Your Life Is the Studio
5 Simple Ways to Infuse Creativity into Your Everyday Life
I wasn’t planning to create anything that day. But there I was — sitting at my booth at the Sterling Street Market with a sketchbook I’d picked up in Arnhem, Netherlands. The pages already had some messy, painted backgrounds I made “just because.” I brought it with me on a whim, and in between conversations, I started drawing.
No plan. No pressure. Just play.
That’s the beauty of infusing creativity into your everyday life. You don’t need the perfect setup. You just need a little intention — and maybe a pouch full of your favorite tools.
Here are five simple ways to make that happen:
1. Keep a pouch of your favorite drawing or journaling supplies.
Pens, markers, water brushes, folded paper scraps — whatever brings you joy. When inspiration strikes, you’re ready.
2. Make background pages ahead of time.
Take scraps of magazines, envelopes, or catalogs. Make big, messy strokes or tiny marks with whatever medium you like. Let them dry, and stash them. These painted pages become a no-pressure surface for future doodles, collages, or journaling when you don’t want to face a blank page.
3. Use waiting time creatively.
Doctor’s office? Train ride? Waiting for someone to show up? Those little pockets of time are opportunities to make marks, write thoughts, or glue down something pretty.
4. Take photos of textures.
Look for inspiration in the cracks of the sidewalk, peeling paint, or cloud patterns. These photos make great starting points for color palettes, abstract drawings, or even wearable art.
5. Let it be imperfect — or even ugly.
You don’t have to share it. You don’t have to finish it. The act of making is the magic. Put it on your calendar, even for 15 minutes. Creativity is like a muscle — small, regular sessions build the habit.
Bonus Tip:
Writing is creative, too.
Your creative practice can be as simple as jotting down what you’re feeling or what inspired you today. That’s why I created personalized journals — you can find them over at Paru Paro Studios and a few limited designs right here at Umindak.
Art is not just for art time. Art is life. And your life — your real, imperfect, magical life — is the studio.