the motivation to create
If you're anything like me, then you probably enjoy watching lots of YouTube videos, collecting books, watching movies, and saving long-form articles to read later. I absorb a lot of content. I actually do find a lot of inspiration from certain people on social media. Especially during quarantine, when I'm stuck in the same room 24/7. It's nice to see what the rest of the world is doing. It's nice to escape and appreciate an artist's work or an iconic film. Or even just a YouTuber's beautifully edited vlog.
My college playwriting professor once said that the goal for us as students was to "produce a lot of work." We read a lot of plays in class. But we also produced our own plays through both shorter written exercises and longer projects with multiple scenes.
This balance, it turns out, was incredibly important for me to learn from experts while putting into practice the new techniques that I picked up from my reading time. Writing on my own was also proof that I was learning and growing as a creative. After all, I enjoyed reading partly for the sake of becoming a better writer.
The same could be said for other media that I enjoy. As a photographer, Instagram is like a gold mine for me. There are tons of talented visual artists and creatives on here; but it can be so easy to get carried away and fall into a rabbit hole of scrolling nonstop.
Instead, I find the actual process of content creation—building a portfolio, testing a new tool on Photoshop, and publishing an original photo essay on my website—much more rewarding. Even if no one sees it. Why? Because, again, I am creating proof that I'm learning and growing.
Absorbing too much media can feel exhausting. I know I have days when my screen time is unbelievably high, but I don't even realize it in the moment.
So, I challenge you (right now!) to get off your phone and produce something of your own. Design a graphic, edit a quick video, or make a photo collage. Write a journal entry. Record yourself reciting a poem you wrote, as if you're performing spoken word in front of a loving audience.
Channel that energy into creating something new. It will leave you feeling a lot more fulfilled than if you had decided to watch another hour of Netflix.
let’s get creative! top 3 tools for generating the first draft
I thought I would share some amazing, trustworthy resources that I turn to when I’m looking to create rather than consume:
Adobe Photoshop.
If I only had to keep one software program on my computer, I would want to keep Photoshop. This program is where I first learned how to edit my DSLR photos in high school, and I still carry those skills with me today as I go through photography edits. For about two years now, I’ve been using Photoshop for design work as well — it’s relatively easy to move objects (i.e., photos) around freely so that you can create your own collages too. Adobe also has an incredible array of fonts, so if you’re into typography, it’s a great way to experiment with a different look and feel of text on images.
Alternatives (free mobile apps):
Photo editing: VSCO
Photo collaging and design: SCRL, Unfold, Layout
Canva.
I discovered Canva during my freshman year of college, and I never looked back. It’s a free resource and an incredibly user-friendly way of introducing someone to design. Over the years, I’ve noticed how much they’ve upgraded their various template designs (with correct dimensions), so that you can really find a good base template for anything you want to create. If you’re new to graphic design and want to start experimenting with color palettes and layouts, I highly recommend Canva!
Journal + pen.
I have my favorites: Moleskine hardcover notebook + Muji 0.38 black gel pen. Journaling is my go-to form of self-care. I tend to be an overthinker, so having a dedicated space for me to scribble my thoughts into more organized notes is extremely therapeutic for me. Even on days when I’m feeling good, I like to turn to my journal to make lists for brainstorming creative projects, or to set personal goals for myself. At the end of the day, when there’s too much clutter on the Internet or my screen, I like to shut down my computer, go analog, and mindfully exercise my hand movements as I handwrite and doodle on the page.
As far as what I consume, there’s quite a lot. But I’m slowly learning for myself what my top sources of healthy inspiration are. I’ll create a curated list soon — for now, I’m feeling ready to watch a good TV show and appreciate the weekend. Happy creating!