Weed your creative garden—and then play in it!

The first part of the project for this class involves some introspection—you’re going to be identifying the seeds of doubt in your mind that are stopping you, and how they got there.

Grab a pencil and paper and divide it into two columns: one labelled “What” and one labelled “Who.” In the “What” column, write down all the seeds of doubt or negative criticisms that get in the way of your creativity.

Then, in the “Who” column, try to identify the source of that seed. Was it a teacher who said something to you? An idea your parents instilled in you? Something that came from an early rejection of your work? You might have to mull on this for a while, but the source of your seeds is bound to come up eventually.

Just identifying the source of these beliefs can help us start to realize they aren’t truths but just someone else’s idea. But if you want to go further in freeing your creativity, try one of the playful exercises Danielle shares in videos five and six to start creating without those constraints.

Finally, share your list of seeds (and their sources), along with any freeing creative practice you tried in the project gallery so we can all connect over these shared seeds (and the work we’re doing to move past them).

Looking for more ways to rekindle your creativity? Check out Danielle’s other class for a slew of other exercises to squash your inner critic and get you making art again.

Resources

Connect with Danielle on Instagram and on her website.
Check out Danielle’s other class on her Skillshare profile.
Get more creative encouragement for your favorite kid (or inner child!) with Danielle's new book, How to Spot an Artist.

Explore More Classes on Skillshare

Intuitive Illustration: 4 Quick, Fun Exercises to Unlock Creativity — Amber Vittoria
Unlocking Your Potential: 5 Exercises to Build Creative Confidence — Emma Gannon
A Fun Game to Spark Creativity: Play, Break Rules, Make Art — Marie-Noëlle Wurm

Sarah Heilman

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