Is a more creative year on your New Year’s resolutions list?

Some folks are convinced that they just “aren’t a creative type.” We hear this from a lot of newbie students in our workshops, too. Once and for all, we say: it’s hogwash!

Creativity is a muscle, and anyone can strengthen it. And it’s not just about artistic creation. Boosting our creativity helps in all areas of our day-to-day lives - from experimenting in the kitchen to brainstorming at work to problem-solving a tricky communication snag with a loved one.

Here are 8 tips to help you flex your creative muscles this year:

Do New Things.

You know we’re all about creative writing - so why do you see our summer camp kids here playing with musical instruments? Because any deviation from our normal routine helps to shake off the cobwebs and opens up space for expansive thinking. Take a new route home from work. Try cooking with a new ingredient. Try a new nail polish shade. Try a new thing, even a miniscule thing, every day if you can!
Make It a Habit.

Creative types of many ilks and across generations have found it helpful to block off time in their lives for art-making on a regular basis. It doesn’t always work to just wait for inspiration to strike. One suggestion: if daily is too much, use your electronic tools to schedule recurring appointments with yourself on a once, twice, or thrice weekly basis. Even 10-15 minutes can make a difference!
Feed the Well.

We don’t create from nothing. All artists need inspiration! Visit a gallery or museum, listen to music, even take a walk in nature. Anything can inspire your creative process.
Try Journaling.

We’re a bit biased around here, but even if writing isn’t your thing, a regular habit of freewriting / journaling is helpful for unleashing inhibitions, working out problems, and generally increasing your access to your creative mind.
Try a Challenge.

Another coworker likes to take part in art-making challenges, such as those that abound for Instagram: painting, drawing, doodling, writing, tattooing, photography - the challenge opportunities are nearly endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Take a Class or Workshop.

Signing up for a class or workshop ensures that you are setting aside time and space devoted to being creative. May we recommend our free monthly adult write night? (Click here to find out more about this event)
Set Up Your Space.
At 916 Ink, we set up our physical and virtual spaces to inspire whimsy and spark imagination. You can do the same at home or wherever you are. Identify the supplies you need for your art-making and set them up in an easily accessible location. Then, add a few items just for visual inspiration - an assortment of interesting postcards, shells, figurines, or whatever strikes your fancy. If you are limited in space, pack all of these things into one box that you can pull out anytime.
Make It Social.

Finally, a great way to ensure that you incorporate a new practice into your life is to get other people involved. Make it a family affair, or get your housemate or bestie involved. Whether you take a class together in person or over Zoom, schedule a weekly crafting date, or swap poems you write back and forth, remember to incorporate a sense of play into your everyday relationships. It’ll make it easier to stay creative!

Here’s to a more creative, fulfilling, joyful year!