Resources for a Creative Habit
I started intentionally building a creative habit in 2020. The shift happened when I decided I wanted to make art at a professional level. I knew that professional artists play in sketchbooks and are dedicated to the practice, so I began trying to build a habit.
In the four+ years since, I have continued to struggle to build a consistent sketchbook practice, though I have found lots of traction and made lots of work. You can explore some of my sketchbooks by clicking on:
This blog post on sketchbooking
Or this video sketchbook tour
My progress has been incremental, but I am dedicated. And I have also started new life habits (with exercise and meditation), and one new creative habit. I am journaling almost daily, much to my own surprise. I think building a creative habit might be a lifelong pursuit. While difficult, this journey is proving to be most rewarding.
The best stuff in life is worth sharing, so I’ll have another sketchbook update for you soon. But I also wanted to share a LIST of all the things I use to encourage myself to continue pursuing my creative habits. Check it out below.
-Liz
The List
Below I have linked to several books that have supported me in building my creative habits.
A Video to Encourage You
Isolation is the dream-killer, not your attitude | Barbara Sher*
Books
I am not a good reader, but I do love devouring information and learning. SO, I have become an avid audio book listener. My favorite app on my phone is the Libby app where I reserve and listen to books from my local library (THANK YOU, LIBRARY). There are several books that have made a significant impact on my life in terms of pursing my goals and leading a meaningful life as an artist. They are listed below.
And please note, if you are not a reader, I encourage you to simply do an internet search on the titles listed below. Instead of streaming TV in the evening or listening to music on your commute, you can listen to an interview with an author or watch a TedTalk or interview that highlights the content below. There are many CliffsNotes ways of digesting the goods in the books below. Try a few and pursue what is meaningful and enjoyable.
-Liz
2 impactful books about habit formation and creating systems to pursue a life of meaning
This book is an annual re-listen (I check the audiobook out from my library). I find it really encouraging because the author focuses on building systems and small changes as the path to success. It always helps me make improvements.
Debbie Millman podcast interview with James Clear about his book
Essentialism, the Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown
4 books with specific tactics, anecdotes, and encouragements for artists:
The Creative Habit, Learn it and Use it for Life, by Twyla Tharp
This is one title I reread often. It is full of helpful exercises. It is also written by a dancer and choreographer - so built upon a lifetime of practice real experience
The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Ruben
I own this audio book and have listened to it twice, and I plan on returning to it annually. This is the best place to start if you find yourself questioning whether you are creative
The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
Read this if you want to clear your mind to make a creative practice more feasible AND/OR if you want to start journaling
The War of Art, by Stephen Pressfield
This is all about navigating the internal challenges you face when trying to do something difficult, especially making art
Online Examples
I am looking to build a sketchbook habit. You may want to start drumming, writing, cooking, gardening… search instagram and youtube and the wider reaches of the internet to find examples of folks who are making. Here are some examples of sketchbooks and making that I love, and a few I just found in a search today. **Please remember to balance your intake of wildly talented creators with folks who show the mess of making and encourage you along the way!
Sketchbooks on Artist Websites:
Julie Van Grol a dear friend! Also a talented artist who encouraged my sketchbook habit initially AND who shared many of the artists I am re-sharing below. THANK YOU JULIE.
Allegra Lockstadt another dear friend and talented artist, resource provider (* see YouTube above), and constant creative encourager. Allegra is often an accountability buddy for me. THANK YOU ALLEGRA.
And several, wonderful, talented strangers to me:
YouTube and Instagram Gems
Video sketchbook tours:
Roper (short insta video, graffiti style)
Sabine Timm-Gnoth (short insta video, playful, FUN)
Frannerd (longer YouTube video, stylized illustration, DELIGHTFUL)
Doug Jackson (longer YouTube video, lovely, very real-life sketchbook)
Laura Horn (longer YouTube video, abstract work, encouraging maker)
Instagram accounts that make me want to make right now:
Online Classes
Skillshare is my favorite resource for learning skills from other creatives. It is an online learning platform (that you can try for a month for free here) I love it. In addition to learning how to use Instagram better, take good product photography, improve my freelance accounting and painting techniques, I have taken classes on building sketchbook practice from the following folks. Click on the links to sample! It is fun and so useful.
Real People + Local Groups
Nothing is more encouraging than friends who are making alongside you. Get some friends, go to some local creative groups, meet the people who are trying to do what you are trying to do. In my life these people have quickly become my best friends and peer mentors. I am currently:
Meeting monthly with two friends on zoom for various creative accountability
AND a member of these local groups to me (if you are local, JOIN ME):
I am exploring a few global and national online groups as well. Get searching online. Your community is out there!
I hope this has helped you and I am so curious what is working for you. Email me if you want to connect on this topic or share more resources.
-xoxo Liz