Creating the Conditions for Creativity
On Cycles and a Stable Practice
For the first time this year, my schedule is lightening up a little.
Some backlogs last year created a pile up that has only just fully resolved. I’m working on illustrating my 11th book, while considering a couple of manuscripts. I was talking to someone who designs financial products and he was commenting at how the beginning of the year is tough with unmet sales targets looming.
But at this time of the year he’s all smiles, targets are met and he’s thinking about the new year.
Before we go any further, did you know that my mom has a quaint little stationery shop, they are having a 15% sale until Saturday, and they ship internationally. I just thought you might like to know.
Where was I?
Oh, things happen in cycles.
Living in a tropical environment, I don’t have seasons to remind me that there will be busy times and relatively quiet times. You can’t really fight against the seasons… but you can prepare for them.
And you can build practices that you can use in all seasons.
Ten Minutes for your creative practice daily is one of those habits.
31 Invitations to build your creative practice
All this month I’m writing about different ways to build your creative practice on my blog. Each comes with a 10 minute prompt/activity that I call an invitation.
So far I’ve written about creating the conditions for creativity:
Taking Time - Creativity isn't about finding time, it's about making time. Even just 10 minutes a day, consistently dedicated to your craft, can lead to significant growth and progress over time.
Overcoming Resistance - Resistance is a natural part of the creative process. Recognizing it and developing strategies to work through it, such as the two-minute rule or reframing challenges, is crucial for maintaining a consistent practice.
Consistency (And winning a Book of the Year Award) - Consistency is the bedrock of creative growth. It's not about creating masterpieces every day, but about showing up regularly, which compounds over time to significant progress and helps shape your identity as a creator.
Designing your environment - Your creative environment is an active participant in your process. Thoughtfully curating your space, balancing inspiration with focus, and maintaining consistency in your surroundings can significantly enhance your creative practice.
I’ll continue to write on the topic everyday on the blog for the rest of the month. I’m drawing from my experiences and the books I’ve read over the period of time where I transitioned from startup co-founder to picturebook illustrator.
And enormous amount of thought and effort goes into building a simple Ten Minute ritual. You can start where you are but the practice can really develop into an art form in itself.
Artwork, is a side effect. Being an artist is really about building a practice.
Very good read. And that photograph is stunning with beautiful repeating shapes and details.