excuses continued.

This year I decided to sweep perfection out the door. Instead, I came up with a list of ten tips to help me draw daily. I hope some of these tips help you too.

Hot Ideas Worksheet

Did you have a great art idea yesterday? How about that idea you had last week? Did it get lost in the daily activities of your life?

I used to consistently note down ideas for my mixed-media projects in my Art Journal. But once I closed my journal, my ideas became out of sight and out of mind. I still record my ideas in my journal but now I take it one step further.

I've developed a Hot Ideas Worksheet to document my big, juicy ideas. I tack my Worksheet up on my studio wall. This strategy helps me remember to work on my Hot Ideas before they fizzle out. Hang this Worksheet on your studio wall, Inspiration Board, kitchen bulletin board - wherever it will help you to develop those Hot Ideas. Let me know what you think.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Project Detail Sheet

When I prepared for a Craft Show last year, my Studio was complete chaos. I had unfinished projects, all kinds of art and craft supplies, packaging, post-it notes, and To Do lists piled on shelves, chairs and tables. The pressure I put on myself wasn't pretty.

I recently developed this "Project Detail Sheet" to become more organized when I participate in swaps, submit Art to magazines and do my next Craft Show.

To me, the most valuable section on the list is Lessons Learned. For example, I made vintage ornaments for last year's craft show. Although I was pleased with the end result, the hours that I spent cutting, pasting - and adding glitter to each ornament did not result in a big payoff. My Lessons Learned? No vintage ornaments this year! Let me know what you think.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Filling the Well - Idea Sheet

As I mentioned in my very first post, I'm always trying to dream up ideas to stimulate my muse. Today, I created this "Filling the Well" Idea Sheet. These are activities that worked for me.

I hope to  create more Idea Sheets, Worksheets and Forms. Maybe I'll eventually develop an Artist's Activity Book. Let me know what you think.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene