Practicing Creativity

January 31, 2018

Sketches done by me while I was studying at F.I.T.

Happy Wednesday! Let’s start this post with some honesty. I thought I was the exception to this rule. Having to consistently practice at something was a concept I’ve always understood. We're taught, practice makes perfect. We grow up understanding that the amount of work we put into something determines the kind of outcome we’re going to get it. If I’m honest, I didn’t think that same practice applied to a creative. Call me ignorant, but I always just created. It wasn’t a method of practice, I just created things. Created drawings in art class, created makeup bags in my sewing class, and created designs in fashion school. It was just something that was done not something that was practiced.

I will say that in hindsight, my belief that practicing creativity was unnecessary is hilarious. I was made aware of my error in thinking while reading “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp. Thanks to my Dad, a fellow creative (he’s an architect), I was introduced to this concept of practicing creativity.


The main reason I was stuck in such a rut creating content for my blog was because I wasn’t practicing creativity; I wasn’t practicing anything. I didn’t have a creative routine. While my creative spurts come and go, I’ve learned a trick (thanks to the book!) that helps me stay motivated. When I’m not creating content, or drawing or designing, I feel blah, the color in my life dims. Not a good feeling, but I thrive off creating and it’s taken some time to realize that.

Lately I’ve been taking an hour everyday (or almost everyday) to practice creativity. Whether it’s doodling, or writing, I’m taking the time to express my creativity because not only is it fun, it’s stress relieving, and I'm able brainstorm without the pressure of a deadline.  It allows for creative ideas to flow freely without distraction. Just like we create daily routines when it comes to maintaining physical fitness, eating habits, socializing, creating a creative habit was n e c c e s s a r y for me.

Here are a few ideas that have worked for me: 

1. Listening to music that inspires me. You'll find me listening to the playlists featured in this post to help me get the creative juices flowing.
2. Always have either a drawing pad or a notebook & really cool pencils. Love these!
3. Being in a quite spot. My bedroom or maybe the library, somewhere where I will get distracted.
4. Water or tea - cause a girl gets thirsty! Tea also relaxes me and I feel more creative when I'm less stressed. 

While I’m still reading the book and learning, I wanted to share that little tidbit with you all! I’ve been on a real self-help book kick so let me know if you’d like to share a list of my favorites.

Thanks for reading today’s post.
Xo

My Favorite Spotify Playlists

January 28, 2018

Happy Sunday! In honor of the 2018 GRAMMYS airing tonight, I thought I would share a musical post. Since I was very young I've been a lover of music. Melodies, lyrics, music has always been such a good friend to me. Always there when I was lonely, always kept me company, always helped me express how I was feeling without me having to say a word. Music also motivates me to push harder at the gym, dance a little longer at a party, and almost always inspires me when I'm creating something. 

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite Spotify playlists that always keep me inspired! Trust me they vary from the totally predictable to the totally unexpected. 

I'm a big lover of Jazz, I even played the saxophone as a kid! I've always found Jazz to be incredibly soothing and kinda funky. I like to put it on when I'm drawing and feeling inspired. The two Jazz playlists I listen to constantly are State of Jazz and Jazz for Sleep
                  
  

Another favorite playlist of mine is Sunshowers, and I've had it on repeat lately! Gives off such a summer city vibe. It reminds me so much of summer nights - hanging out with friends, and drinking on someone's rooftop. 



Finally, my favorites for working out and for girls' nights! Whether I'm singing in my running on the treading mill or belting it out with some friends, I love listening to these: TGIF and Cardio.

  



I'm so happy to be back to posting regularly, thanks so much for reading and supporting!


Intentions for 2018

January 1, 2018

Today's the beginning of a new year and I have never been more excited to start a new chapter in my life. This year I turn 27; it's my favorite number and my champagne birthday. Had you asked me 10 years ago what I'd be doing now, I would've said I'd be married, homeowner and working in fashion. My oh my, how different things turned out. I'm in the happiest relationship, just moved back into my parents house and working in real estate, but that's okay because I've never been more happy and more motivated to live my life to the fullest. I don't have any resolutions just intentions to do better, learn more and to trust the process. I don't have any real direction as to how to do that but I created a list of goals that I wanted to achieve this year. 27 goals that I'd like to accomplish this year. Hope you'll join me along the way. Here's to 27.


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