New Resolutions Call for Creative Solutions
New Year’s Resolutions are a pivot point of winter – it’s the perfect time to set goals and build new habits. If you’re looking to get creative with this coming year’s resolutions, we can help you get started!
First, think.
Consider your creative interests, what you’d like to achieve, if any special tools or equipment will be needed, if you have a timeframe and if this is something you’d prefer to do alone or with a partner or group.
The easiest way to get started in anything is take a class. Check your local arts centers or schools for adult programs on dance, voice lessons, jewelry-making, fashion sketching, woodworking, cooking or pottery. If your funding or schedule is more limited, check YouTube for tutorials on the above activities or even crochet, knitting, painting, photography, embroidery or writing a short story or poetry.
Are you already artistic? Try a new version of what you currently love. Have you practiced ballet since childhood? Sign up for salsa or swing dancing. If you paint acrylic portraits or still-life, try abstract watercolor. Are you a pencil sketcher? Give pen, marker or oils a go instead.
If you’re more of a homebody, redecorate a room in your house. It can be as simple as new artwork or a complete head-to-toe with fresh paint and furniture upholstery. Look for colors, patterns and textures that you wouldn’t typically gravitate toward or choose tried-and-trues. Either way, find something that inspires you.
Looking to up your organization game? Hop on the bullet journaling train, which consolidates elements like to-do lists, traditional journaling, doodling and sketching, writing prompts and mood tracking.
If you’ve been feeling like your closet needs a refresh, check out how to update and repurpose some of the items you already own with or without cutting and sewing.
Old magazines laying around? Find a cool frame and make a collage. Make it random or create a theme like black and white, girl power, inspiring words and phrases or shoes and lipstick.
Keep it organized and stay on track.
Set a goal or list of goals. If needed, give yourself deadlines and use a calendar or dry erase board to track them.
There are beginner kits online for almost everything – paint-by-numbers, jewelry supplies, and sewing and embroidery patterns. These make great baby steps into a new area if you’re unsure or really need to break down the basics. It doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Designate a space in your home or a specific container to keep your supplies and works-in-progress. Everything will be where you can find it, and having a dedicated space feels more committed.
Invest in quality supplies. They don’t need to be top-notch, but splurge on some nice paintbrushes or a better sewing machine. You’ll notice the difference in quality, and it will encourage you to keep practicing.
Brush up on the history of your craft. Knowing more about where it comes from, the purposes its served and its foundational expressions can be inspiring and motivating.
Incorporate your art into your everyday life: have dance breaks while you’re making dinner or during TV ads. Create handmade cards for holidays and birthdays. Make new home décor for yourself.
Seek out inspiration in everyday places – that gorgeous dress you saw in the shop window downtown, a new commercial building or street graffiti. Go on a hike or visit a wildlife refuge. Let things catch your eye and notice why. Is the shape, color, movement? Find ways to incorporate those elements into your work.
Attend local artist and craft markets and galleries, and don't be afraid to ask questions if the artist is on-site.
Lastly, find someone to practice with or a group to join if it keeps you motivated. Utilize social media for common interest groups. If you prefer to work alone, assign your sister, spouse or BFF the task of holding you accountable. No one else can do your work for you, but they can help you show up, get it in and find new ways to grow and be proud of yourself.
Emily Cunningham is a freelance magazine writer with a passion for wildlife conservation, civil and societal issues, and artistic pursuits including dance, creative writing, film studies, and handmade art.
