my process

feel the spark

This is the time I explore every possible avenue—no idea is too small or too big. There is no wrong idea at this point. I try not to limit myself or my creativity too much. 

I often turn to youtube for inspiration, 

and pinterest, 

and books,

and the thrift store,

or I’ll rewatch one of my favorite movies,

or I’ll listen to a song/album/artist on repeat—

find what inspires me, so that I can gather supplies with this idea to help me find what I’m searching for.

gather supplies

I have found that just buying art supplies from Michael’s and amazon takes away a crucial part of my creative process.

I love to shop local, or just small businesses in general. They don’t have to just be “local”.

The thrift store is also an amazing place to gather supplies. There is almost an endless supply of frames and materials—each with their own unique style, touch and feel. 

I am a texture motivated individual and I love a good find.

prepare

In this stage I prep my space and my materials and myself. Whether this means drinking my alani, or listening to Ari Lennox on repeat—

or physically cleaning the frames and or materials I’ve found (if thrifted)—if not cleaning then preparing the canvas—both digital and traditional.

Make a color palette and stick to it! I have found that in art (and life), what you leave out is just as important as what you choose to include.

create

Now that I’ve followed my imagination and gathered my supplies and prepped myself, my space and my materials—it is time to immerse myself in the project.

This isn’t a time to overthink.

This is the time to enjoy creating—what we are all created to do—and to trust my intuition. 

I listen to music or have my favorite show on, I have something to keep the creativity flowing because, “Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it can only be transformed or transferred from one form to another”. This is truly such a profound concept in a creative sense because we are all scared to be perceived by others, but this is what is necessary to continue the creative process.