When I was a young boy, I could lose myself for hours writing stories and painting pictures. I’d get together with a friend of mine, and we’d draw little silly cartoons together. They were really crappy cartoons, but they were our own, and we had a great time. I grew up, learned more about the world, and abandoned my creative hobbies, because well, what’s the point? There are more important things, right?
Maybe that’s true to some degree, but now, as a successful professional in a non-creative field, as a husband and father, I wish I’d doubled down on my creative hobbies, rather than let go of them. In a way, I’m picking up all kinds of creative activities these days, and I do them pretty much at the level of a 10 year old. Which at times creates a conflict with me ego, because I don’t like sucking at things I do. I want to excel. But more importantly, I realize that what letting my ego get in the way of doing things I enjoy doing was probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life.
So, here, I’ll introduce you to some creative hobbies you might not have thought about, in the hope that something resonates with you and pick up a brush, or a piece of clay, or go to an improv class, or whatever creative outlet might be of interest to you.
Creative hobbies
Let’s do this: Pick a random number between 1 to 30 and then jump to the corresponding hobby. This list of creative hobby ideas isn’t intended to be read from top to bottom. It’s a launchpad for ideas, so you don’t need to go through it in sequential order or read it completely. Sometimes serendipity leads us to the right answer. So what’s the first number on your mind right now? Go there and ponder if that creative hobby could be for you.
Sculpting
Sculpting is a beautiful art form that allows us to explore our innermost emotions and connect with the world around us. We shape our emotions into a work of art that expresses our innermost thoughts. The act of sculpting is meditation: as we focus our energy and direct it towards creating something beautiful.
Each stroke of the chisel is an opportunity to explore our feelings and create something unique. We can take our time and give our emotions a tangible form that conveys our deepest thoughts and feelings. The beauty of sculpting is that it allows us to explore the depths of our emotions, something essentially intangible, through something ultimately material and physical. As we work with the clay or marble, we can feel our passion and excitement come alive. We can feel the energy as we shape the material and learn to express ourselves through the medium. The result is a piece of art that speaks to our soul and captures the essence of our emotions.
It is a creative process that requires intense concentration and dedication. Through sculpting, we can connect with ourselves and the world around us in a beautiful and meaningful way.
Want to learn more? Check out Learn To Sculpt Like A Pro With These 12 Useful Sculpting Tutorials
Bullet journaling
Bullet journaling is a powerful tool for organizing our lives and focus on what matters most. It allows us to focus on the important things in life, and create clarity and order in our thoughts. It helps us to structure our ideas and be more productive, enabling us to achieve more in less time.
Bullet journaling is a creative process that encourages us to be mindful and reflective. We can use our journals to express our feelings, develop our ideas, and create a roadmap for our future.
Want to learn more? Check out What Is a Bullet Journal? (And How to Get Started)
Art journaling
Art journaling is a creative practice that combines art and writing to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It is a way to explore and document our life, your creative journey, our feelings, thoughts, and ideas. You’re neither bound by words nor visuals—instead, you can express and capture your life by any means you like.
It’s a wonderful way of creating a visual representation of your life, to process your experiences creatively.
Art journaling can be done in a variety of ways, including drawing, painting, collage, photography, and writing. It can be done in a sketchbook, on loose paper, or on a canvas.
Want to learn more? Check out The power of a creative journal: why you should make creative journaling part of your practice
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a form of visual storytelling, where you arrange photos, memorabilia and other meaningful items into a work of art that expresses your emotions and memories. It is a creative art form that allows us to bring our own unique perspectives to life.
Scrapbooking is creative because it allows scrapbookers to express their style, creativity and individuality through the use of photos, memorabilia, and other meaningful items. Through the use of card stock, stickers, tape, stamps, and other decorative elements, scrapbookers can create unique layouts, designs and stories that can be cherished for years to come. Scrapbooking is also a great way to preserve memories for generations to come.
Want to learn more? Check out How to Scrapbook: The Ultimate ‘Learning How to Scrapbook for Beginners’
Origami
Origami is a form a Japanese paper folding, but more than that, it’s a metaphor for life. It teaches us how to transform a simple sheet of paper into something beautiful, inspiring and meaningful.
We can learn how to make something from nothing and how to create something with patience and skill. It is a reminder that although life may seem complex and difficult, with the right approach, we can create something beautiful out of it.
