Yeah! I'm so excited to introduce you to my new daily art journal practice….called "Found in 14".
This idea was totally inspired by Rae and her 15 minutes of mixed media prompts and videos she shares on her lovely blog.
Something I really enjoy is browsing art journals online. I love to see what other people are creating and how they make use of different art mediums in their journals. I realized I was always left with the question though "How do they have time to art journal?" In my creative free time you can find me blogging, answering emails, watching online art courses, painting canvases, or working on my Etsy shop. All good things, but I was left each day with nothing in my art journal. Each time I'd think about starting I'd hear "those" voices. You know the ones! "You don't have enough time", "You won't like what you make anyway"….etc, etc, etc.
So I decided to change all that and come up with my own daily art journal challenge.
The "rules" I set for myself are quite simple. Gather a few supplies ahead of time and then set my cell phone timer to 14 minutes. No erasing or critiquing after the timer is finished. I just must create something.
This particular day I was proud I'd even finished a few seconds early! I'm noticing that once this daily exercise has started to become more of a habit for me instead of just a random idea, my creative flow is getting faster. I'm not pausing so long to think "What should I do next?" My fingers are becoming more accustomed to thinking quickly.
Something to keep in mind about this little challenge is the whole reason for the name. Found. I don't always love what I create in these sessions. To be honest, sometimes I don't even like what I've made. But I do know this is true. Only when I create piles and piles of stuff, the good, bad, and ugly-do I reach what I really, really like. It's just the process…you can't skip the practicing. There is such good to be FOUND when we give ourselves time and permission to make, make, make!
I put a funny story up about this little lady on Instagram. The black and white picture above is how she looked after the 14 minutes. I wasn't pleased with her eyes and decided to add a bit more detail, leaving her looking like the colored version of herself below. I like her..but those eyes! In the South we'd say "bless her heart." :)
I can't wait to keep this Found in 14 series up on the blog!
I'd love to hear if you do a similar art journal challenge or not. And if not, maybe you'll leave encouraged to do so! :)
Thats a great way to force yourself to be creative. I've done similar exercises for writing - just write straight for 5 minutes - but I've never made it a daily practice - seeing all the gorgeous things you've come up with makes me wonder whether I should give it a go!
ReplyDeleteI bet your writing exercises are just lovely! I feel like I need to apologize a million times for not commenting out loud on your blog like I do in my head but your writing is truly some of my top favorites to read. And that's saying a lot!
DeleteHave you ever thought about writing a book? I'd buy it!
Carie, a mutual reader, sent me over here because I was just writing about my own creative, daily practice plans yesterday too! I love the start of yours, and I've just been having a good browse around your pages - they are so full of gorgeous, colourful art that I'm very glad Carie recommended a visit!
ReplyDeleteHi there and welcome!! I'll have to take a peek at your thoughts on daily practice….I love to see what others are up to!
DeleteLOVE this. I wish I also had more time to just crank something out in my book. I like have 'completed' or filled pages, but its seems I rarely get to that point. I think picking out a few supplies to plan to use probably helps too. Sometimes that's half the battle! ha! Gonna try this too :) I really like the girl at the top with the flowers too
ReplyDeleteHi Emily! It drives me crazy too, to not have a "completed" page. But truth is, I'll probably never have hours and hours to journal. But I'd rather have a full life and 14 minutes to journal than an empty life and a full journal. Did that make sense at all? Lol.
DeleteOh, and did you submit anything to Minted yet? I tried one night but didn't have my photos formatted correctly so I got discouraged and quit. I need to try again! (and thank-you for the compliment about the flowers girl!)
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. I agree that you have to make time to create otherwise it never seems to happen. Arranging supplies ahead of time and limiting the time to 14 minutes sounds brilliant. I've been wanting to work on learning how to draw fashion illustrations for my blog and this sounds like the perfect way to get started. Great tip!
Susan
I would love to see your own post with fashion illustrations! That sounds lovely! :) :)
DeleteThis is so fun, i look forward to more, i just love your colorful style and way of life, very inspiring :)
ReplyDeleteThank-you Jenni! I have to confess I've forgotten a day or two already to do this! But, I suppose perfection isn't the goal. So I'll keep it up! :) Do you art journal?
DeleteLove this idea. I think I'll join you. The hardest part will be leaving it alone after the 14 minutes are up. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteYeah Patty, so glad you're joining!!! I've been loving the art and creative projects I've seen on your blog lately! I've been looking from my husband's computer and haven't been able to comment but you are making adorable stuff! I especially liked the easter egg candle sticks. I mean seriously, so cute.
DeleteI say, if you have extra time after the 14 minutes to play-go for it! :)
That's really aces! Nothing brings a product close to the readers, than showing them the step-by-step approach in its creation. There is a particularly distinct sense in its design that can be of very great help and can increase patronage for one, so you're really on the right track. Thanks for sharing that! More power to you!
ReplyDeleteMildred Stephens @ Reputation Local