Should we all be doing artistic side quests to keep us energised?
Untethered Mind, Friday short, 2-min read.
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In my early twenties, some of the most fun I had was creating illustrations for a design stock website, iStockphoto.
I saw that I could make side money by creating and uploading hundreds of illustrations that designers could use worldwide.
It was fun because I had an ‘excuse’ to experiment with many creative ideas.
I would sometimes create three illustrations in a day. Some were rejected, and others accepted, going on to make hundreds of dollars.
It was exciting.
I see many stuck people who would benefit from a parallel creative or artistic outlet of some kind. They’re bored, doing monotonous work, or lacking alternative creative expression opportunities.
You could even be doing work others might envy but still have a silent need for additional creative variety.
I’ve neglected this again for a while, but a recent chat with a friend made me realise the power of regular artistic endeavour.
Start a side project writing flash fiction.
Start watercolour painting on weekends.
Make forest forts.
Get into woodwork.
There’s the additional catharsis of working away from the screen.
Whatever it is, we need to view creative projects like these not as frivolous luxury but as necessary energy support.
Because of this outlet, you will do better in other areas. It energises you and helps your brain rest away from your main concerns.
Maybe making art should be a non-negotiable practice.
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Totally agree - I've started doing watercolours at the wkd, away from writing songs or practising piano, or soon out in the garden digging! it's good to diversify with creativity
Honestly, getting out and doing my art has been wonderful for me. I wasn't doing it with my own deadlines, so I applied to art markets to start selling. My main goal isn't selling, but the markets gives me the right pressure to keep making art. I've also found a wonderful community of artists along the way. It's greatly enhanced my pleasures in life as well as given me a community outside of work.