Want to learn more? Check out Easy Origami For Beginners
Creative writing
Creative writing is like a journey, an exciting adventure that takes you to places you never knew existed. It is a way of expressing yourself, of discovering and exploring the depths of your soul. Creative writing is an act of courage, a search for identity, an exploration of the innermost depths of one’s being.”
Through creative writing, you can share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the world in a unique and powerful way, and be transported to a world of imagination and creativity. But first and foremost, you interpret the world on a more granular level—you see what is, what appears to be, and what could be.
Creative writing is a way of creating something beautiful out of nothing, of telling a story that will touch the hearts of readers and bring them on a journey of discovery. It is a way of finding yourself, of embracing life and exploring the unknown, and of expressing what you feel in a way that will be understood and appreciated. Creative writing is more than just words on a page; it is an expression of the soul and an exploration of the depths of your being.
Want to learn more? Check out 18 Strategies to Build a Winning Writing Habit
Woodworking
Creative woodworking is an art form that is both beautiful and powerful. It is a craft that requires skill, patience, and imagination. With each stroke of the saw, with each tap of the hammer, a piece of wood is transformed into something unique and meaningful.
Creative woodworking is a process of discovery. Crafting a piece of furniture, a sculpture, or any other item of artistic expression requires an understanding of the material and the creative side of the maker. You must take the time to appreciate the beauty of the grain and the strength of the wood, the subtle nuances of each cut and join, the harmony of the design.
The creative woodworker is like an artist. He or she must be able to envision the end result before any work is done. The woodworker must also be able to convey his or her vision to the wood, patiently coaxing it into the desired shape. You must have an intimate understanding of the material, and be able to bring out its unique qualities while remaining true to the original design. It is a process of exploration, of trial and error, of taking risks and learning from mistakes.
With each successful piece, the woodworker grows in skill and experience, feeling a connection to the material, and creating something that will last for years to come.
Creative woodworking is a gift that can be shared. It is an act of love, a way of connecting to the natural world around us—each piece of wood is a gift from nature. With each project, the woodworker is able to bring beauty and joy into the lives of others. The creative woodworker is a master of his craft, a source of inspiration and a testament to the power of the human spirit. There are highly specialized forms of woodworking, some craft, like Japanese joinery (see these meditative woodworking videos by Dorian Bracht), some art.
And it’s a new hobby that can be picked up later in life. In fact, I know a man who started to work a bit with wood in his mid-30’s, without any prior experience or knowledge. He became increasingly passionate about woodworking, watched YouTube videos, and read up on the craft on free websites. Eventually he started to sell some of his pieces to friends and acquaintances. Now, it’s his full-time profession, he’s making a great living with it, and his clientel are Michellin-star restaurants, luxury hotels, and high-networth individuals and collectors. You can see some of his work here.
Want to learn more? Check out Woodworking 101: A Beginners Guide to Getting Started
Ceramics
Ceramics (or pottery) can be a wonderfully creative and satisfying hobby. With clay, you can shape and form objects that can be as wild and original as your own imagination.
You can craft and sculpt pieces that are unique and beautiful, creating works of art that are both practical and pleasing to the eye. One of my favorite things about ceramics is that they are art which is actually used in daily life: a cup of tea you sip from, a bowl you pour soup into, a vase you put flowers into to brighten up your home. It’s art that lives with you.
Ceramics is a craft that requires patience and skill, and the possibilities are endless. With a little practice and dedication, you can create pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Want to learn more? Check out 12 Top Tips to Start a Pottery Hobby – A Beginners Guide
Watercoloring
Watercoloring is a beautiful form of creative expression that is like a magical dance between the paintbrush and the paper. It is a way of connecting to the soul and allowing its energy to flow through. Watercoloring is a journey of exploration, as the colors blend and mix together to create something new and beautiful. Every stroke of the brush is like a new revelation, as the pigments and textures are revealed in the painting.
One of the things I love about watercoloring is that it’s so accessible. I painted a lot with watercolors when I was a kid, and somehow working with it brings back the lightheartedness of childhood for me. But when you actually begin to familiarize yourself with proper watercoloring techniques, you’ll be surprised by what’s possible.
With each brushstroke, the artist discovers new possibilities and new ways of expressing their emotions and ideas. Watercoloring is a beautiful way to explore the world around us and to express our innermost feelings in a creative, unique way. It is an act of discovery and an act of self-expression that has the power to bring beauty and joy to our lives.
Want to learn more? Check out Painting with Watercolors for Beginners
Hand lettering
Hand lettering is a creative expression whereby one’s own hand, guided by brush and pen, can script beautiful and unique letters that tell stories and capture moments.
With a few strokes and flourishes, you can bring your words to life, create logos and illustrations that speak to the soul, and add a special touch of personality to any work. It is a blend of skill and imagination, a way of expressing oneself through the art of writing.
You can think of it as a dance between your brush and paper, a swirl of imagination and skill that makes your words come alive. It’s different from calligraphy, in that hand lettering is more illustrative, more about the look of the characters, whereas calligraphy is essentially writing very beautifully.
Want to learn more? Check out The Ultimate Hand Lettering Guide For Beginners (+FREE Worksheets)
Graphic design
Graphic design is a unique and beautiful form of art that is often thought of only as a profession, but it can be a fulfilling creative hobby too. (And the fact that you can indeed make some extra income with it pretty easily can be a plus too, especially with the state of the economy nowadays.)
Graphic designers are the modern day storytellers. They take abstract ideas and turn them into beautiful visuals that communicate a message to the world.
It’s a form of communication that speaks to us visually, helping us to communicate our feelings, thoughts, and ideas in a way that words cannot. In graphic design, technical ability, creativity, and imagination are key. By combining colors, shapes, and images, designers can create a powerful visual narrative that can convey meaning and emotion. When used effectively, these elements can create a strong impact and evoke strong emotions in the viewer.
It is a way of creating art that engages the mind, and it has the power to touch people in powerful ways. Graphic design is an incredible art form that has the potential to change the way we think and perceive the world. It can bring life to ideas, evoke emotion, and inspire us to think differently. It is a unique form of expression, and a skill that can be used to create something truly beautiful.
Want to learn more? Check out Learning Graphic Design: 9 Easy First Steps For Beginners
AI + digital art
Your creative hobby doesn’t have to be analogue. AI is a emerging field that empowers creatives to do things that weren’t possible in the past. Play around with artificial-intelligence-powered image generators like Dall-E, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion or others.
Here’s some digital art I created with Dall-E. Is it great art? No. Will it ever hang on a wall in some gallery? No. But it’s a simple way to quickstart ideas and brainstorm, and I wouldn’t be able to create something like this without the use of AI unless I spend a couple of weeks learning image editing tools like Photoshop.
The best creative hobbies are the ones that you enjoy working with, and many times what keeps us from doing something creative is the high barrier to entry. It’s really not easy to sculpt a face out of clay. But it’s very easy to play around with some text prompts in an AI tool and see what happens. You can view this as a starting point for your creative journey.
Want to learn more? Check out Beginners Guide to Creating Your Own Digital Art Setup
Home decor
Home decor isn’t just about making a space look nice; it’s about creating a feeling of comfort and warmth. It’s about creating the energy of a place where someone lives. It sets the vibe.
Walk into a home that has been decorated with care, and it changes how you feel. The colors, textures, and objects in the home come together to tell a story.
No matter what style of decor you choose for your home, make sure to fill it with items that bring you joy and peace. Let your home be a reflection of your personality and the things that make you unique. When you come home, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your home and the love that you have created there.
Want to learn more? Check A beginner’s guide to decorating your home
Soap making
Soap making is a fun creative hobby that’s both sensual and can be shared with others.
It is a form of meditation, of putting one’s heart and soul into something that will bring joy and pleasure to another. It is the perfect way to show love and appreciation. Every soap made is a unique work of art, a combination of colors, shapes, scents and textures.
There are different ways of making soaps: melt and pour (where you take premade soap and add your own fragrance to it), cold process (where you make soap from scratch using oil and lye), hot process (similar to cold process, but you also cook the soap), and rebatching (where you grind up already-made soap and then reblend it into new soap).
It is a way of bringing together the best of nature and human creativity, of transforming something simple into something extravagant, giving a gift that will bring smiles to the faces of others.
Want to learn more? Check out Beginner’s Guide to Soapmaking: Cold Process
Calligraphy
What I love most about creative calligraphy is that the polarity at its core: you’re restricted to the 26 letters of the alphabet, that’s really all you got to work with—and yet, the possibilities are endless.
Through calligraphy, you infuse each letter, word, and sentence with emotion and deeper meaning, you give it a special resonance.
Through calligraphy, we can express our feelings and thoughts without the need to speak them out loud.
Calligraphy is an act of liberation, a way of letting go of all inhibitions and finally expressing ourselves in a way that is unique and beautiful. It can be an incredibly powerful form of communicating a message. A handwritten thank you note in beautiful handwriting will leave a lasting impression.
Want to learn more? Check out How to Learn Calligraphy: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Candle making
Candle making is a beautiful creative hobby that can bring light and warmth to you life. When you make candles, you bring together the elements of fire, water and wax to create something unique.
The process of making candles is both calming and inspiring. You take the time to mix the ingredients together, add color, scent and shapes. You form the candles into beautiful works of art, and there’s always an element of serendipity to it. The process of pouring the wax and the scent of the candles that fill your home are simply magical.
In the end, you have created something that can be lit and enjoyed, and that makes for wonderful gifts.
Want to learn more? Check out Candle Making for Beginners
Flower arranging
Creative flower arranging is an art form that speaks to the soul and captures the beauty of nature. It is a journey of exploration, an invitation to explore the vibrant colors, the variety of textures, and the delicate aromas of the blooming flowers. It is a gesture of love, an affirmation of life and a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us.
The creative flower arranger is a storyteller, one who paints a picture with a bouquet of blooms. With a single bloom, the arranger invites us to appreciate the unique beauty of each flower and the powerful emotions that it conveys. With every arrangement, the arranger expresses a unique vision, a living artwork of beauty and creativity.
Creative flower arranging is a creative expression of joy and beauty, an invitation to explore the beauty of nature, and a reminder to appreciate the simple beauty in our lives. It is an act of love and an ode to life, and it’s transient beauty is a wise reminder to cherish every moment.
Want to learn more? Check out A Beginner’s Guide to Flower Arranging
Crocheting
Crocheting, like so many creative hobbies, encompasses both skill and passion. It requires a special kind of dedication and patience to crochet something truly unique. Every stitch is an act of creation and when the work is done, the result is an expression of the maker’s soul.
When crocheting, one’s hands become a part of the process, and for many the movements are both physical and spiritual, like a form of meditation that brings peace and joy. The yarn, the colors, and the texture of the fabric come alive in the hands of the maker.
Want to learn more? Check out How to Crochet for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Cross-stitching
Cross-stitching is a patient labor of love that requires skill, concentration and the ability to observe beauty in the details. It is a meditation, an exercise in patience, and a journey of discovery, a way of creating something beautiful with our hands.
In cross-stitching, every stitch is a brush stroke and every color is a brush of paint.
It is a way of creating a beautiful design that can reflect our innermost thoughts and emotions.
With cross-stitching, we can tell a story, bring a picture to life in a tactile way, or just create something that brings joy. As the thread passes through the fabric and the design slowly takes shape, the heart is filled with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Cross-stitching is a way of expressing ourselves creatively and it is a process of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. It is a way of connecting with our innermost self and finding peace and calm in a world that seems to rush by faster and faster.
Want to learn more? Check out A beginner’s guide to cross stitch
Quilting
Quilting is a craft that speaks to the heart and calms the mind. It is a way of transforming fabric and thread into a patchwork of stories and memories. Each stitch is an act of love, of patience, of dedication. The quilter takes the time to craft something unique and meaningful, a piece that captures the beauty of life and all its life-giving moments. Quilting is a craft that brings joy to the heart and warmth to the soul. It is a way of connecting to the past, of preserving a piece of history.
A quilt speaks to the inherent beauty of life, to the small moments that bring us joy and comfort. It is a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the mundane and everyday. Quilting is an expression of love, a way to pass on stories and memories from one generation to the next. It is an act of faith, of believing that the future will be brighter and more beautiful than the present. Quilting is a way to create something that is both meaningful and lasting, a reminder of the beauty of life and the joy of creating something with your own hands.
Want to learn more? Check out How to Make a Quilt: Project for Beginners
Nail art
Nail art is a celebration of beauty and creativity. It can be an artistic outlet for expressing one’s personality and showing off the colors and designs that represent them. It is a way of beautifying the fingertips and expressing one’s style.
For many, nail art is more than decorative, more than just fashion. It’s taking a break from the mundane and embracing something vibrant and colorful. It is a way of showing that beauty can be found in the smallest and most unexpected places.
It is a way of expressing the beauty that exists within us, the beauty that can be found in the smallest details. Nail art is an expression of creativity and freedom, of passion and artistry. It is a way of expressing our beauty and our individuality, of allowing our soul to take flight and explore the depths of our imagination. It is a way of embracing the beauty of life and expressing our heartfelt emotion through the art of nail art.
