My Intentional Creative Experimentation Sketchbook

A great way to capture and reflect on your journey is by documenting your experiments in a sketchbook.

Not only will this help you track your progress and growth, but it will also become a treasure trove of ideas, discoveries, and new techniques to revisit whenever you need a creative boost. 

There are all manner of sketchbooks and some are particularly adaptable to mixed media with their spiral binding, while others are more suited for dealing with a lot of water. 

You may find that the best sketchbook for your purposes is one that you are happy to get started in.

So often we hold back from using the “precious” sketchbooks because of the inner “perfectionism” gremlins. 

Stay focused on what you want to achieve with this intentional creative experimentation practice and pick the sketchbook that gives you joy to get started.

So, grab your sketchbook and let’s dive into these 12 ideas to fuel your creative exploration and growth over time. Happy experimenting!

12 Ideas for Your Intentional Creative Experimentation Practice

Here are 12 ideas to inspire your intentional creative experimentation practice.

Each one is designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and most importantly—let you enjoy the process of playful exploration!

1. Try a New Medium

Swap your usual tools or materials for something different. If you’re a painter, experiment with ink or pastels. If you’re a textile artist, try paper collage.

Experimenting with a new medium is a great way to refresh your creative practice. If you’re used to painting with acrylics, try switching to watercolours, pastels, or even ink for a different experience. 

The change in tools and textures forces you to think and work differently, sparking fresh ideas and unexpected results. 

For textile artists, consider paper collage, working with mixed media, or even incorporating paints or inks into fabrics. 

Exploring new mediums not only pushes you out of your comfort zone but also helps you discover techniques and processes that you may fall in love with. 

There’s no pressure to master the medium right away—it’s all about the playful exploration and seeing where it takes you. 

Even if it feels awkward at first, you’ll gain a new perspective on your usual practice and learn valuable skills that could inspire your next project.

2. Mix Unlikely Colours

Use colours you wouldn’t normally pair together. Challenge yourself to create a small piece with an unexpected palette.

Colour is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to experiment creatively. Instead of reaching for your usual palette, challenge yourself to mix unlikely colour combinations—ones you’d normally shy away from. 

Try pairing bright oranges with soft pinks, or earthy greens with vivid purples. Even colours that seem “clashing” can work beautifully when you explore their balance. 

To start, create small swatches, patterns, or abstract pieces to see how these colours interact. This kind of playful experimentation can help you break out of colour habits, discover surprising harmonies, and add fresh energy to your work. 

You might even stumble across a new “signature palette” or an idea for a bigger project. The joy is in letting go of what feels “safe” and allowing yourself to embrace bold choices. 

Mixing unexpected colours is a brilliant reminder that creativity thrives when we take risks.

3.Work with Limited Supplies 

Pick just three tools, materials, or colours and see what you can create. Constraints often lead to surprising results.

Sometimes, less really is more! Limiting yourself to just three tools, materials, or colours can stretch your imagination and inspire creative breakthroughs. 

For example, if you’re a painter, challenge yourself to use only two brushes and three colours to create a piece. 

If you’re into collage or mixed media, choose a limited selection of papers or textures. By reducing your options, you’re forced to think resourcefully, making each decision more deliberate and thoughtful. 

This can lead to surprisingly original results. Working with constraints also removes the overwhelm of endless choices, allowing you to focus on experimenting with what’s in front of you. 

It’s an excellent exercise for shaking up your creative habits and rediscovering the magic of simplicity. 

You’ll often find that these limitations help you develop new skills and ideas you might not have explored otherwise. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up those supplies gathering dust!

8. Experiment with Texture

Layer, scrape, emboss, or stitch—find ways to add dimension to your work.

Adding texture is a brilliant way to bring dimension and interest to your work, whether you’re a painter, textile artist, or ceramist. 

Play with layering techniques—try scraping paint, embossing paper, stitching fabric, or combining different materials for tactile effects. 

Use unconventional tools like sponges, palette knives, or even cardboard to create marks and patterns. 

Think about how textures can tell a story or evoke a feeling. Experimenting with texture encourages you to step beyond flat surfaces and explore how materials interact. 

There’s so much joy in discovering what happens when you push, pull, or layer creatively—let your hands lead the way!

9. Set a Timer 

Give yourself 10 minutes to create something. Quick experiments loosen you up and build creative energy.

Setting a timer for 10 minutes is a fantastic way to shake off creative pressure and get those ideas flowing. 

When the clock starts, focus on creating something quickly—no overthinking, no worrying about the outcome. 

It could be a small sketch, a collage, a thrown pot, or a few strokes of paint. Working against the clock forces you to trust your instincts, loosen up, and enjoy the process. 

You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish in such a short time! Quick experiments like these build creative energy, helping you move past blocks and rediscover the playful joy of making.

10. Work Backwards

Start with the final step in your process and work in reverse to see what happens.

Working backwards can shake up your creative routine and open the door to exciting discoveries. 

Start with the final step of your process—maybe a finished detail, varnish, or final stitch—and work in reverse. 

How would you get to that point? For example, if you’re a painter, begin with highlights or fine lines before layering the background. If you’re a textile artist, try adding embellishments first and build around them. 

This playful reversal encourages fresh thinking and can uncover new techniques or ideas. Working backwards removes predictability, letting you approach your craft with curiosity and see the creative process in a new light.

11. Layer Unrelated Techniques

Combine two techniques that don’t normally “go together”—like painting over embroidery or stitching on paper.

Combining unrelated techniques is a brilliant way to experiment and create something unique. Why not try painting over embroidery, stitching on paper, or layering collage with ink washes?

These unexpected combinations can spark new ideas and push your creative boundaries. By mixing techniques that don’t “belong” together, you allow yourself to play without rules or expectations.

The results might be quirky, surprising, or even beautiful—but they will always teach you something.

This approach also encourages resourcefulness, helping you see your tools and materials in new ways. Layering different processes can bring rich textures, depth, and a sense of magic to your work.

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