Life gets busy.
There never seems to be quite enough time in the day… and if you don’t make a conscious effort to create, it quietly slides to the bottom of the to-do list.
Have you noticed that too?
Honestly, not creating makes me sad.
But sometimes I’ve just got so much going on that my mojo isn’t quite there.
And instead of waiting around for inspiration to magically appear… I try to do something.
Because something is better than nothing.
Profound, huh? 😉
Here are a few little ways I keep art alive when I’m not feeling it.
1. Take the pressure off
If I’m not in the mood to “create,” I don’t force a masterpiece.
I’ll do mindless scribbles.
Patterns.
Drips.
Random shapes in watercolour.
No plan. No pressure. No outcome.
Just paint moving on paper.
Sometimes that’s enough to gently wake things up again.
2. Get outside (ish)
I’ll set up a little art space on the table outside.
Nothing fancy. Often messy.
But sitting in the sunshine with my supplies around me changes something. Even if I don’t create anything amazing, I feel calmer just being there.
It reminds me that art doesn’t have to be a production.
Sometimes it’s just about being.
(Click the photo below to see a quick video of my messy set up )
3. Reorganise instead of forcing
If the mojo really isn’t there, I don’t push it.
I reorganise.
I sort paints.
Tidy drawers.
Line up brushes.
Move things around.
It sounds silly, but just handling my supplies makes me feel connected again.
It’s like I’m telling my creativity, “I’m still here.”
(Click the photo below to see a quick video of my slight OCD)
4. Try something new!
Sometimes I’ll try a new product or follow a class from another artist.
Not to change my style.
Just to loosen up.
Using one medium on its own (instead of layering a hundred things like I usually do 😅) can actually feel really refreshing.
It gives my brain something simple to focus on.
Here’s what I’ve realised over the years:
You don’t have to feel wildly inspired to keep art alive.
Sometimes simply sitting with your supplies around you is enough to soothe your soul.
And that counts.
If you have a small ritual that helps you stay connected to your creativity, I’d love to hear it.
With Love and Sunshine,
xx Mimi Bondi
Thanks for sharing Mimi. It feels good to know that I am not alone. LOL This very day I had in mind to start creating directly after breakfast. I was feeling inspired and I had the time but small chores ended up occupying my whole day and I went to bed without having created anything! It’s amazing how easily small things gets in the way. But I guess it’s all part of the process, and a part of life too, right?
When I’m feeling stuck just spending some time around my art supplies makes the deal. Other times, I just play around with painting, watch YouTube art videos or attend online art classes .
Hey Andrea, thanks so much for your comment! Yes, it is scary how time can fly by before you can actually refocus on what you ‘really’ want to do haha Youtube videos are a good way to still stay connected with art and will definitely bring on some inspiration if you are feeling stuck – if not now at leasat for later 😉
Great tips, thank you Mimi. Sometimes when I get stuck I look for creatures or patterns hidden on my scrap brush cleaning papers. Today I found a quirky bird. Was going to send a pic but not sure how.🙂
That’s a fantastic idea Jackie and a great to focus on something different! I am sorry you can’t attach files/photos in the comments section but I know what you mean 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for all these tips Mimi. I have days (many days), when I have the time, but no ideas and no mojo. I often just sit at my desk, as you suggested, with my ‘stuff’ all around me. Sometimes things start to happen, I tidy, I reorganise, this often leads to finishing an old page, or just looking in my art journals. Sometimes I get inspired to do something and sometimes I don’t, and that’s ok, I try not to get too upset about it. And there are other days when I just get so inspired and full of ideas and I wish I had more time. It’s crazy! But it all evens itself out I suppose. Thanks again Mimi.
PS I love the storage unit for all your Distress Oxide Inks, it’s fabulous!
Thank you for your reply Maria, it’s good to hear from other people – lets me know I’m not going crazy by myself hahaha
You are completely right, we need to accept things as they are and not get upset about not feeling it because that usually makes things worse 😛
A little thing like finishing a page or just reorganising is… creative 🙂