Want to learn more? Check out 25 Amazing Nail Art Designs For Beginners
Acrylic painting
Painting with acrylics is a beautiful and rewarding experience. Painting with acrylics is an expression of the soul, an exploration of the heart, and a journey of the spirit.
I brought my daughter to a workshop where we painted Van Gogh’s Starry Night together. It was surprisingly easy, and within four hours we both had a nice looking painting that now adorns our walls, but more importantly, we shared the creative experience together.
The colors and textures you choose to use bring to life your thoughts and feelings and reflect how you see the world. I can use the brush to create images that evoke emotion, to create landscapes that transport me to another world. The possibilities are endless. The colors are vibrant and the edges are sharp. I can create a traditional painting or something more abstract. I can mix colors to create new shades and textures, to bring something unique and special to each painting.
The process of creating a painting with acrylics is a fun and personal experience. You can explore and experiment, to create something that is uniquely your own.
Want to learn more? Check out 25 Simple Acrylic Painting Tips (For Beginners)
Adult coloring books
Coloring books for adults gained in popularity in 2015, and I’m not surprised: as our lives speed by faster and we spend more and more time staring at screens, there’s something calming about something as simple as coloring on paper. It brings back the feeling of simplicity many of us left behind in childhood.
It is an activity that can help us to relax and explore our inner creativity. It allows us to tap into our inner artist, to explore the vibrant colors and intricate designs that can be found within a single page. We can use our imagination to draw out the shapes and patterns that can bring us a sense of peace and tranquility.
Coloring books are a way for us to take a break from the mundane and to reconnect with our inner child. We can express our feelings in the colors we choose. It is a wonderful way to allow our minds to wander.
Want to learn more? Check out Free Printable Adult Coloring Pages
Card-making
If you’ve ever received a handmade card that was personalized for you, then you probably know how much of an impact it can make on you. And as a card-maker, you get to make that impact on others.
You select a theme, choose materials, pick colors, write the message, come up with the imagery… Card making can be a very satisfying and fun hobby that enables you to create something beautiful.
What’s more, card-making is always evolving, and there’s a large online community where new ideas and techniques get shared all the time, and there are many cardmaking tutorials that walk you through the process of creating more complex card step-by-step.
The possibilities are endless, and there is something special about creating a piece of art that can be shared with others to express how you feel towards them. With a little imagination and creativity, you can create cards that are represent your unique talents and views.
Want to learn more? Check out Card Making Tips and Tricks That Every Card Maker Should Know
Doodling
Doodling can be a fun, lighthearted distraction, but it can also be much more than that: a way to unleash hidden potential, discover creativity, and open the path to self-expression. It can be a form of meditation, a practice of presence. You create something without a vision in mind, and instead see what emerges out of the act of creation.
Doodling is an invitation to the imagination.It can free ourselves from the boundaries of everyday life and enter a world of our own creation. As we doodle, we create a map of our inner world, a place of exploration and discovery. We can express our thoughts, our passions, our hopes, and our dreams, to let go of the mundane and focus on the beauty that lies within us. It is a way to unlock our creativity and to find joy in the simple pleasure of creating something unique.
Doodling can bring a sense of calm as you express yourself without words. Doodling can be a form of therapy, you can use it as a way to process difficult emotions.
Want to learn more? Check out Doodling 101: What Is Doodle Art?
Jewelry making
Jewelry making is an art form that has been around for thousands of years, and yes, you can absolutely do it as a hobby. In fact, making jewelry at home has never been as easy as it is now, and you don’t need expensive equipment to get started.
You’ll always remember and cherish the first piece of jewelry you make yourself. A piece of jewelry tells a story and reflects your personality. It’s a connection between the exterior world and your inner self, and a powerful form of self-expression.
Many jewelry-makers find it to be a form of meditation that allows them to find a deeper level of peace, and to explore my own sense of creativity and imagination. You get to feel a special kind of connection to the materials you’re working with, the energy of the stones and metals. For some, it even has a spiritual quality to it.
Want to learn more? Check out Jewelry Making Guides for Beginners
Macrame
Macrame is a captivating art form that fuses together the beauty of nature with the intricacies of the human hand. It is a craft that allows us to express our creativity in tangible form. You can create wall-hangings, bags, plant-hangers, and more.
One of the beautiful things about macrame is that it takes basically only three kinds of knots to make pretty much anything you want with macrame. Out of three, the many unfold.
By combining knots and cords, you can create unique sculptures and designs that reflect your feelings and emotions.
