15 Practical and Exciting Ways to Find Your Path Back to Creativity

Welcome back to Part 2 of our series on Finding Your Path to Creativity with your own creative practice!

Whether you’re returning to a long-loved creative practice or seeking fresh inspiration, the idea of a “creative practice” can be both freeing and overwhelming. 

But don’t worry! We’re here to guide you. In this post, we’ll share 15 practical and exciting ways to reignite your creative spark, just as many artists have done through Art Trails Tasmania. 

From setting meaningful goals to exploring new techniques, there’s something for everyone. Every creative journey is unique, and sometimes, the simplest steps can lead to the most enriching results.

The Varied Paths to a Meaningful Creative Practice

This two part series on finding your path to your creativity is inspired by the members of Art Trails Tasmania telling their unique creative journey in their Artist Profile story.

Again and again it is the experience of returning to a beloved creative practice after years away from it. Of the enriching of daily life simply by honouring the inner creative being.

Since the initial conception of Art Trails Tasmania, the goal has been to give a platform for our local artists to express themselves, to showcase their talents and artist voices.

The Artist Profile stories, as well as their Event News posts, do all of this and more. 

But what I hadn’t figured on was just how impactful it is to learn their stories, to be given insight into their inspiration, sources of joy and just how important it is to make art, in whichever chosen medium.

How to Live the Good Life

It’s taught me that living a life with creativity in it makes for a good life, gives meaning to daily life and nourishes the inner spirit.

So this series is in tribute to the Art Trails Tasmania members who generously share their stories, their paths to creativity.

About the Creative Practice Ideas

Each of these ideas comes with a question for you to ask yourself, all with the intention of making it easier to get started.

So often we are presented with great ideas and it is very easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities.

By asking and answering questions it can be much easier to find the clarity that will best serve us.

There are 15 creative suggestions here with the hope that at least a few will resonate with you.

There’s also the hope that you’ll be able to take the ideas that light you up and adapt them into something that works for you, that clears the path to creativity for you.

Shiny Creative Squirrels

For some, each of these ideas will be like shiny squirrels begging to be played with.

These cheeky squirrel antics can be overwhelming in their own right, so acknowledge the squirrels and pick one or two to start with can be a satisfying way to begin.

Plus, knowing that there is plenty of time and opportunity to come back for the rest can be quite liberating.

6. Attend workshops, classes, or art retreats to expand your skills and deepen your creative practice.

Workshops and classes introduce new techniques and materials, helping you grow as an artist. They bring fresh energy to your creative practice.

Art retreats provide immersive experiences. They let you focus deeply on your craft while surrounded by like-minded creatives over a number of days.

Learning in a group setting fosters inspiration. You gain valuable insights from tutors and fellow participants while sharing your own experiences and insights.

Workshops encourage experimentation with something new or a beloved medium.

Trying new approaches can unlock hidden talents and rekindle your artistic passion. Such a release can be liberating, breathing new life into something that is deeply important to you.

Attending creative events strengthens your connection to the arts community, your friendships and even with yourself.

It reminds you that creativity thrives when shared. It’s always a joy to feel connection with your own tribe of fellow creatives.

What would you like to learn more about in a workshop, class or retreat in the next three months?

7. Sign up for an arts or crafts online class, TAFE or evening college course to develop new techniques and artistic confidence.

An online class, TAFE or evening college course provides structured learning. It helps you develop technical skills and a deeper understanding of your creative practice.

Courses cover a wide range of disciplines, from painting and ceramics to textiles and jewellery making. Happily there’s something for everyone.

Studying with experienced tutors offers valuable guidance and different perspectives.

You receive constructive feedback to refine your work which can lead you along paths that are new and fresh, or heartwarmingly familiar and nourishing.

A formal course can boost confidence. It validates your artistic abilities and encourages you to take your creativity and your self value more seriously.

While achieving certificates can open more doors, creating opportunities that you hadn’t foreseen even 12 months earlier.

Learning in a dedicated environment allows for focus. It provides time and space to nurture your creative passion and honour the time you need to give it.

There’s also the added benefit of family and friends being given the opportunity to respect your creative passion.

What sort of class would you like to sign up for?

8. Set a design challenge on Spoonflower to experiment with patterns and surface design.

Spoonflower offers a fun way to explore pattern-making and surface design through regular themed challenges. It’s a great way to push your creativity within a supportive and engaged community.

Creating a design for fabric, wallpaper, or home décor can introduce new skills and techniques to your creative practice and push you artistically.

Entering a challenge gives you a clear focus. It encourages you to work within a theme and develop unique ideas.

Seeing how others interpret the same prompt is also inspiring and quite often surprising. It broadens your perspective and fuels creative growth.

Spoonflower challenges are a low-pressure way to experiment. They allow you to play, learn, and refine your artistic style and voice.

What sort of design challenges have resonated with you and what do you want to give a go?

9. Plan a creative holiday to immerse yourself in art, culture, and new surroundings.

A creative holiday is the perfect chance to surround yourself with fresh inspiration. It allows you to recharge your creativity.

Visit museums, galleries, markets and fairs, cafes with local art on the walls, local art and craft groups and their shops, and historic sites to explore different artistic styles and cultural influences. Make time for sketching or photography.

Choose destinations that speak to your artistic passions and make your creative spirit sing. Whether it’s nature, urban, architecture, or traditional crafts, there’s always something to capture.

Incorporate hands-on experiences, like attending workshops or craft demonstrations, into your itinerary. They offer new skills and fresh ideas.

A creative holiday nurtures both your artistry and your spirit. It gives you space to make, reflect, and grow.

What sort of activities would you like to incorporate into your itinerary that would make it a creative holiday for you?

14. Visit arts and crafts markets and fairs for inspiration and to support fellow creatives.

Arts and crafts markets and fairs are treasure troves of inspiration. They offer unique handmade items and showcase incredible creativity.

By attending markets and fairs, you connect with local artists and discover fresh ideas for your own creative practice.

You also get to understand what is involved in making something, even if it isn’t part of your creative skills set.

Support fellow creatives by purchasing their work, connecting with them online or simply admiring their efforts.

It’s a fantastic way to encourage your community and introduce your creative circle to them.

Many markets also feature live demonstrations or workshops, offering opportunities to learn new skills.

Though for the artists running their stands on their own, they can’t be away from there space to give the workshops. They may have online courses or workshops happening on non-market weekends so be sure to ask.

Visiting these events can spark ideas, provide networking opportunities, and ignite your passion for your own craft. 

The annual Tasmanian Craft Fair is the southern hemisphere’s largest, it even has its own shuttle bus taking you to each of the many venue sites across the northern Tasmanian town of Deloraine.

Which arts and crafts markets would you like to visit in the coming year?

15. Work through an inspiring art and craft how-to book to learn new techniques and refine your skills.

How-to books are excellent resources for exploring new techniques and expanding your creative toolkit. They are a joy to look through and learn from a very experienced and talented maker.

Choose a book that excites you, whether it’s about painting, pottery, knitting, or any other craft you’re curious about.

By working through each step, you not only learn new skills but also gain confidence in your own abilities. And you can always go over the steps multiple times, experimenting and learning as you go.

Books often provide a deeper understanding of the process and inspire you to experiment with new materials and methods.

It’s a great way to develop your skills at your own pace. Plus, it’s a perfect way to stay creative.

Confession time, I have a deep love for arts and crafts books and take a lot of joy in putting together the Book Reviews that feature all manner of books celebrating creativity and makers.

What art techniques or craft practices would you like to explore in a how-to book?