As a full-time freelancer, it’s very easy to get to a point where I spend most of my day in front of a computer, and I don’t just mean 9am-5pm, I mean 7am-11pm. Between client work, blog posts, bookkeeping and social networking, it can add up to A LOT of screen time, and the hours just kind of dissipate. This is why I make it such a point to make stuff with my hands. Lately, after a long break from it, I’ve been painting with water colors. It made my realize how good it feels to swap the mouse for a paint brush for a couple of hours a day. I have a great little travel watercolor set and I can paint anywhere. If you are ever feeling a ‘creativity block’ I highly recommend heading to the park, a bus top or a cafe with some watercolors in tow, it’s so refreshing.
Happy Monday friends! What do you do to inspire creativity in your lives? Do you take creative breaks during the day to exercise your brain in a different way?
I just love this art that you made…and I agree with you about needing to take a break from the computer. I find sometimes my eyes just start glazing over. Unfortunately, I don’t have that creative an office where I could just pull out some paints. Maybe one day!
The 3rd one is my favorite! I’m amazed at how you got the colors to stay so distinct.
I hear ya. I’ve been spending WAY too much time in front of the computer lately. My hands are just itching to make something. I love your paintings! The first one is my favorite – stripes AND polka dots? I’m in heaven!
Thanks so much Shannon, Charissa and Emily! Shannon– you can pull out paints anywhere!! I do it all the time when I’m traveling! You don’t need a studio! and Charissa- and Emily– thanks for letting me know your favorites! It’s always fun to see which design capture the attention! Big hugs to all three of you,
~J
Totally agree with you. While I haven’t busted out my paintbrush yet, I have made a conscious effort not to turn on the tv/computer after work. meaning i get to catch up on a ton of reading which I haven’t done calmly in a while. I am hoping to spend at least 1-2 evenings drawing or painting (btw, i’m terrible at both but figure I won’t get better if i never practice)
The computer can be a blood-sucking monster (not to mention an energy-sucking demon). I used to limit myself to computer-y work during the day and creative work at night but I’ve fallen out of this routine. Too bad, because it was so much fun to draw and paint. Now, I settle for a walk to the beach with a pen and notepad to brainstorm ideas (for more computer-based work!). It’s not SUPER creative, but at least it’s a break and involves P.A.P.E.R.
*Tania @ Passport2Design.com
beautiful!