Y’know Phineas and Ferb? They spent grueling time in school only to spend their summer being bored… until they found something to do. Now, as unrealistic as building roller coasters and such is, I’m striving to be like them this summer and actually do stuff. It is a break, but it shouldn’t have to be a break from doing the things I enjoy. Now I think for most of us reading this blog, that thing is art. So here’s some inspiration for you, plus hopefully some inspiration for me, to keep up with art this summer and get back into doing things we actually enjoy (and not just assignments).

So, one struggle I’ve noticed for myself every summer break is that I’ve become very comfortable being given an assignment and working through those parameters and still creating something I enjoy. But, since I’ve fallen into that cyclical structure, I’m now sitting unsure what I’m meant to even do. I love the freedom, but I’ve become entirely complacent with just being told what to do. When I sit down to draw, I’m lost for any ideas. Now the other day I was sitting and just thought “Hey I think it’d be really neat if I drew one of those Japanese emperor caterpillars and… maybe just a whole bunch of bugs in that style to sell on Redbubble! Or maybe even making a bunch of sketches the way I do and putting them on there raw like that.” I realized that I have thoughts like this, and think I’ll remember them, then I just… don’t. And then, when I actually want to draw something, I forget all about those ideas. So I’d highly recommend writing down your ideas (physically or via notes app) and then referring to them later when you actually need them.

Which brings me to my next thing… when you actually need them! A local artist in my area, Sue Hand, suggests that artists draw or sketch or just create art for at least 10 minutes a day. Now, if you can do that, I’d highly suggest it. I did it for a month last summer and then couldn’t anymore… and like- I say a month but like I did two in one day and a lot of those pieces were done hastily at midnight because I forgot. I have a few solutions to this dilemma I had last year. I am a perfectionist, and I also like finishing things, so this daily art thing was exceeding 10 minutes every day. So I’d say actually time yourself, pick something to draw that is just a sketch… or work on one piece over multiple days. I’ve been crocheting a dress for the past few weeks, and I’ve done 10 minutes or more on that. It’s nice and non-committal, which is clearly how it needs to stay for me.

Despite that last paragraph, it is important to keep art from feeling like an obligation. If it feels like a chore to do art, don’t. Save yourself that frustration and make it something you actually look forward to. I’ve been working on my crochet dress because I look forward to it and genuinely enjoy it. On days I don’t feel like doing it, I peruse my lists and see if any of those projects jump out to me. This way I have a constant flow of things I can do. Plus, truthfully, some days I can’t do art or don’t feel like it, so I don’t. But doing these things has kept my interest alive and is making summer very enjoyable for me, when last summer I legitimately only did two-ish artworks the whole time.

Those three things: keeping a list, 10 minute drawings, and not feeling obligated to do either of those things (if i’m not feeling up to it that day), have kept me from falling into a creative dip so far this break. Over the course of my summer blog writing we shall see if I can keep up with it. If I learn anything else, rest assured I will share that with you all. I’m noticing I’m writing a lot and this is more writing heavy and not art heavy. That might be unconventional but I’m having fun soooo oh well.