Do you sometimes feel too busy to make art or practice self-care?
Do you often feel creatively blocked, unable to tap into your artistic side?
If so, you're not alone. Many people lead busy lives and struggle to find the time and space to unleash their creativity. But what if I told you that the secret to unlocking your daily creativity lies in something as simple as having a mindful art studio (or dedicated art journal)?
If you're a busy person struggling to find time for your creativity, you may think that setting up a mindful art studio is out of reach. You might be thinking that you don't have the space or the time to create a dedicated area for your art. But the truth is, you don't need a large space or a lot of time to set up a simple and effective mindful art studio.
In fact, the beauty of a mindful art studio is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. You don't need fancy equipment or a lot of space to get started. All you need is a small corner of your home and a few basic art supplies. The key is to keep it simple and uncluttered, so you can focus on your art without distractions.
7 Tips to Create a Simple Mindful Art Studio at Home (for Busy People):
Find a small corner: Keep it small and simple: You don't need a large space to create a mindful art studio. Look for a small corner in your home that you can dedicate to your art. It could be a spare room, a corner of your living room, or even a closet. The key is to keep it simple and uncluttered, so you can focus on your art without distractions. It’s important to have a space where you can work without interruptions. If you don’t have a room or corner, you can also dedicate an art journal, with a few simple drawing supplies, that is always available to you.
Clear the clutter: Clear the space of any unnecessary items. This will make it easier to focus on your art and reduce distractions. An artist friend of mine recently said, “we need a space we can make mistakes in,” and I couldn't agree more. It can be a fine line between having your art space be too immaculate and perfect that you feel hesitant to make a mess and play or having a space that feels too overwhelming and chaotic that blocks you from even beginning (because you’d have to spend an hour cleaning first!).
Organize your supplies: Keep your art supplies in labeled containers or drawers, so you can find what you need quickly. This will save you time and reduce stress. For an extra bonus, I like playing with “Creative Limitations,” where you choose to play with only a few art supplies at a time. It’s amazing how this can free up your creative ideas and brainstorming while making art!
Personalize your space: Make the space your own by decorating it with things that inspire you. This could be anything from photographs to artwork to plants.
Create a routine: A daily, or consistent, routine is essential for a mindful art studio. Set aside a specific time each day or week to work on your art, and stick to it. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
Let go of perfectionism: Remember, the goal of a mindful art studio is to let go of perfectionism and judgment. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and experiment with different techniques.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the key to unlocking your daily creativity. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and allow your mind to be quiet. This will help you stay present and focused while you create.
Creating a mindful art studio doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a space where you can let go, focus on the present moment, and tap into your creativity. By following these simple steps, you can set up a dedicated space where you can explore your artistic side, free from distractions and interruptions.
The beauty is you don’t have to create alone.
Once you have your dedicated mindful art studio or journal set up, you can:
❥ Watch: Mindful Art Videos
❥ Download: Free Mindful Art Workbook
Having a dedicated space for your creative practice is essential for your self-care. It's a place where you can escape the stress and demands of everyday life, and focus on your own needs and wants. It's a space where you can let go of perfectionism, judgment, and stress and instead, focus on the present moment. It's a sanctuary where you can explore your artistic side and let your creativity flourish.
But it's not just about having the space, it's also about consistent practice.
Setting aside time each day to work on your art, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on your well-being. It allows you to disconnect from the world and focus on yourself. It's a form of self-care that nourishes not just your body but also your mind and soul. It's a way to recharge, refresh, and connect with yourself.
Consistently practicing your art, whether it's drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, or anything else, allows you to tap into your inner creativity. It's a way to express yourself and explore your thoughts and feelings. It's a way to nurture your soul and find joy, peace, and happiness.
We can create art in as little as 5 minutes.
So many creatives feel blocked or don’t create, because they feel like they “don’t have the time” or have too high of expectations for what they want to make. Both of these thoughts can block the creative process. Instead, you can try creating for only 5 minutes at a time. Set a timer and intention. Dip your toes into the creative process. It’s a great way to gain momentum and bypass our Inner Critic who can sometimes block us from even beginning.
I created an entire 5-day 5-minute Art Challenge a couple of years ago. You can still follow along and download this free Mindful Mandala Art Challenge Workbook (that includes a whole section on creating your own art space, mindful art prompts, and videos to inspire your practice at home).
Setting up a simple mindful art studio and committing to a consistent practice is a simple yet powerful self-care tool that can help you to find balance, and to flourish both creatively and personally. It's an investment in yourself, and you deserve it. Remember, the goal of a mindful art studio is to let go of perfectionism and judgment. Give yourself permission to experiment with different techniques and make mistakes. And above all, have fun and enjoy the process!
Learn More about Mindful Art:
Mindful Art YouTube Videos
Free Mindful Art Workbook
Free Mindful Mandala Art Challenge Workbook
Mindful Art Workshops
Mindful Art Teacher Training