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how do i stay true to my artistic roots?
As i'm in college and everything is so hectic it's seems that i have been getting detached from my artistic stuff which is something i'm truly happy doing and feels like i'm top of the world.
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8 answers
Updated
Michel’s Answer
This is something that I had a hard time making time for while I was in undergrad. I think one of the most important things to do while in school is picking a time out of the week that you are not going to study you are not going to stress about classes. During this time you are going to do something that truly makes you happy. For me it is spending time with my wife on Saturday’s and playing things like board games with her. School is extremely stressful, but I feel like my performance has improved because I have designated a small bit of time to do things that make me happy. Try small and find a time slot that you can do things that you enjoy such as art, and don’t make excuses for cutting time out of it. It is really easy to say we are going to designate time to do something we enjoy, but it is extremely important to stick with it, and in most cases students do a lot better because they have something to look forward to rather than another long night of studying.
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Hi Vikas,
I also relate to this question, and have slightly different advice than some of the excellent recommendations described in the other answers. While I of course agree that scheduling time for the things we love is important, I found more inspiration by building art into my required experiences. This could be as simple as turning your notes for class into more aesthetic images (sketches, organizing by color, creating visuals as opposed to all written words), consciously "looking" for art in your classrooms and workspaces, and letting all of your school endeavors be an exercise in creativity (whether it is your preferred modality or another).
I also really enjoy having something in my life that brings me so much joy, as you mentioned your art does, that is separate from my work and other duties. Having a space for reprieve and enjoyment that isn't tied to education or your ability to pay the bills can be an excellent way to maintain balance in your life. Rather than seeing it as a loss or something that is missing from your life, you can carry your art as something that brings you joy and balance to live a fulfilling life!
Best of luck,
Elyse
I also relate to this question, and have slightly different advice than some of the excellent recommendations described in the other answers. While I of course agree that scheduling time for the things we love is important, I found more inspiration by building art into my required experiences. This could be as simple as turning your notes for class into more aesthetic images (sketches, organizing by color, creating visuals as opposed to all written words), consciously "looking" for art in your classrooms and workspaces, and letting all of your school endeavors be an exercise in creativity (whether it is your preferred modality or another).
I also really enjoy having something in my life that brings me so much joy, as you mentioned your art does, that is separate from my work and other duties. Having a space for reprieve and enjoyment that isn't tied to education or your ability to pay the bills can be an excellent way to maintain balance in your life. Rather than seeing it as a loss or something that is missing from your life, you can carry your art as something that brings you joy and balance to live a fulfilling life!
Best of luck,
Elyse
Updated
Kim’s Answer
In addition to the excellent advice you've been given here, I would just add one thing. No matter what medium your creativity is expressed in, life is the most amazing teacher of all. Buy a small sketchbook and a favorite drawing implement like pencil or marker. Carry this with you wherever you go. Get into the habit of drawing from life every day in small increments of time -- sitting on a bench, on a bus, standing in line, or while with a group of friends. You can also write, expressing your emotions and thoughts. Not only will you have developed your skills in truly seeing, you will learn to focus your attention and connect your hand and arm to your mind. When your college years are finally completed, you'll be surprised at the rich material you've developed for future exploration. Best wishes to you as you learn to keep the creative fire moving forward.
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Vikas,
Well, welcome to the real world! Yes, college life (and life in general) can be overwhelming, and fitting everything in that you WANT to do, along with everything you NEED to do can be a challenge.
Obviously, your question indicates that creating art is really important to you. You don't say if you are taking art classes in college, but I kind of assume you are not. So, you need to find a time and a way to indulge your need for creating art; no one will do it for you. Here are a few suggestions, and some of them will reinforce some of the excellent advice already given.
Get a small sketchbook that you can carry around with you, and a set of pencils, or color pencils or markers, or whatever you like to draw with. Just doodle in it when you get a chance....make it fun, do not get too concerned about what you draw; think of your drawings as rough sketches or rough ideas. As an alternative, if you prefer drawing on a computer, get some apps on your tablet or phone, but I strongly suggest getting a physical sketchbook, which will make it easier to review your work.
Commit to filling at least one page a day in your sketchbook, or 3 pages a week, or something like that. Whatever works for you, but follow up on your commitment. Draw daily about your life at school, treat your sketchbook as a graphic novel; think of the drawings as rough sketches, not finished work.
Schedule art time: an hour before dinner, or after dinner; or an hour in the morning, or an hour after or before____________________________. Write your "Art Time" somewhere in your schedule. It does not have to be an hour either, 20 minutes, or 15 minutes or whatever works for you. If you get off your schedule, that is fine, just pick up again when you can.
