That Can Boost Creativity and Happiness
Art is something that is universal. Art comes in many forms and speaks differently to different people. Yet, it’s emerged in every culture since the beginning of time, essentially. Even nature is artistic and creative in its own way. Art can also be extremely cathartic for individuals. It can open up our minds, and introduce us to a way of thinking that would otherwise be lost on us. Not only that, but art can be therapeutic and open us up emotionally and mentally. Art is very powerful; it brings us together, shapes and drives societal movements, and provides a sense of home to so many people. Artists come in all shapes, sizes, and forms as well. In fact, it’s arguable that there’s actually an artist living inside each and every one of us. It’s just whether or not we’re willing to communicate with them, feed and nurture them, and bring them to the surface to let their creativity shine.
The thing about art and creativity that working artists understand is that it’s an energy, almost a living force. In order to embrace our inner artist, we must first allow ourselves to be an artist.
“In order to thrive as artists – and, one could argue, as people – we need to be available to the universal flow. When we put a stopper on our capacity for joy by anorectically declining the small gifts of life, we turn aside the larger gifts as well.”
– Julia Cameron, Artist and Creator of The Artist’s Way –
The Wonderful World of Writing
Writing is one of the most diverse art forms that exists. There are a plethora of mediums, styles, genres, and platforms over which authors can write and produce their work. For instance, poetry is a niche writing market that only appeals to a limited audience. However, the poets that are able to make a name for themselves speak to this audience and are able to make a very comfortable living for themselves. Poetry is a special form of writing, and even within the world of poetry there is a myriad of formats and styles. A haiku is an ancient form of poetry that is still highly relevant today, while spoken word is significantly newer, but holds just as powerful a role in our society.
“See the misconception here is that we’re actually all poets. It’s just some actually pursue the art so stubbornly that someone finally says, well okay fine, we’ll publish you. But in my heart-of-hearts, I think we’re all poets, honestly.”
– Adam Bém, Co-Founder and COO, Victoria VR –
There are a ton of other styles and genres of writing, too, which make it an excellent artform to explore for someone looking for the art that calls to them most powerfully. There are novelists, screen-writers, documentary developers, research paper authors, lifestyle bloggers, marketing and ad-copy writers, journalists, biographers, and so many more versions of authors that exist, there’s a type of writing for just about anyone. The world-building, storytelling, and attention to detail needed in strong writing all work together to develop and boost one’s creative ability.
“We started treating every single one of our marketing campaigns as if we were telling a story. We tried to almost make it like we were writing a movie for our audience. The results speak for themselves. Engagement was up, conversions went up, clicks went up. We haven’t looked back since, and it’s all thanks to the talented writers we’ve brought on board.”
– Ann McFerran, CEO, Glamnetic –
Drawing, Painting, and Photography
Visual art forms are just as plentiful in number as the written ones and can be just as cathartic. After all, they say that a picture is worth 1000 words. This could very well be the case for you, too. There are plenty of learning and instructional tools out there to help a new artist who wants to get into drawing, painting, or photography as a hobby. Just like with any other art form, finding the right inspiration, the right muse if you will, can be extremely helpful in choosing the artform that’s right for you.
“I love to draw when I’m trying to think through a problem I’ve been stuck on. Instead of dwelling on it and turning it over in my head, again and again, I’ll just pull out a notepad and start doodling. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re bad, but typically – they help me get out of my mind for long enough that a solution presents itself.”
– Phillip Akhzar, CEO, Arka –
If you don’t think drawing or painting is for you, perhaps you’d be better served behind the camera, capturing real-life moments. Photography can be just as artistic and cathartic as any of the other art forms listed here. Not only that, but there are very real avenues through which photographers can make money. Wedding photography, high-school portraits, prom pictures, nature pictures, and so much more.
“I just do it for myself, but I love taking my camera out into the mountains. I’ll just go out there for a weekend with a few different lenses and play around with all the sites and colors. It’s a lot of fun and just kind of helps me reset mentally.”
– Ubaldo Perez, CEO, Hush Anesthetics –
The Performing Arts
Some people need the presence of an audience to really feed their creative soul and inner artist. Enter stage right, the performing arts. These are the arts that include live theater, film and TV, improv-comedy, stand-up, dance, music, and others. Even spoken word poetry can be considered both poetry and a performing art.
The craft of entering a character and understanding them fully, both emotionally and mentally, is a very specific skill that actors train in for years. Bringing a story to life on the stage or screen can be extremely cathartic.
“Before I got involved with all of this, I used to dream of being a film director. Maybe one day, in a second-career or something. But there’s just something about storytelling in that capacity. I’ve always been a huge fan of film.”
– Lina Miranda, VP Marketing, AdQuick –
The theater, film, and TV industries are not easy ones to break into on a professional level. However, there’s a whole new generation of independent videographers who have various platforms available to them thanks to the internet. YouTubers and TikTokers represent a very real segment of market influencers.
“It’s amazing how much revenue a ‘professional’ YouTube videographer can pull in. The world of film and video creation is rapidly changing. Who knows what the market will look like in the next 5-10 years? I mean, consider the number of streaming services there are. Now think about a decade ago. See what I mean?”
– Lyudmyla Dobrynina, Head of Marketing North America, Optimeal –
Making Movement Into Art
Dance and other forms of movement are certainly included within the realm of performing arts. However, they’re also artforms in and of themselves that deserve individual recognition. There are a wide variety of dance forms and different dances speak to different people. From swing-dancing to hip-hop to ballroom dance, the art of dancing is both diverse and beautiful.
“I don’t care who you are, bad dancer, good dancer, doesn’t matter. Everyone loves to dance. They just have to be in the right mood and find the right rhythm. Although sometimes you don’t even have to be in the right mood, dancing will just bring it out of you naturally.”
– Lindsay Malu Kido, CEO, Empower Pleasure –
There are other movement-based artforms too. Professional sports can sort of be considered an art form, as can gymnastics in the right context, and even weight-lifting. If moving is what speaks to you, then keep getting your sweat on.
“I try my absolute hardest not to skip workouts throughout the week. I just feel so much better when I’m moving consistently. I notice a difference in my energy levels, too.”
– Theresia Le Battistini, CEO & Founder, Fashion League –
Graphic Design, Animation, and the Virtual Arts
In today’s day and age of information and technology, there are a plethora of virtual arts that can be explored, too. If nothing else on the list hits you in the heart, maybe these will. There can be a bit of a steep learning curve when it comes to graphic design and animation, but for some people, this is the exact right art that they need.
“I love making little animated videos in my free time. I’m never going to work for Pixar or anything like that, but I can just immerse myself in a different world for a little bit, and kind of, I don’t know, just escape. It’s peaceful in the animation studio.”
– Charles Tichenor IV, Founder, Facebook Disrupter –
In the same vein as escapism, video games can also offer a platform on which individuals can be creative and think outside the box.
“Every now and again I’ll take a weekend off and just kind of lose myself in a game. It’s just a good way for me to turn off the work part of my brain and train the more creative side.”
– Tony Staehelin, CEO, Benable –
Wrapping up on Artistic Endeavors and Outlets
Art is universally accessible, yet precisely individual. Finding the right art form for you may take some trial and error, but is well worth the pursuit.
“Creating art relieves stress, encourages creative thinking, increases brain plasticity, and imparts other mental health benefits. And anyone can do art.”
– Deane Alban, Author, Health Specialist –
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