CREATIVE CALM CHALLENGE 2024

I feel like I've tried it all at this point. Journalling felt more stressful than helpful, visual journalling a burden and Morning Pages felt like a chore.
Even though my job is very creative, the creative itch is still there. In Japanese 'Uzu uzu' (the onomatopaeic way of explaining the anticipatory itch of wanting to do something) best describes how I feel when I get stuck in the day-to-day of my business or take a holiday with no creative outlets. I've been this way since forever, and I now recognise the signs. This year I'm going to do something about it... Join me?

What is The Creative Calm Challenge?
Creativity for creativity's sake is what I've been missing lately, allowing myself the time to try new things, experiment and get into the creative flow to see where it goes. The Creative Calm Challenge is a way to unleash your own creativity by taking a few minutes to create something new, unexpected and have FUN! Something outside of what you regularly do or create.

Why did you start the challenge?
My whole job relies on finding the next creative idea. I have lots of those...so many in fact that sometimes it's hard to know which direction to go in! This challenge will help my brain slow down, make sense of the day ahead and will serve as a transition from home to work life. It will also be so much fun getting my hands dirty and thinking about nothing other than the work in front of me.

Who's the challenge for?
You don't have to be a 'Creative' to be creative. Anyone can pick up a pen and doodle, write some meaningful words to express your feelings or take a photograph.
Anyone can join in this challenge, regardless of your chosen media or job. You could create paintings, prints, drawings, illustrations, lithographs, film, music, sculptures, short stories, poems, wearable art, clothing, embroidery...anything you want to have a go at that is a bit of a departure from what you usually do.

How often do I need to create?
In this challenge there's no prompt for each day...that can get overwhelming fast (and we don't want anyone feeling left behind). Create as often as you want, for as long as you want...your rules. Buuuuut, setting aside a time and space to create will have more impact on how you feel in the long run. The more often you take a few creative moments, the more calm and relaxed you'll feel. Pinky promise.

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Getting stuck in a rut is no fun at all. Allowing yourself to get into the creative flow will help you feel relaxed, clear your mind and be ready to tackle anything. 'Failure' is just a bit of data you didn't have before and just means you learned something new. Celebrate your mishaps.
Let go of all judgement (from yourself and others). Nobody needs to see what you create. This is for you.

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'Regularly' for you is not necessarily the same for me. My personal goal is take some creative moments every day I'm in my studio before I start work. For you it could be weekly, daily, several times a day or even one day a month. It could be during your lunch break, or after your kids go to bed. The key is to committing to doing the creative stuff, setting aside some time for it and then protecting it from other distractions.

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I have a cupboard full of amazing art materials I haven't touched in years. This doesn't sit well with my 'mottainai' ethos, so it's time to embrace what I have and use it up.
Today is the day to start using the good supplies, that special sketchbook you squirreled away for a rainy day. From now on, everyday is a rainy day.

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Always wanted to have a go at print-making? Give it a go! Want to take creative photos? Nothing to stop you. Painting? Jump on in!
Who's watching? Who even cares?  Who is actually stopping you?
You don't have to buy professional materials, amazing creations have been made with junk materials and dollar store supplies.

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Sharing your creative work can feel really scary at first, but it's the most exhilarating thing you can do. Feeling like you're on a journey with other voyagers of creative discovery can help keep up your momentum too.
If you're brave enough to share, please tag me @bikudesigns on Instagram and use the challenge hashtag so others can find you. #CreativeCalmChallenge

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Join me over on Instagram @bikudesigns and share your creative activities by tagging #CreativeCalmChallenge
Some ideas of things to share:

• Work in progress shots
• A line up of today's materials
• A detail shot of something
• Your work space
• A photo of you working on something
• Your favourite (tool, material, paintbrush, fabric, paper)
• Mess/ organised space
• Before/ After
• Sketchbook flip-through

Good luck and enjoy your calmly creative moments,
Victoria x

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