Getting Organized: Do What Works for You
If I’ve learned anything in my creative endeavors with friends, it’s that we all have a different way of doing things. Some writers plot out their stories. Some writers fly by the seat of their pants. Some people build a puzzle starting with the edge pieces, and other puzzlers start in the middle.
Finding out what works for you is the key to staying motivated with a project.
There’s not a right or wrong way to fold towels. There’s not a right or wrong way to organize an invention center. But it is important to take a little bit of time, consider your organizational style, and put your space together the way you like it.
What makes your creative spirit happy?
Do your insides sing when you see alphabetized DVD’s? Do bins in coordinating colors make you relax and want to create something new? Do quotes by your favorite inspirational leaders keep you moving forward? Let those answers direct how you move forward organizing your invention center.
I recently edited a book by the popular lifestyle blogger Sarah Symonds called Designing a Life: From House to Haven. The bit of magic she unlocks in her book changed my perspective on home décor forever. She uses a 10-step method to help individuals discover their creative style and use it to turn their home into a place of refuge. I highly recommend her book, and I’m applying her principles as I build my invention center. [Noteworthy: I don’t receive financial compensation for pitching Sarah’s book – I just found in genuinely useful and wanted to share it. Also, my center doesn’t reflect her style.]
What fuels my creative spirit?
Junk.
Even better?
Junk inside of junk.
In my invention center, I have a shoebox full of toilet paper rolls ready and waiting. Old grapefruit containers are filled with rocks. Acrylic paint is splattered on the table, and the table itself is made of uneven boards and 2×4’s that I cut in straight (warped) lines with a scroll saw.
If you’ll please notice in the featured picture, the top of the table doesn’t match or fit the bottom. And the cat photobombing my art habitually scatters the oh-so-nicely placed scissors and pliers. I’ll be the first to admit it: my center does need a chair. But it’s my happy place, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Let your invention center be your happy place, and just do what you do. Because there’s no one in the world who can invent exactly like you.
Until next time,
Invent your story
I can’t take credit for the cool faces on all of these boxes. I have an artist in my home who learned this technique from a buddy. Since my son took it up, our home has exploded with fun faces that bust up the doldrums of household routines.
Just for giggles, here’s my how-to tutorial for Cereal Box Sharpie Art:
1.) Choose a cereal (or other) box.
2.) Grab a sharpie.
3.) Get creative.
How long has it been since you’ve given yourself complete creative freedom? When was the last time you recklessly abandoned the rules and thought, “What else could this be?” The ingenuity of this art form is its out-of-the-box thinking. Sorry guys, it just had to be punned.
Just in case you think I’m off my rocker, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m not a super-great artist. I love art, and I marvel at the classic, great artists who’ve earned every bit of their fame. But I am not, and will never be, one of those men or women.
I’m more of an “art-inspires-me-so-I-create” kind of artist. A lot of my work is just odd. I like it that way. But why in the world do I put it online for you to see and try for yourself?
Here’s the thing: I don’t care what category your profession falls under – healthcare, hospitality, computer software development, or waste management – every job needs innovative thinking. Are faces on cereal boxes innovative? Maybe, but they definitely shake things up, and they’re reminders.
Reminders that things can change.
So, if you’re stuck in any way, shape, or form in life, grab a sharpie and a box. Change it up! Remind yourself that even good things can be a little brighter when you add your creative thinking to them.
Until next time,
Invent your story
In my previous post, I promised to keep you updated on my invention center. Here’s my update: progress was slow. Why? I thought a lot about how to move forward with the space I have. Maybe I’ve been overthinking it. So, without further ado, here’s…
Tip #1.
Don’t Overthink It
Underthinking things in life (Can I afford this? Should I jump?) can get you into trouble. But overthinking is its own beast. Analysis paralysis is a real thing, so if you keep coming back to a space you have to work with and thinking, “That’s probably the best place to start…” it probably is.
That said, here are four more things to consider before making that final decision:
Tip #2.
