step 1: we can have lots of fun

A lot of people have asked me, "Kendyl, how do you stay so creative?" so, I decided to get onto this topic, and write down my methods, and how it has worked for me. I have some insight, and a few exercises to follow, for anyone who wants to give it a shot. I'll be doing this on a weekly basis. If no one is reading, I'm also doing this for myself. I think all creatives need to be reminded how to keep it alive.

I was going to approach this like a terrible fitness pitch, but I'm not trying to aggressively cram common sense down your throat. Want sweet glutes? You're going to need to exercise your glutes!! Right. Instead, I'm going to say that if you're interested in being more creative, maybe my next few posts will help you out a little. Strangely, the first part of this process sounds a little gym-ish, but if you want to be more creative, you need to: stop making excuses, make the time, and bring it into your lifestyle. Bust those glutes, girl. By glutes, I mean your creative mind.

Pablo Picasso. Vallauris, 1949. 

#1 Least favorite excuse: I don't know how to draw. 
Remember when you scribbled on paper, and told your grandma it was an elephant? And she lost her mind because it was the most amazing thing she had ever seen? That's all there is to it. I don't believe there is such a thing as not knowing how to draw, or create, because it's all a matter of expectation. If you still draw in swirls and squiggles, you have a unique and ordinary style you should learn to embrace. Look at Picasso, he drew loads of scribbly shapes (which he happened to make a lot of money off of) Your thoughts are unique, so share them.

Your first exercise: Peter Pan yourself.
All I want from you right now, is to go and get a photo of yourself from when you were a kid. Take that picture and put it out where you can see it, and remind yourself that this child is the source of your creativity. It's where you started out. It's where you first learned how to play, and create things with your mind. You're still that kid, you know? You just look different and can stay up later. Grab some tools (pencils, paper, markers, paints, a notebook, a coloring book) and let that kid play for a bit. Did I say coloring book? Yes I did. Grownups can do what they want, remember? Let that kid in the photo see that you're still brilliant, fun, and creative, but are now able to do even more amazing things, like drink grownup drinks, and say things like "my hips hurt."

Personal Note: Jot it down
To exercise making time for my creative process, I keep a journal by my bed. I use this journal for a variety of things, whether it be to write about my day, to draw a word or two out for inspiration, make notes to motivate myself, anything. It's there for me to put thoughts down, even if those thoughts aren't made of gold or worthy of canvas time. It's just practice, like keeping your heart rate going steadily into your workout. Yes, gym metaphors, I've had enough. My brain muscles need some rest.

Until next time, this is your first step to being creative.