Month 10: Creative Play

JOURNAL

Start Playing!

Creative play is all about having fun, following your curiosity, and not taking yourself too seriously!

When I was younger, I took my art very seriously. I had high expectations from my art. I often came up short. I spent a lot of my creative time feeling very frustrated. In fact, I actually gave up making art for several years all together. I gave it up simply because I forgot to have fun with it. I forgot how to play.

“Playing is just as important for adults as it is for children. Among its many benefits, adult play can boost your creativity, sharpen your sense of humor, and help you cope better with stress.”

In my late 20s I began to dive back into art again. I needed something that was mine. I was a young mother with two littles and I needed an outlet! I quickly fell back into old patterns, which led to frustration again. I had to teach myself a new way. It was a process that took me through a journey of self discovery. I have slowly learned to release those expectations and allow room for play.

Release Expectations

Practice letting go of the need to create anything specific. When you are playing there is no need to be concerned with a finished product. There is no need to create a beautiful masterpiece. Allow your inner child to explore and tap into your sense of wonder.

Follow Your Curiosity

Ask yourself what if? And then let your curiosity lead the way. There is no right or wrong, you are simply playing! If you have an idea see where it takes you. If you don’t like it try something new. Play with layering. You can always paint or collage over something you don’t love.

Tips To Get Started

  • Start with an interesting shaped background page.

  • Work with multiple pages at a time.

  • Play with repetition in your mark making.

  • Work tiny, scraps of paper are a ton of fun to play with!

  • Close your eyes an make marks.

  • Use your non-dominant hand.

Month 10 Prompts

Art-Break

Spill Paint

Use whatever paints or inks you have on hand. You may need to then them out with a bit of water so they flow. Choose 2-3 colors and spill them across your page. You can use an eyedropper or a paintbrush to splatter them or simply dump your paint out on the page. You may want to lift or tilt your page to let the puddles drip or run together.

Once your papers are dry explore some mark making. Notice if any shapes pop out at you. Explore whatever tools you have, pencils, pens, crayons, paints, etc. to create a variety of different marks. Let your curiosity lead the way!

Reflection

  • Think about your childhood. What sort of creative activities did you enjoy? Finger paint, Sidewalk chalk, dress up, imaginative games? Create a list that you can use for future inspiration!

  • Reflect on the ways you play or don’t play in your life. What would happen if you prioritized more time for play?

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“Creativity requires introspection, self-examination, and a willingness to take risks.”

Eric Maisel