One of the challenging things about college life, is that for many students it will be the first time they are in charge of what they do before and after classes. So, no one will be telling you make art, YOU have to have the commitment to fit art in your life.
Best wishes!
Ellen
Well, welcome to the real world! Yes, college life (and life in general) can be overwhelming, and fitting everything in that you WANT to do, along with everything you NEED to do can be a challenge.
Obviously, your question indicates that creating art is really important to you. You don't say if you are taking art classes in college, but I kind of assume you are not. So, you need to find a time and a way to indulge your need for creating art; no one will do it for you. Here are a few suggestions, and some of them will reinforce some of the excellent advice already given.
Get a small sketchbook that you can carry around with you, and a set of pencils, or color pencils or markers, or whatever you like to draw with. Just doodle in it when you get a chance....make it fun, do not get too concerned about what you draw; think of your drawings as rough sketches or rough ideas. As an alternative, if you prefer drawing on a computer, get some apps on your tablet or phone, but I strongly suggest getting a physical sketchbook, which will make it easier to review your work.
Commit to filling at least one page a day in your sketchbook, or 3 pages a week, or something like that. Whatever works for you, but follow up on your commitment. Draw daily about your life at school, treat your sketchbook as a graphic novel; think of the drawings as rough sketches, not finished work.
Schedule art time: an hour before dinner, or after dinner; or an hour in the morning, or an hour after or before____________________________. Write your "Art Time" somewhere in your schedule. It does not have to be an hour either, 20 minutes, or 15 minutes or whatever works for you. If you get off your schedule, that is fine, just pick up again when you can.
One of the challenging things about college life, is that for many students it will be the first time they are in charge of what they do before and after classes. So, no one will be telling you make art, YOU have to have the commitment to fit art in your life.
Best wishes!
Ellen
Updated
Liediana’s Answer
Hi, do try to create a schedule for yourself and ensure that you make time for your artistic pursuits. Do also regularly remind yourself of your passion in it and all of the reasons that make you love it. Perhaps you can follow the 21/90 rule, create a habit that includes your hobby in it. Don't let life gets what you love most, keep it!
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Vikas,
That is an excellent question. I know, because that was a major struggle for me in college. One of the 'good things' about college is that you are introduced to new ideas, new environments, and new people, but it can be overwhelming. There may be distractions and noise in dormitories, frequent parties, sporting events to attend, and mixing that with studies can be interrupting to one's thoughts. Here are a few suggestions that may help:
- set rigid study times for every day and stick to them. This will help you focus on your priorities.
- be selective in whatever student-oriented activities you pursue, as there are many to fill your time.
- set a time each day to be alone to review your day's priorities. Having a quiet time each day, preferably in the early morning before you tackle the day's activities, can bolster your determination to remain focused on what is important to you, not to others. I found that having that brief period of solitude, reviewing my goals for the day, did wonders in my time management. Some days, I fell short, but repeating the process daily kept me in control.
All the best to you. Balancing your studies, while exploring and enjoying college, is a good place to be.
That is an excellent question. I know, because that was a major struggle for me in college. One of the 'good things' about college is that you are introduced to new ideas, new environments, and new people, but it can be overwhelming. There may be distractions and noise in dormitories, frequent parties, sporting events to attend, and mixing that with studies can be interrupting to one's thoughts. Here are a few suggestions that may help:
- set rigid study times for every day and stick to them. This will help you focus on your priorities.
- be selective in whatever student-oriented activities you pursue, as there are many to fill your time.
- set a time each day to be alone to review your day's priorities. Having a quiet time each day, preferably in the early morning before you tackle the day's activities, can bolster your determination to remain focused on what is important to you, not to others. I found that having that brief period of solitude, reviewing my goals for the day, did wonders in my time management. Some days, I fell short, but repeating the process daily kept me in control.
All the best to you. Balancing your studies, while exploring and enjoying college, is a good place to be.
Updated
Rosalyn’s Answer
One way to stay true to your artistic roots is by making a little time for your roots each day. Habits develop when we spend time doing them often even if only for 15 minutes a day. Once developed, your roots will never become crowded out by other hectic commitments.
Updated
Christine’s Answer
This is the part about being an adult that many adults fail at. You have the opportunity to build healthy habits now! Here’s how: carve out time each week for your art. Create a space literally and figuratively where you can have your happy place in your life when you need it.
Create time weekly for art
Create a space (or find a space on campus) for art
Check in with yourself to know how much healing time you need.
Think ahead (prep early for high stress weeks so you don’t have to give up art time)
Christine recommends the following next steps: