I embarked on my illustration career with the idea that I am creative and I love to do creative things. Do note that I associated myself with an identity, which is not wrong but it’s not right either.
The word creative is much more than being an identity – it’s mostly the act of practising creativity that makes one creative. To experience the same In May 2021, I ventured to draw in my sketchbook every day for the next 100 days.
This time I had started with a rough plan and my expectations of this creative practice. So even though it was a struggle, I could manage to pull it off.
The reward however didn’t lie in completing the challenge but in the perks I experienced.
The Creative Perks
1. No over-thinking or perfectionism
The everyday practice didn’t allow me to overthink or ponder over tiny imperfections. It’s to be done daily….so I can always improvise on ‘that’ subject/theme later in a new way. And I am amazed at how my mind created freely when nothing was at stake.
2. Brings more inspiration to daily life
I was exploring and observing different things in a new way – making room for everything to inspire me. Everything was a potential idea to draw from a leaf on the tree to a house seen in a movie. I explored subjects, colours and composition, which I was not much experimental with earlier. After all, something that is to be done daily…. won’t it be better to bring in some newness to curb boredom?
3. A visual memory keeping
The sketchbook pages today act as a document through which I can watch my progress over time. Immediately taken back to the time and what I was thinking while drawing, floods my mind every time I turn the pages.
4. Springboard for art-style
We tend to develop our art style in everyday practice. I figured out a lot of visual cues, that was subtle at the beginning, but they slowly surface and re-surface to make my drawing relatable. While it’s a journey of a lifetime, the practice helped me pick up interesting tidbits.
Health Perks
1. It makes me happy
Making art is self-care, something I did for myself – that made me feel good. It’s fulfilling and uplifting. By making art, I am not seeking happiness outside but within my realms and activities.
2. More enthusiasm in my relationships
By valuing my happiness, I am more engaged and excited to be present with people around me.
3. Comes with a dose of mindfulness
A state of flow where 10 mins can easily turn into an hour, without me even realising. That moment of quietness in mind- where there are no thoughts, no critiques, no pressing responsibilities – is a much-needed respite from the mental chatter.
4. A way to be grateful
A chance to feel connected and thankful for my ‘gift’ from the universe. And how to best thank than using the gift with all my heart, almost every day!
5. A no-guilty pleasure
The act of creation is unlike any other guilty pleasure (scrolling through social media, watching those meh series), where I was left with only pure joy and healthy pride to have made the best use of my time and effort!
The daily creative practice above anything else brought in immense joy and fulfilment – something that I will love to continue forever.
I would love to know what’s your creative practice and how often you indulge in it.