Through macrame, we can bring beauty and harmony into our lives, and connect with the world around us. It is a craft that can bring peace and joy to the soul and express one’s creativity.
Want to learn more? Check out Macrame for Beginners
Miniatures
Miniatures are small-scale replicas of people, objects, or scenes. They are usually crafted with intricate details and often used in art and photography, but they can also just make for a fun hobby.
On the other end of the spectrum you have professional miniature artists like Tatsuya Tanaka, who creates unique and whimsical scenes using everyday objects. His miniature works are incredibly detailed and cleverly put together, making them a joy to look at.
The easiest way to get started is by ordering a miniature set and watching some tutorials on miniature making.
Want to learn more? Check out How To Make Miniatures
Terrariums
Terrariums are an imaginative and creative way to bring nature into your home, and create a living world of your own. They are miniature ecosystems that can be crafted and nurtured to create a unique and beautiful environment.
By selecting plants and other elements that fit your aesthetic, you can create a living piece of art that is both calming and captivating.
Terrariums are a great way to express your creativity, while also learning more about the natural world around you. With a little love and care, you can create a miniature paradise in your own home.
Want to learn more? Check out How To Make A Terrarium
Make music
Playing a musical instrument comes with a steep learning curve, and if you’ve never done so, it might seem like an overwhelming task. But there are even simpler ways to make music nowadays—there’s music making software and equipment for all levels, and it’s pretty easy to create your own song if you use the right technology.
That said—actually learning to play a musical instrument is a rewarding experience as well. Learning to play the guitar or piano isn’t that hard with the right guidance or program. This is a wide field, so there are tons of resources available depending on where you want to take things. If you have a MacBook, GarageBand is a surprisingly powerful music app you can use for free.
Want to learn more? Check out The Best Free Music Production Software for Beginners
Why pursue creative hobbies?
Pursuing a creative hobby can be incredibly rewarding. It can be a great form of self-expression, a way to relax and de-stress, and a way to develop new skills and build confidence. Creative hobbies can also help to boost mental health, build relationships and foster a sense of accomplishment.
What’s more, you can even make money with your art if you wish to do so by selling it on markets, Facebook, Instagram, or dedicated online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Handmade. Or you can create wonderful presents for your loved ones that they will (hopefully) cherish for many years to come.
But most of all, we’re living in a time with so much potential for creative expression—you can find DIY tutorials all over the web (YouTube is a huge treasure chest to take your artistic know-how to the next level).
Lastly, it can be a great way to add new dimensions to your life and explore your creative potential.
Don’t have time for creative hobbies?
You might be busy. I sure know I am. There’s a never-ending to-do list at work and at home, I want to exercise, I want to spend quality times with friends and loved ones, my life is full of responsibilities, as a father, as a husband, as a son to elderly parents, as a friend. So I get the problem of not having enough free time.
But the truth is that you don’t need a ton of time. Have you watched a movie this month? Or a show on Netflix? Have you read a book? Played a game? Spent time on social media? There you go, all of that is time you could easily allocate towards a great creative hobby.
Here’s three important things we should remind ourselves of:
- It doesn’t require that much time. You can start simply dabbling around with something for 30 minutes and make it a fun hobby.
- Ultimately in life, you need to make time for what matters.
- You can probably interweave a creative hobby in something you’re already doing. An example of this from my own life is by responsibilities as a father. I can simply engage in a creative activity with my daughter, and there I am, spending time with my daughter while also engaging creatively.
You have one life, and creativity is a big part of what makes you you. Like legendary music producer Rick Rubin said: Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It’s our birthright.
Yes, you might actually not be able to carve out enough time right now in your life to become really good at painting. Maybe all you can do is buy some acrylic colors and some sheets of paper, and create something that looks more like the painting of a 10-year old. But that’s ok. You don’t have to create great art from the start. In fact, you can’t. You can work your way towards it, whatever your art is. And it starts simply with you beginning. Start today, and see where it leads you. Remember that the best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, but the second best time is right now.
What are you gonna do?
Which artistic hobby are you going to pick? I encourage you to make your choice right now and actually get started creating, even if you think you’re not ready for it yet. The magic really is in the doing, and it’s a fun way to figure out what resonates with you. Let your prolific practice guide you towards your innate talents. Even if you pick up a new creative hobby that you give up on after a few weeks, it can often steer you towards another, more lasting passion, or equip you with skills that come in handy in other pursuits.