Break Free from the Mold...Express Yourself

Break free from the mold and express yourself...I borrowed this description and photograph from my artist/painter friend Jani Freimann.  What an awesome piece of art/sculpture!  I love it.  And doesn't it fit perfectly with the struggle that most of us share...finding our own style and breaking free from repeating what we see other artists doing.  

Jani and I were just discussing how we wish we could find our "Niche", our own unique style, recognizable not just by our signature, but by our individuality shining through our work.  Here are some of my thoughts on how to eventually create art that speaks of your unique art personality.

1. SCHEDULE TIME TO CREATE:  this has to be the number one thing that will lead to your unique style. The more you create, the more you'll discover the Who, What, When, Where and Why of your style...Who do you admire? Who inspires you? Who makes you want to be your best? What do you enjoy drawing, painting, sculpting? What art supplies do you enjoy the most?  What techniques do you tend to use most often? What is your favorite substrate? When are you most creative? Where do you find inspiration? Where are you most comfortable creating? Why do you enjoy the creative process? These are just a few of the things you'll discover along the way...as long as you continue to allow yourself the time to be creative.
2. FIND INSPIRATION:  take a field trip to a local gallery...what type of art are you most drawn to? Start a notebook with inspirational art from other artists. Keep a journal of words, phrases, subject matter and other things that get you inspired to create. Interview another artist whom you admire and find out more about their journey. Take time to slow down and be inspired by the world around you. Be in the moment and observe your own thoughts (easier said than done, especially for us ADHD types).
3. EXPERIMENT: Try something new. Try a new technique. Play with some different art supplies.  Create in different mediums and/or Genres. Take an online art workshop, or a local art class.  Keep an art journal to play and experiment in, you'll discover all sorts of new things about your creative style by doing this. For me, an art journal is non-threatening and allows me to feel less inhibited, less attached to the results. With an art journal anything goes, and you don't have to share it with anyone if you don't want to! This is one of my biggest tools in developing and improving my technique and process.
4. PLAY:  Just have fun with your art. Make art for the sake of the joy you find in the process rather than the product. Relax and let go of any preconceived notions of what your creations should look like. The whole idea behind the name "Art Play Today" came from my firm belief that art/creating should come from a place of joy and passion. You should find time to play each and everyday! Even if it's just a doodle on a scrap piece of paper while your on the phone or watching TV. It all makes a difference!