Consider the Nature of the Work
If it’s electronics, you’re going to want a table and a nearby outlet. If it’s painting, an easel may be your best option. You also will want to consider the kind of floor you’re on. I want to do a little bit of everything and not destroy anything, so I went for a corner of our basement where the floor is painted concrete and an outlet is nearby.
Tip #3.
Remember Ventilation and Safety
Everything we do involves a level of risk, so it’s smart to assess yours and take precautions. If you’re going to be working with chemicals (paint thinners, glues, stains, etc.) that give off fumes, be sure your workspace has a window you can open when needed. Having a nearby water supply is helpful. Take the time to map out an emergency plan, so you are well prepared.
Tip #4.
Lighting Effects Work
When I was a kid doing homework at the kitchen table, my mom would walk by and flip on the overhead light for me. “It’s better for your eyes,” she’d say. Mom was right. Does your space have natural or overhead lighting? Would a small lamp be beneficial for you, and if so, where will that fit into things? It’s worth considering as you move forward with your new venture.
Tip #5.
Give Yourself Room to Grow
Starting small is starting smart, but don’t limit yourself or your imagination. Right now, my invention center is a table in the corner of the basement. Maybe one day it will be a super-techy-inspiring-for-inventors-everywhere place, but today, it’s a simple table with room to grow. And that, my friends, is not a bad beginning.
Until next time,
Invent your story
A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum. It’s an inspiring place that ignites the imagination and teaches through hands-on activities. I love the way they use color and texture in art. Check out Saturn!
Planets from Plastic Lids
I’ve seen photographs and paintings of the planets before, but I’ve never seen them on display through reused plastic lids. Maybe I need to get out more. The mosaic effect of this eco-friendly idea is cool.
Touchable Light
Almost every corner of the MPDM had something to climb, count, throw, launch, build, or paint. Above this world of little lights, the sign said “Please Touch”. This display was neat because it was huge, and the cool, smooth textured light was a fun way to explore how color and light work together.
Colorful Cranes in Flight
The Japanese exhibit was probably my favorite. I loved watching kids paint the alphabet with water. The area was covered by a rainbow of hanging paper cranes, and it was absolutely beautiful. When I left the museum, I was ready to tackle a new colorful project of my own.
Every place has something to discover. Things we throw away can become unique art. Electricity is useful, but it can also be fun. A piece of paper can take flight when you get inventive and change its shape to create something new.
We live in a beautiful, diverse world. Every person carries wonderful colors, inside and out, that have a special place in the art that makes up our world. Wherever you go, and whatever you do today, take some time to soak up some of the beauty and be inspired.
Until next time,
Invent your story
If you like repurposed art, check out my experiment with pop cans for a new idea.
Do you have a shop on Spreadshirt? If you’re an artist of any kind, it’s hard to find a reason not to have a Spreadshirt Shop. Last month, I opened my shop and I’ve found the company is:
- A Great Outlet for Your Creative Work
You know when you think of that “thing” or have that “wacky idea” that belongs on a T-shirt? Now you can put it there and let others laugh/cry/snicker/sigh along with you. It’s a cool way to share your thoughts, ideas, and values with the world.
- Win-Win Solution Mentality
Spreadshirt provides eco-friendly shirts, mugs, and paraphernalia – plus payment processing, web space for your shop, and a 30-day money back guarantee for your customers. They take care of the business side of things, and they do it responsibly. That helps their artists be free to focus on design and do what they do best.
- Free Shop Setup and Maintenance
Because we’re partners, they welcome quality designers and provide the space to host your shop absolutely free. You can immediately have two avenues for sale: your own shop and their marketplace. Each has different advantages, but either way, you’re set up for success a.s.a.p.
- Commissions are Commendable and Reward Growth
As an artist, you will receive a commission for your work. That commission bumps up when you make a certain number of sales per month. In this way, Spreadshirt recognizes and rewards hard work and artistic talent.
- Getting Started is Easy
Setting up shop is a piece of cake. You have a reasonable amount of control over where the design is placed and the size of the design. I carefully examine each of my designs and how they appear on every item to make sure my customers get their best look.
