Ever heard of a daily art practice? Wondering why you should consider one? Wondering if you can actually do it? A little voice is telling you that you should do it? Okay, so lets take a look at all these questions! I have now had enough experience over the last year with my "daily object" series that I think I can shed some light on the topic and give you a few valuable tips. And, as someone who is relatively new to the idea, and who has also only started creating in a journal/sketchbook since 2020, but has continued to do so, I think I can still remember all the little nuances that might be helpful for you! A daily art practice is an amazing way to make art, and exploration of art and creativity a part of your life without going crazy, and while still making progress and honing skills, so keep on reading!
Tips For Starting A Daily Art Practice:
- Start small, namely do as I've done and decide to create your art on something the size of an index card (4" x 6") which is big enough, but not too big. If it seems small to you, not to worry, once you have a whole collection seeing them all together does make a big impression!
- Set goals for yourself, over the period of a year, and if you fall off the wagon, simply get back on again, and try to catch up.
- Instagram challenges are a great way to get motivated, I love the #dyicad (Daisy Yellow index card a day) challenge which is every year for the months of June and July, with prompts if that helps you, as well as the #make100 challenge which this year started mid February.
- Stick to one medium for at least 100 pieces. Whether it be collage, painting, drawing, doodling, you name it, make 100 and really hone that skill before moving onto something else.
- Think about doing it with a buddy for accountability, nothing like a little friendly competition to get that art made, no matter now small!
- Don't worry about perfection, just do it!
- Find a spot in your home to display your every growing collection! I have picture ledges in my kitchen and can display about 77 of my oil pastel pieces at a time. I use both the shelves themselves and clothesline style wires hung under each shelf onto which I clip the art, with yes, mini wooden clothespins!
- If you'd rather create in a journal, so go for it, creating the story of your daily art practice can also be so very satisfying!
- Everything in its time! Do pressure yourself a bit, as that procrastinator can get awfully controlling, but not to the point of inducing stress, as that would be counter productive!
- If a "daily" art practice is not realistic, so commit to doing it 3 times a week, but just do it!
- When your daily art practice takes off and you find you just can't stop, share with others, so that the world will be a more artful place!
