Grow Your Own Creativity: Eight Practical Ways to Get More Creative
Now that all the planning, cooking and socialising of the festive season is over, are you feeling a little flat or unmotivated?
It can be surprisingly tricky to feel inspired to do anything at this time of year — and especially anything creative. (And if I’m being truthful, I spent quite a while feeling exactly like that right through the holidays.)
Now that I’m back in my usual routine — wielding a brush, doing a little painting, planning workshops and dreaming up ideas for new artwork — I’m starting to feel much more like myself again. Those little sparks of creativity are gently beginning to rekindle.
And how about you? Are you feeling a pull to be more creative this year, or to rediscover some enthusiasm for making again?
“Making” can mean so many things. And being a bit… older, I’d probably define it as anything you create with your hands rather than a computer. Drawing, cooking, sewing, woodworking, gardening, writing, playing an instrument, painting, pottery, upcycling furniture, printing fabric… the possibilities are endless.
We all know that making things, learning new skills and having absorbing hobbies is wonderful for our mental health and self-esteem.
If you’d like to make this your Year of Making — and of feeling better in yourself — here are eight gentle, practical ways to help you kickstart your creativity.
1. Become an Art Book Worm
Inspiring books are one of my favourite ways to feel motivated to try something new — whether that’s learning a skill, thinking more creatively, or simply having a play.
My dad, who was also an artist, once gave me some surprising advice. He told me he often looked for children’s art books when learning something new, because they’re colourful, easy to understand and incredibly inspiring. And he was absolutely right.
Two of my favourites are The Usborne Book of Art Skills and The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas. They’re packed with ideas you’ll be itching to try and they encourage you to use all sorts of materials — cardboard, collage, wax crayons and more.
Another lovely idea is to suggest an “art play” afternoon with children (borrow some if you need to!). It creates real physical space on the kitchen table, gives you permission to gather simple materials and just play. Celebrate what you make together, then leave everything out afterwards and return to it when you have more time. And most importantly — hold on to that feeling of play.
You might also like to take yourself off to your local public library (hopefully you still have one not too far away). Spend an hour browsing the art, design and craft sections. Alongside practical books, you’ll often find beautiful books on artists past and present. Look for artists you’ve always admired and notice why you’re drawn to their work — is it the colour, the subject matter, the energy, or the atmosphere? Those clues are often brilliant starting points.
If you’d like a book specifically to inspire you to draw with more confidence, I’d recommend a real classic: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. It’s encouraging, accessible and filled with “before and after” drawings that prove improvement really is possible — no matter what your Inner Critic tells you.
And just as an aside…
“Having a play” is one of the kindest, least pressured ways to let creativity out of that squashed-down space inside that says you’re not creative enough, not good enough, or that you shouldn’t even start. That space where old comments — from teachers, adults, friends or family — still linger years later, quietly holding you back.
We all have it.
And the irony is that the people who said those things probably didn’t mean them — and likely forgot them instantly. Yet we carry them with us, word for word, letting them limit what’s possible.
Let it go. Those voices don’t get to run the show anymore.
You can make your own path — whatever your skills (or current lack of them), whatever your age, and whatever your income. You’re worth the time and the space.
2. Cake and Art
Take yourself off to an art gallery for an afternoon — particularly one with a good café!
Lots of people think galleries are only for big weekend trips to London or abroad, but I’d be surprised if you didn’t have a really inspiring gallery within an hour’s drive. Public galleries in particular can be wonderful places to spend a few slow hours looking, absorbing and noticing what really speaks to you.
(Embarrassing disclosure: I still feel a little intimidated walking into commercial galleries — even as a professional artist who has her own gallery. What is that about?!)
Buy a few art postcards, then when you’re home, have a play — not copying them, but experimenting with colour, marks or lines inspired by them. Use a brush, a stick and ink, chalk pastels, oil pastels, even carbon paper. Remember: you’re just playing.
3. Just Five Minutes…
Gather a few simple materials and set a kitchen timer for five minutes. Do a drawing. Stop when the timer rings.
Then go and do something else if you want. But chances are, you’ll feel like carrying on for another five minutes. And then another.
Try five minutes in the morning, or five minutes in the afternoon. Or just five minutes a day. I dare you not to want to do more.
4. Make a Plan
If you enjoy having some structure, making a gentle plan can really help creativity flourish.
One book I often recommend is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s a twelve-week course designed to help people rediscover creativity — not just artists, but anyone who’s ever wanted to paint, write, act, sculpt or make something, but hasn’t felt confident enough to begin.
The two core ideas are beautifully simple:
writing Morning Pages — a few pages of free writing each morning to clear mental clutter
taking yourself on a weekly Artist’s Date — a couple of hours doing something that feeds your curiosity and inspiration
It might be an exhibition, a walk in nature, a film, or a performance. It’s all about filling your creative cup. Highly recommended.
5. Team Up With Others
Boost your motivation by teaming up with a friend — or forming a small group — to do something creative together each week. It could be painting, slow stitching, sketching, or even art appreciation.
Invite everyone to bring something they’ve noticed or found inspiring during the week for a little “show and tell”. Keeping your antennae out for inspiration makes you more aware of it everywhere you go.
6. What Sparked You as a Child?
What did you most love doing when you were young?
Pick it up again. No, it’s not silly — it’s about reconnecting with what truly absorbs and excites you. That feeling of flow where time disappears and self-criticism melts away.
Did you love painting, drawing, making things, or getting muddy in the garden? That is creativity. Plan one small activity around it and see how it feels.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Be Bad
This one isn’t talked about enough.
Allow yourself to make things that don’t work. Things that feel awkward or unfinished. Things that no one else ever needs to see.
Progress doesn’t come from thinking — it comes from doing. Activity stimulates creativity.
8. Sign Up for a Course
“Well of course you’d say that, Sarah…”
And yes — my new watercolour and sketching workshop dates in Cornwall for the next six months are now live, and I’d absolutely love you to join me for art skills, inspiration, coffee and plenty of laughter in the beautiful Georgian ballroom on Chapel Street.
And if groups feel daunting, or travel isn’t easy, I also have gentle online courses you can follow at your own pace from home.
But I’d never suggest something I wouldn’t do myself. This January, I’ve signed up for two short online art courses to explore different ways of working and try something new. My first attempts were very underwhelming (and no one will ever see them!), but I’m reminding myself that I’m simply having a go.
I’m also returning to regular life drawing sessions after many years away. I’ll be rusty — and that’s absolutely fine.
Growth happens when you put yourself out there and try.
Nothing changes if you only think about it.
So… what could you change this year?