As the months are turning into years (well, I suppose we’re only just getting into our second year of this pandemic), staying creative during Covid does have its challenges. I admit that there are days when I don’t feel much like summoning the energy to do anything remotely creative. In fact, I feel a little like this:
But, then I slap some cold water on my face, put on my running shoes and head outside into the fresh air. After a run around the reservoir in the bracing cold air and sunshine, my perspective has usually shifted and I find I’ve dreamed up some new ways of…
Staying Creative During Covid
In addition to drawing daily – either in my Moleskine notebook (or, these days in the Start with A Scribble workbook) – I also keep challenging myself to think up limericks to illustrate. Starting with a limerick is a bit like coming up with a gag for a single panel gag cartoon. Once you’ve figured out what you want to say, the drawing part almost takes care of itself.
Even so, I still learn from each and every drawing I do. (If I could “do undo” in the illustration below, I would redraw the pattern on the peanuts so they’re less argyle and more ladder-like. What was I thinking?!):
Other times, the creative inspiration for my illustrations comes from an existing object that I’ve found lying around our apartment. Incorporating the “found object” into a drawing is a fun way to shake up my normal process as well:
And when all else fails…
Simply giving myself permission to be silly and let my pen “do the thinking,” will do the trick, too. I suppose you could say these are the demons in my mental closet:
How about you? How are you keeping creative during Covid? I’d love to hear, so let me know in the comments below!
Umm, not doing a great job of staying creative at the moment. When i finally do come up with something new, you’ll be the first to know!
Well, that’s ok, my dear. Sometimes a lull in creativity brings on a frenzy of new ideas and projects later. Besides, it’s the weekend. And even though every day sort of feels like Sunday in this pandemic, I find it helpful to still have a weekly day of sloth (oops, I mean “rest.”) 🙂
xox – Joana
You do not have a problem being creative! I love mr. syncop-ant xoxo
Thank you, Mm! Yes, I guess I got the creative gene from my parental units.;-) It’s definitely in my DNA because I don’t feel complete unless I’m making something!
xox – J
Thanks for your inspiration. I’m new to drawing and your work has been a huge help and fun to recreate your whimsical characters. Keep up the great work.
Hi Itching for Hitching,
Thanks so much for your nice comment! If you ever have any specific questions related to drawing/art supplies, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always happy to help. 🙂 With all best wishes, Joana
Thanks Joana.