Sometimes we can get stuck in trying to figure out elaborate ways of getting started with our art making. We might set the stage by setting up the space, burn candles or aromatherapy de-cluttering to prepare our “space”, buy just the right supplies so that we might be ready to create, and have the latest and greatest. We want everything to be perfect. We want our creativity to flow effortlessly the way we imagine it does for famous artists.

But this isn’t realistic. Creating is as much hard work as it is play.  There will be flow, but that is only a part of the creative equation and as with any equation you need all parts of the equation in a formula to make it work (I use the word formula loosely of course). There are things that may help, but they are as different and varied as the situations, environments, moods and unique individuals who seek them.  There is no “one size fits all”.

The only way to assure that you begin to create is to begin to create. Start where you are and go from there. You may wish to take classes but this is not necessary. Even I dare say at first it is inadvisable  if you wish to find your own creative voice.   Digging deeper into your creativity without a template, though seemingly cumbersome, will help you come face to face with your own style and mode of expression rather than mimicking that of someone else. It’s the reason my workshops and ecourses focus on inner work rather than outer technique.

I’ll admit I have stumbled my way through courses that offer a way or a particular technique of making art. And in the end it doesn’t sit right with me. I can see myself trying to make my art look like theirs. And of course that comparison pumps more anxiety into my system and before you know it I’m coming from a place of striving to meet an expectation and ultimately disappointment. So it’s a setup. Now don’t get me wrong- there are a lot of fabulous artists out there sharing their stuff doing a fabulous job of teaching how to paint or draw in a particular way or style.  However if it is your voice that you want to uncover and discover,  you have to do some digging first. It’s hard, maybe even scary. But the adventure is fun too.

If you come from a place of knowing that we are all artists then you know that it is possible to do this exploration through creativity without an artistic template.

How? Start by starting. It can be a small doodle, an image from your head or what is in front of you. Let it morph at will, not trying to control it too much.  Allow it to be loose, with room for exploring your style and your unique voice. Trust is important for this to happen as well as a willingness to make “mistakes” which is part and parcel of the creative process.

Yet as complicated as it may sound, it really is simple: Start HERE. Right now, and watch your creative beauty grow.