I recently read this idea called 'homework for life'. The homework was to spend 5 minutes each day thinking about one. story you would share, then writing it as a sentence.
I love it!
Imagine if you can look back on your life and have 1 sentence for each day lived, if you can do that that you can imagine the power of a daily creative habit.
Oooh that's nice to think it that way. I think drawing or putting your mind into paper in any way is a healthy way to exercise our brain and focus, considering how occupied we are with lots of things nowadays.
I'm on day 500 of my draw every day challenge and although it's tough, it's really rewarding too. I've seen a big improvement in my skills and it's a good way to make sure I prioritise my art. Plus it is a good way to give you some headspace also! Though some days it's been very tough when I've been exhausted/poorly/grieving, it does make me proud I still continued even on the tough days.
Toughest is when I don't have the energy (physical or mental). Then I just have to push through with a quick 5 min drawing to get it done. Or if I know I'm likely to be back late/tired etc, I try to do it in my lunch break so it's out the way
I’ve just recently participated in the 100 days of wonder art challenge where we completed a daily artwork based on a given prompt . It made me realize how important it is to create daily and make this a habit . I’ve seen such improvement in my sketching and painting skills
3 - It's great self-discipline, even if I'm just making a mark or two
4- it's muscle memory, repetitive forms ("what is the shape of that value?") that after awhile, is almost subconscious and I get those "aha!" moments when I draw something and say to myself, "Wow, I didn't know I could do that".
For me it’s about momentum and intention. I have the intention to draw every day, and a deep desire to - some days i will and other days it will not be possible. However, setting it as an intention means I will draw MOST days - and as long as I do, I create a habit. This momentum is self perpetuating- and that’s the goal for all of the things that are good for me!
Well said, it gets away from me too, I run out of day and it becomes the next day! But just like i miss sleep or a meal occasionally, that is never by design!
I’ve always rejected a daily practice because we are not robots and life is a twisty, turny thing, but the idea of making drawing a habit, that I could turn to without thinking, without being over ambitious, without having to justify to myself, or others, well that seems worth it… So here I am trying to show up everyday and really enjoying your prompts and skill sharing… Why do I aspire to this you ask? Because for me it’s a way of making visible what lies inside of me, staying in touch with myself … perhaps communicating with others one day?
I prefer the challenge to be "more days than not" because it removes the layer of stress that "do it every day" (and the unspoken "or you've failed") creates.
Making it a daily thing like brushing your teeth keeps it fresh. It also keeps the doubt away and the ideas flowing. I say all this because I believe it but often can’t follow it due to life circumstances (building a house). Huh, “can’t” is not true. I could (and am determined to) draw a line or put some colour down on paper no matter, every day.
I would like to have a collective to be accountable to.
Hi Adam. I play most days. I may spend a lot of time working on something if I feel especially inspired. Other times I'll empty my head of an idea. I might play with colour combinations or lines and shapes. I love abstract drawing and painting because I'm not so much invested in the outcome as I am in exploring and enjoying the process. I just riff on an idea in my brain or maybe am inspired by something I've seen or something I drew previously and push it further. I draw for me. I wish I had the courage to share my work but it's such a private thing. I've just discovered Substack and it feels a bit quieter here. I enjoy reading people's words. It's a nicer pace and suits me. Maybe once I figure out how to navigate this Substack, I could add my voice. Although I have to say that it still does seem like a lot of content and content makers. My aim is to live a quiet life. To hush the noise as much as possible so I can hear myself if that makes sense. Thank you for this opportunity to think about and respond to your question. Rachelle, Australia
I have been drawing every day for over six years; and I'm happy to report that I have not missed a day yet - despite broken bones and other life interruptions. Some days they are the quickest of quick sketches, but most days they have become a cherished meditative break in my day. Sitting to draw can calm rattled nerves and a racing mind.
I started this practice while I was seeing an accupuncturist on a weekly basis, and when he asked me how my week had been, I rarely had a clear response. Thus I decided that taking time to sit and draw every day would make me slow down and pay more attention.
Over time the "why" has changed, and every time I cross the threshold of completing another year, I wonder if I'll continue. And then the next day arrives and it feels like I can't not "do my drawing".
I highly recommend it for all kinds of reasons. Not least if which is a practice of letting go of the outcome. There's always tomorrow, if today's drawing isn't to your liking.
How I decide what to draw is... A good question. It depends what else is going on that day. If I have a second cappuccino in the afternoon I almost always draw that! If there are flowers... And then some days I will simply make random marks on the page, or even do a small collage. I define drawing quite broadly.
Back in 2018 I decided to do a year of daily artmaking because I was a writer who wanted to start making comics and visual stories. I knew I'd get better just by doing it, and I did. Totally changed my life.
It gave me clarity about what my focus was each day (making art), and allowed me to explore quantity over quality, freeing me up to experiment/fail/learn/grow instead of obsess over making a perfect thing.
I recently read this idea called 'homework for life'. The homework was to spend 5 minutes each day thinking about one. story you would share, then writing it as a sentence.
I love it!
Imagine if you can look back on your life and have 1 sentence for each day lived, if you can do that that you can imagine the power of a daily creative habit.
Oooh that's nice to think it that way. I think drawing or putting your mind into paper in any way is a healthy way to exercise our brain and focus, considering how occupied we are with lots of things nowadays.
Is "'homework for life" from Story Worthy? I feel like I've heard it somewhere!
I just did my homework, and wrote about meeting up with friends and their kids today at a cafe with a playground, and I left space for drawings!
It is! (I’ve not read it, but heard it from somewhere too!)
That would really be something, I’m not sure I would ever have the discipline!!! But it would be quite something!