- Spreadshirt Cares about Quality
In addition to being eco-friendly, each design goes through an approval process before it’s displayed for sale. Don’t let that turn you off if you like to push the envelope – they print some really edgy stuff – but they won’t print anythingthat’s sent their way without question. I respect them for that.
- Growing in their Market
I read their blog this week, and Spreadshirt is listening to their artists and expanding their market. Next week, posters will be available for sale through Spreadshirt, and I’m excited for the potential that comes with this new outlet for creativity. When I made my “Think Spring” design, my husband thought it would make a great poster. Now, we have that opportunity!
If this post has inspired you to start your own shop on Spreadshirt, let me know! When your shop is setup, leave a link to it in the comments below! I would love to check out (and quite possibly purchase) your art, my fellow inventor. 🙂
For easy access, you can go to Spreadshirt now to get started.
Until next time,
Invent your story
Disclosure: Because I love the opportunities that are offered through their company, I’ve joined Spreadshirt’s affiliate program. This gives me an opportunity to receive a commission if someone signs up through my site. Have fun creating!
Adding pen and ink to your watercolor painting can really make your picture pop. I tried my first watercolor painting this year, and I immediately wanted to share what I learned with the kids. Although this art form is sophisticated (much more sophisticated than me!) it’s accessible to kids of all ages with supervision.
What you need:
- A big brush and a little brush
- A cup of water
- Watercolor paper
- Watercolor paints (we used a palette-style)
- An ultra-thin Sharpie marker
- A .05 micron (or comparable) pen for finer lines
- A pencil
The first think you do is choose your design. You can freehand a picture with a pencil (like we did in the featured image) or you can trace a design onto your watercolor paper.
Next, wet your paper with the big brush and begin to add the colors you want on your background. Try to keep the background water and paint separate from the area of your design. This will prevent unwanted color blending.
After your background looks the way you want it to, it’s time to use your little to color the details of your design. This can be as precise as you like. Less water produces a brighter color, and more water makes the colors soft/light.
Finally, when your painting is dry, you can color over your original pencil lines with the Sharpie marker or ink pen. You may decide to add more detailed lines that your original drawing didn’t include. Art has a way of taking on a life of its own, so enjoy the process and have fun.
I loved doing this project with my kids, because it introduced them to mixed media art. It was also a relaxing activity at the end of the day. I hope the children in your life enjoy it too!
Until next time,
Invent your story
My art posts tend to be encouragement-for-artists focused instead of technique-focused. That’s not intentional. In fact, I just realized I was doing it today. But I won’t apologize, and here’s why:
Above all else, artists need encouragement.
I could write to you about hatching and cross-hatching. Or share about my experiences with acrylics. We could talk for hours about photography techniques, vignettes, and stylings yet barely be dipping our toes into the sea of possibilities. And we will do that. But first…
Most of our moments are stolen by duty during the day. When moments of possibility come, it’s still hard to take them. To conquer the familiar fear of, “is this going to work?”
And we never really know.
Like the picture featured on this post. I did some work with springs. It’s quirky. It’s weird. It’s kind of funny. Kind of punny. Inventive. Odd. I mostly like it. In fact, I’m quite in love with it. But when I started, I didn’t know what the final product would become. Still, I knew when it was complete.
Risking the Rejection
My dear artistic inventors, when you’re at this point there is only one thing you can do. You must gulp – then share it. Even if it’s only with a trusted friend. At the right time, you must seize that second moment to share that small piece of you with someone new.
I read a quote by Henry Mattisse this week on Canva:
Creativity Takes Courage – Henry Matisse
It’s true. It takes courage to create, and it takes courage to create again when the first time fails. And it takes more courage to show people who just might think you’re weirder than they thought. Which might really be saying something.
Say it anyway.
Invent your story.
In your life’s journey, you may come across a pineapple picture or two. These pineapples may look different, though they are both pineapples. You might immediately have a desire to compare them. When you do, keep this in mind:
How to Compare Pineapples
Artists, writers, athletes, and pretty much anyone who does anything takes a risk. If someone enters a competition, they risk winning and losing. For artists, if they draw/paint/sculpt/design something and share it, they risk judgement.
