Resources for a Creative Habit
I started intentionally building a creative habit in 2020. The shift happened when I decided I wanted to make art at a professional level. I knew that professional artists play in sketchbooks and are dedicated to the practice, so I began trying to build a habit.
In the four+ years since, I have continued to struggle to build a consistent sketchbook practice, though I have found lots of traction and made lots of work. You can explore some of my sketchbooks by clicking on:
This blog post on sketchbooking
Or this video sketchbook tour
My progress has been incremental, but I am dedicated. And I have also started new life habits (with exercise and meditation), and one new creative habit. I am journaling almost daily, much to my own surprise. I think building a creative habit might be a lifelong pursuit. While difficult, this journey is proving to be most rewarding.
The best stuff in life is worth sharing, so I’ll have another sketchbook update for you soon. But I also wanted to share a LIST of all the things I use to encourage myself to continue pursuing my creative habits. Check it out below.
-Liz
The List
Below I have linked to several books that have supported me in building my creative habits. But I will be adding many more resources on this page including:
Links to sketchbooks of artists I admire for your enjoyment
Podcasts that encourage creative practice
YouTube videos
Links to online classes
A Video to Encourage You
Isolation is the dream-killer, not your attitude | Barbara Sher
Books
I am not a good reader, but I do love devouring information and learning. SO, I have become an avid audio book listener. My favorite app on my phone is the Libby app where I reserve and listen to books from my local library (THANK YOU, LIBRARY). There are several books that have made a significant impact on my life in terms of pursing my goals and leading a meaningful life as an artist. They are listed below.
And please note, if you are not a reader, I encourage you to simply do an internet search on the titles listed below. Instead of streaming TV in the evening or listening to music on your commute, you can listen to an interview with an author or watch a TedTalk or interview that highlights the content below. There are many CliffsNotes ways of digesting the goods in the books below. Try a few and pursue what is meaningful and enjoyable.
-Liz
2 impactful books about habit formation and creating systems to pursue a life of meaning
This book is an annual re-listen (I check the audiobook out from my library). I find it really encouraging because the author focuses on building systems and small changes as the path to success. It always helps me make improvements.
Debbie Millman podcast interview with James Clear about his book
Essentialism, the Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown
4 books with specific tactics, anecdotes, and encouragements for artists:
The Creative Habit, Learn it and Use it for Life, by Twyla Tharp
This is one title I reread often. It is full of helpful exercises. It is also written by a dancer and choreographer - so built upon a lifetime of practice real experience
The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Ruben
I own this audio book and have listened to it twice, and I plan on returning to it annually. This is the best place to start if you find yourself questioning whether you are creative
The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
Read this if you want to clear your mind to make a creative practice more feasible AND/OR if you want to start journaling
The War of Art, by Stephen Pressfield
This is all about navigating the internal challenges you face when trying to do something difficult, especially making art