7 Tips to create art in the morning
Creating art in the morning can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Not only does it allow you to start your day on a creative and fulfilling note, but it can also set the tone for the rest of your day.
I'll start by saying that I am a morning person. I'm not one that takes you on a hike at 4am sort of type, but I wake up early, around 6/6.30am, and I like to drink my cup of tea in the studio, creating.
Sometimes writing a blog post (this one for example), sometimes I paint, sometimes (more than I'd like to admit) I re-organise my space.
Whether you are an artist looking to jumpstart your creative process or simply looking for a way to inject some creativity into your daily routine, creating art in the morning can be a powerful and transformative experience.
(When I say to create art in the morning, I don't want you to think you have to wake up at 4am, it's more of a... create art before everything else starts in your day!)
Here are a few tips on how to create art in the morning:
1. Set your intention
Before you even start creating, it’s important to set your intention for the day. This can help you stay focused and motivated as you work.
Consider what you want to achieve with your art today – are you looking to experiment with a new medium or style? Are you trying to capture a specific emotion or mood?
By setting an intention, you can help guide your creative process and make your art more meaningful.
2. Create a dedicated space
Having a dedicated space to create can be incredibly helpful when it comes to making art in the morning. You don't need a fancy studio (or anything fancy at all to start making art). This can be a small corner of your home, a dedicated studio, or even just a table or desk.
The important thing is to have a space that is free from distractions (leave your phone behind - or only use it to record your process - see how here and why here) and clutter, and that feels inspiring and welcoming to you.
Consider adding a few personal touches to your space, such as your favourite colours or inspiring quotes, to help set the mood.
3. Gather your materials
Before you start creating (ideally in the evening so you don't have to think about this in the morning), make sure you have all the materials you need on hand.
This can save you time and frustration, as you won’t have to stop and hunt for supplies in the middle of your creative process.
You can consider keeping a list of your essential materials so you can quickly gather everything you need in the morning, or put everything in a box.
4. Warm up with some quick exercises
Starting a creative project can be intimidating, especially if you’re feeling a bit rusty or uninspired.
To get your creative juices flowing, try starting with a few quick exercises to warm up. This can be something as simple as doodling or drawing from a prompt, or even just spending a few minutes journaling or writing.
These exercises can help get your mind and hands moving, and can help you ease into your creative process.
I personally love warming up by mixing colours, it gets me motivated and inspired.
5. Experiment with different mediums
One of the best ways to jumpstart your creativity in the morning is to experiment with different mediums.
This can be anything from painting and drawing to watercolour and mixed media. By trying out new mediums, you can challenge yourself to think in new ways and discover new artistic skills.
Plus, it can be a lot of fun!
A tip here: stick to your niche. If you are a painter, explore different kinds of paint. If you make sculptures, explore different materials. And so on...
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for experiments and cross contamination, but I believe the mornings should be focused, otherwise they become an overwhelming moment and you might loose track of why you're doing it!
6. Take breaks and step away from your work
It’s easy to get lost in your art, but it’s important to remember to take breaks and step away from your work. This can help you avoid burnout and keep your creativity fresh. Consider being creative only few mornings a week and leave the other days for a nice walk outside, or exercise, or a book.
Going from 0 to full-on art every morning can hurt your creative process.
7. Reflect on your work
After you’ve finished creating your art for the morning, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve made. Consider what you liked about your work and what you might want to improve upon in the future.
This reflection can help you identify areas of growth and can inspire you to keep creating.
You can also write it down, or take pictures of what you enjoyed creating!
Creating art in the morning can be a powerful and transformative experience, and it’s something that anyone can do, regardless of their artistic background or skill level.
