7 Ways to Make 2014 Your Most Creative Year To Date

For so many reasons it is important to take care of your creative life. Here are a few suggestions for new year resolutions to make 2014 happy, bright, and creative.

1.    Take Mystery Trips
Inject a little mystery and excitement into weekend outings.  Be excited, curious, willing to go with the flow.  Pack the camera, your sketchbooks, and take off to places known or new. Your trips will no doubt get more creative as the year progresses.

• Try one mystery trip per month - it can be somewhere local and free, or more elaborate.
• Anything can be a mystery trip, no extra work or preparation required.
• Take turns to plan.
  

2.      Observe
Get out and about – go for a walk and enjoy people watching.  Look closely at people & their interactions, animals, nature, everything! The way the water glistens, the deepening shades of blue in the sky.  Take what you observe in different worlds to nourish your creativity.
3.    Look at Art

Visiting local art galleries can be so inspiring – regular trips are an easy way to fuel your desire to create.

• Make a resolution to visit a different gallery each month – discover new galleries and revisit your favourite when a new show comes to town.
• Become a member at your local art gallery, go to all the openings.
• Visit with kids, with friends, on a date, or just by yourself.

4.      Keep a journal and/or sketch book.
Try keeping a diary or journal and writing or sketching every single day. Record what happened to you that day, or something interesting you saw, or a good turn of phrase you’d like to save. Writing takes discipline, so start training up with a regular writing habit. Sketchbooks come in all shapes and sizes.  Buy one for your handbag or back pocket – and have another larger one to fill when the mood hits. A sketch a day could be your resolution.
5.    Start a Blog
Did you know that blogging can boost your creativity? It promotes reflection, helps organize your thoughts, and provides daily motivation to create.

• Sign up for a free WordPress or Blogger account and post today.
• Photos can provide a starting point, or be the central focus.  Choose a theme and go for it!
• The key is to post often. Commit to daily or weekly posts.
  

6.    Try a new medium.
Many people don't discover they are artists until later in life. Why limit yourself now by not trying new things? Cezanne didn’t realize he was a talented painter until his late thirties.  Your new year resolution may be to finally try painting/drawing/mixed media/pastels/glass blowing/sculpture/journalling or even life drawing!  Mix it up. If you like to draw, try painting a few pictures, with no pressure on yourself - it doesn't have to be amazing, just try it out. Where to start?

• Talk to people who inspire you.

• Borrow books from the local library.
• Watch instructional videos on the internet.
• Better still, get involved by enrolling in a weekly art class. The best way to learn something is to do it!  Check out what’s on offer at The ART House - Click here for Current Timetable
  

7.    Start a 365 Project
Time poor but want to create more? What better way to commit to a creative year than by deciding to produce one piece of art or craft, PER DAY! 
Yes, that’s 365 works.  Document your creative journey and share your trials and tribulations with others.    This could be the answer making creativity a daily part of your life, no excuses. You will end the year with an incredible body of work you never thought possible. 

Any topic is up for grabs, and any medium - that's why this project is so much fun. 

365 Bird Project

365 - A lego a day

365 Art Jars

What have you always wanted to try? 2014 is your year to do it! 

How will you make 2014 your most creative year to date?