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A Blog About Art Making and Life Making and Getting Better at Both
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Color Theory and Color Tools for Creatives
Here's a quick introduction to color theory and three easy-to-use digital color palette tools.
Kristen
Feb 23, 20244 min read


Always Learning: The Joy of a Growth Mindset
An experience and example of the power of a growth mindset
Kristen
Jan 26, 20243 min read


Creativity Mantras: Actions for living a creative life
Consider these eight mantras that encourage the actions that lead to the creative life you want.
Kristen
Dec 29, 20233 min read


A Fourth Thing I Learned About Creativity in 2023: Try New Things
Trying new things is at the heart of creativity. Say yes to playing with new and different methods, practices, and tools.
Kristen
Dec 22, 20233 min read


A Third Thing I Learned About Creativity in 2023: Slow Down, Take Your Time
Creativity takes time. Learn how to make peace with that and enjoy the slow process of making good art.
Kristen
Dec 15, 20233 min read


A Second Thing I Learned About Creativity in 2023: Just Do the Work
Learn the simplest strategy ever for making progress on your biggest goals.
Kristen
Dec 8, 20234 min read


Collage Art for Grown Ups: Creativity Plus Glue
Collage art is accessible to almost everyone, young and old. Learn how it started, what it looks like, and why you should try it.
Kristen
Oct 27, 20233 min read


Discovering Gyotaku: Exploring the Traditional Japanese Art of Fish Printing and Its Artisans
Learn about the traditional Japanese art of gyotaku or fish printing.
Kristen
Oct 20, 20235 min read


Learn about Paper Quilling
Learn about paper quilling including tools, techniques, resources, and inspiration.
Kristen
Oct 13, 20235 min read


Learn About Scratchboard
Learn about scratchboard or scratch art, a unique and fun artform for kids and adults
Kristen
Oct 6, 20234 min read


Design Thinking a Creative Life
Find out how to apply the design thinking method and mindset to designing a more creative life.
Kristen
Sep 29, 20236 min read


Create Like a Design Thinker
See how to use a design thinking mindset and model to grow your creativity.
Kristen
Sep 15, 20234 min read


An Introduction to Design Thinking
An introduction to design thinking as a method for creative problem-solving and innovation.
Kristen
Sep 8, 20234 min read


All Shapes and Sizes
Learn a bit about the art element shape and how it can help you with your art and drawing practice.
Kristen
Aug 25, 20233 min read


A Line is Not Just a Line
Learn the basics about lines as one of the seven elements of art.
Kristen
Aug 18, 20232 min read

How to Draw a Mandala
Get a quick introduction to the history of mandalas and a simple tutorial on how to draw them.
Kristen
Aug 11, 20233 min read


Eight Reasons to Draw Even When You Think You Can't
Even if you think you're no good at drawing, there's evidence that suggests you should. It might make you healthier and your brain better.
Kristen
Aug 4, 20233 min read


Defining Creativity
Creativity is hard to define. It's a mash-up of ideas and failure and fun. It's also a human trait that can go dormant if we're not careful.
Kristen
Jul 28, 20233 min read


Keep Creativity Joyful
Creativity is supposed to be fun. If it's not, it may be time to step away from what you're working on. Make your art, chase joy.
Kristen
Jul 21, 20232 min read


Set Yourself Up for Flow
Learn eight practices to help get you into a state of flow more easily. If flow is key to happiness, why not be intentional about it?
Kristen
Jul 14, 20233 min read
Do the best you can
until you know better. Then when you know better,
do better.
Maya Angelou
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