Artists need to understand not everyone is going to value their artwork the same. Not every color or design will inspire every person. And that’s good – we live in a beautifully diverse world. But today I am speaking to the artist and the viewer of the art. The evaluator. The judge.
How do you compare pineapples?
I drew one of the pineapples in this post, and I got permission from the other artist to share his work today. We drew these pineapples in response to this challenge: draw a pineapple. We came up with very different pictures.
As people compare pineapples, often one of two thoughts can come into our heads:
One pineapple is superior.
~OR~
One pineapple sucks.
I find both of these judgements to do more damage than good. As an artist, if I think my pineapple is superior, I close myself off to learn from the mind, heart, and technique that went into creating the other pineapple. If I think my pineapple sucks, I am devaluing my work and the mind, heart, and technique I put into what I created. The critic faces the same pitfall comparing in that manner.
Instead, try comparing this way:
Value each piece of pineapple artwork respectively.
They are different. One is skateboarding. The other is sitting. One is smooth. The other is pokey. One is wearing shades. The other is smiling.
They are similar. Both pineapples have personality. Both have style. Both pineapples have faces. And they both have spikes on top.
Ask yourself: What is this celebrating? What can I learn from this? Do I want to take something from this picture, and try it when I draw my next pineapple?
Although it may feel elementary, this exercise is one of the most powerful practices both the artist and the critic can apply in life. Because once we learn how to compare our pineapples with value and respect, then can decide how to best use them. Maybe one belongs in a children’s book and the other on a T-shirt.
This is the joy of inventing art together: we can all become our best when we value and learn from our artistic differences.
Happy Inventing!
I did not come up with this idea, but I’ve seen tutorials and was curious if this odd little trick really worked. It does! If you have nail polish around the house that you want to get rid of, this is a great way to put it to use. Here’s how it works:
Supplies You Need:
Bowl
Stirring tool (I used a straw)
Nail Polish
Water
Object (white or clear works well) to design
Fill it!
Fill the bowl about halfway with water. You want it deep enough so there’s some distance between the surface of the water and the bottom of the bowl, so you don’t bump it. You can adjust this to your liking.
Mix it!
Take your favorite colors, and experiment. You can use as many as you want, although following a color scheme is usually a good idea. The nail polish will float on the surface of the water, and when you have the colors you want inside, go ahead and give it a stir.
Dip it!
Now’s the fun part. Gently dip and turn your object onto the surface of the water. The nail polish will adhere to it right away! I found that all of the bowl was not covered to my liking with my first turn, so I simply put more nail polish in and did it again!
The project can get a little bit stinky and messy, but the results are fantastic. Plus, it’s a cinch to set up. This little bit of inventiveness is the perfect way to add a splash of color to your life.
Happy Inventing!
Some mornings I don’t want to move. Coffee and the couch are my two tools to start the day. I sit, sip, and wait for help to arrive. This morning was one of those, and as I tried to wake up, I noticed something under the kitchen table.
Okay, there wasn’t a something.
There was nothing, but it looked so interesting. Cool enough for me to look twice. The overcast sky shone on my floor, creating a shadowy reflection of muted colors.
As winter slowly releases her icy grasp, one of the things I have noticed this season is the ice melting on ponds. Maybe a different time of year I would see something else, but somehow one seemed to sneak under my kitchen table long enough for me to snap a picture of it. Tall trees in cold, watery beds gave me hope that the flowers are still sleeping underneath.
I think part of being an artist is remembering to look twice. Often, something will have enough spark to catch our eye, but in the busyness of the day, take time to stop and discover it.
Maybe there’s benefit to those moments we don’t want to move.
So, my fellow lovers of all things art, here’s the takeaway:
Look twice.
Keep your camera or sketchbook handy.
Drink coffee.
Because eventually, we all need to keep moving forward. But the journey is more interesting with that picture in your pocket. And who knows what you will invent with it next?