I’m really … not an “artistic” person.
This is just a fact about myself. I remember back in middle school, when “art” was a mandatory course I had to take, I absolutely hated it for the longest time.
But then I started to really enjoy it again.
And I think it’s because I stopped caring about whether or not I was good at it, and rather just if I was making something I enjoyed making.
Over the years, I’ve really come to appreciate the ability to create something of my own, and while I’m still not one to pull out my sketchbook and start drawing, there are so many amazing ways that you can have the satisfaction of creating something of your own, no matter your area of expertise.
Write Something
This is my personal favourite way to create something. Starting a few years back I’ve participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short) every year, where the goal is to write 50 thousand words in the month of November. Since starting university (and even before, if I’m being completely honest), I haven’t always met this goal, but over the years my writing has really improved. Regardless of how much you write, it feels really good creating a whole world with characters you love. November is still a ways away, but obviously you can write anytime.
In April and July, they also host “Camp NaNoWriMo,” where you get placed in a virtual cabin with other writers, and the overall word goal is more flexible.
I don’t always have time or motivation to write, but even just developing a plot, characters, and relationships in your head is a great way to unleash your creativity.
There’s also more to writing than just novels, for example, writing a blog post.
Try Drawing or Colouring
If this is something you love, this a great way to create something. One of the ways I like to draw is through simple lines and geometric patterns, as opposed to realistic sketches. I find it to be a fun and peaceful activity, and more suitable to my personal drawing abilities. But, even if you’re not the best at drawing, practice is the only way to get better.
In a similar category to drawing is colouring. If you don’t think you have the “skill” to draw (although I really encourage you to try anyways!), colouring is a good intermediate, that lets you produce a finished picture with a bit more assistance along the way. So many colouring books are available, and you can even find colouring sheets on the internet to print out!
Build Something
This is a great way to be creative if you don’t know where else to start. Following instructions for a craft, or working with some sort of building kit allows you to create something in a more guided way. You could even try assembling furniture! It’s not as “creative” as some other stuff on this list, but it still gives you the satisfaction of having created something for yourself.
While you still get to be creative, it’s more “putting pieces together”, then having to find and create the pieces for yourself.
Speaking of putting pieces together….
Do a Puzzle!
Puzzles area great way to work both halves of your brain- the “create” side, and the “logic” side. Doing puzzles helps improve your memory, your problem solving skills, and can even help you to relax. A puzzle can also be a great group activity, something fun to build with friends or family.
Once again, having a final, finished puzzle that you built yourself is a really good feeling (especially if it was a really nasty puzzle)!
There are so many great ways to create something, regardless of your area of expertise, so find something you want to try and start creating!
I encourage you to step outside of your “comfort zone” and try to build a skill you haven’t touched much before.