I'm on day 500 of my draw every day challenge and although it's tough, it's really rewarding too. I've seen a big improvement in my skills and it's a good way to make sure I prioritise my art. Plus it is a good way to give you some headspace also! Though some days it's been very tough when I've been exhausted/poorly/grieving, it does make me proud I still continued even on the tough days.
What are the toughest parts and how do you overcome it?
Toughest is when I don't have the energy (physical or mental). Then I just have to push through with a quick 5 min drawing to get it done. Or if I know I'm likely to be back late/tired etc, I try to do it in my lunch break so it's out the way
I’ve just recently participated in the 100 days of wonder art challenge where we completed a daily artwork based on a given prompt . It made me realize how important it is to create daily and make this a habit . I’ve seen such improvement in my sketching and painting skills
Do you plan to keep going after 100 days?
I draw every day because
1 - I love it
2 - I can't help it
3 - It's great self-discipline, even if I'm just making a mark or two
4- it's muscle memory, repetitive forms ("what is the shape of that value?") that after awhile, is almost subconscious and I get those "aha!" moments when I draw something and say to myself, "Wow, I didn't know I could do that".
5 - it improves and increases my skill level(s)
6 - I love it
For me it’s about momentum and intention. I have the intention to draw every day, and a deep desire to - some days i will and other days it will not be possible. However, setting it as an intention means I will draw MOST days - and as long as I do, I create a habit. This momentum is self perpetuating- and that’s the goal for all of the things that are good for me!
Well said, it gets away from me too, I run out of day and it becomes the next day! But just like i miss sleep or a meal occasionally, that is never by design!
I like the dailyISH approach. If it's only most days then I don't get disheartened and stop doing it if life gets busy and I miss a couple of days
I’ve always rejected a daily practice because we are not robots and life is a twisty, turny thing, but the idea of making drawing a habit, that I could turn to without thinking, without being over ambitious, without having to justify to myself, or others, well that seems worth it… So here I am trying to show up everyday and really enjoying your prompts and skill sharing… Why do I aspire to this you ask? Because for me it’s a way of making visible what lies inside of me, staying in touch with myself … perhaps communicating with others one day?
I prefer the challenge to be "more days than not" because it removes the layer of stress that "do it every day" (and the unspoken "or you've failed") creates.
I think a more days then not club is a great idea!
Totally agree Marion that 'everyday' is just too stressful!
Making it a daily thing like brushing your teeth keeps it fresh. It also keeps the doubt away and the ideas flowing. I say all this because I believe it but often can’t follow it due to life circumstances (building a house). Huh, “can’t” is not true. I could (and am determined to) draw a line or put some colour down on paper no matter, every day.
I would like to have a collective to be accountable to.
Are you starting one Adam?
I’m hoping this newsletter can be a kind of collective :)
Hi Adam. I play most days. I may spend a lot of time working on something if I feel especially inspired. Other times I'll empty my head of an idea. I might play with colour combinations or lines and shapes. I love abstract drawing and painting because I'm not so much invested in the outcome as I am in exploring and enjoying the process. I just riff on an idea in my brain or maybe am inspired by something I've seen or something I drew previously and push it further. I draw for me. I wish I had the courage to share my work but it's such a private thing. I've just discovered Substack and it feels a bit quieter here. I enjoy reading people's words. It's a nicer pace and suits me. Maybe once I figure out how to navigate this Substack, I could add my voice. Although I have to say that it still does seem like a lot of content and content makers. My aim is to live a quiet life. To hush the noise as much as possible so I can hear myself if that makes sense. Thank you for this opportunity to think about and respond to your question. Rachelle, Australia
Wishing you luck with the quiet, it must be possible!
I have been drawing every day for over six years; and I'm happy to report that I have not missed a day yet - despite broken bones and other life interruptions. Some days they are the quickest of quick sketches, but most days they have become a cherished meditative break in my day. Sitting to draw can calm rattled nerves and a racing mind.
I started this practice while I was seeing an accupuncturist on a weekly basis, and when he asked me how my week had been, I rarely had a clear response. Thus I decided that taking time to sit and draw every day would make me slow down and pay more attention.
Over time the "why" has changed, and every time I cross the threshold of completing another year, I wonder if I'll continue. And then the next day arrives and it feels like I can't not "do my drawing".
how do you pick what to draw? would you recommend it?
I highly recommend it for all kinds of reasons. Not least if which is a practice of letting go of the outcome. There's always tomorrow, if today's drawing isn't to your liking.
How I decide what to draw is... A good question. It depends what else is going on that day. If I have a second cappuccino in the afternoon I almost always draw that! If there are flowers... And then some days I will simply make random marks on the page, or even do a small collage. I define drawing quite broadly.
Wow Jessyca! That's amazing that you've managed to keep the practice for over 6 years and never missed a day
Thanks Sophie! It's been quite a journey!
I aim to draw every day because it makes my brain happier and healthier, and because it helps me improve as an artist.
It would be good to be able to include images on this thread.
For each week’s sketchbook project there is a ‘gallery’ and we share pictures there! :)
Back in 2018 I decided to do a year of daily artmaking because I was a writer who wanted to start making comics and visual stories. I knew I'd get better just by doing it, and I did. Totally changed my life.
Why do you think the ‘daily’ part was important?
It gave me clarity about what my focus was each day (making art), and allowed me to explore quantity over quality, freeing me up to experiment/fail/learn/grow instead of obsess over making a perfect thing.
(I got that insight from the book Art & Fear, and I wrote about it here: https://kelceyervick.substack.com/p/how-and-why-to-make-50-pounds-of )
Thank you for this!, I’m going to link to this it in my starter guide for making art daily!