Summer Sketchbook Un-Slump

WEEK 0
BEFORE WE BEGIN…
 
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Welcome to the Summer Sketchbook Un-Slump! I'm so happy to have you here and hope these upcoming weeks will help you feel creative and inspired! Week 1 begins July 8th but before we officially start, I wanted to go over a few things so we'll be ready to go! This will be the longest email I'll send but I wanted to include all these details because it'll help make this experience smoother, easier, and ultimately more fun! 
 
Below you'll find: what to expect, a note about the prompts, 3 things to prepare, and a warm-up exercise!

WHAT TO EXPECT
  • Each week's prompt email will be sent on Friday mornings (PST).
  • Each week's check-in email w/follow-up content will be sent on Wednesdays.
  • There will be 5 weeks of prompts and an email after that to wrap things up.
  • If you have any questions or would like to share, hit reply.
  • There is NO pressure at all to post but if you'll be sharing on Instagram, please use #ssus2022 and tag me so I see it!

A NOTE ABOUT THE PROMPTS
My intention with these prompts is to give you a starting point, to spark an idea, and to encourage thinking outside the box we put ourselves in and look at things from a different perspective.
 
It's not about following it exactly and there is no “right” answer. Go in whatever direction it leads you towards. Be open to whatever you feel inspired to do. You're not allowed to put pressure on yourself or listen to that harsh inner critic! Be present, have fun, and enjoy your process!

3 THINGS TO DO BEFORE WE BEGIN…
  1. GET YOUR SUPPLIES READY
    • Sketchbook: You don't need anything fancy and you can use what you have (loose papers, pads, or scratch paper work too)! Just make sure the paper will support the mediums you want to use (dry, wet, both). I like multi-media since that usually covers a wide range of mediums. If you'd like to get a sketchbook, I've used and like:
    • Tools: Use whatever tools you'd like! You're NOT required to buy anything or have a wide range/variety of supplies. We can utilize what you have in different ways.
       
  2. CREATE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE
    It's so much easier to get started when you don't need to clear off a table or find space to work on!
    • It doesn't have to be big or fancy, it can be the kitchen table, a corner of a desk, etc. Just make sure it's clean and uncluttered.
    • If you're able to, leave your sketchbook out on your workspace so you can walk over and get started anytime/right away. If you can't, keep everything you'll be using/need in a box/basket so it's easy to grab and begin. (I recommend doing this either way, esp. if you get messy like me :))
       
  3. CARVE OUT TIME
    This might be the hardest to do but it's the most important! Commit to making time for this practice that you want to do and enjoy!
    • Consider what days/time frames work for you. It can be flexible but if you're able to schedule it in/have dedicated time, it's helpful.
    • It doesn't have to be a lot of time, 15 min is a great place to start.
    • Test out different schedules until you find what flows best with your life.
    • Get honest and do something you'll be able to stick to! It's OK to start off small, you can always increase the time/# of sessions as you go!
    • Set alarms and reminders if that helps!

WARM-UP EXERCISE
Now for the fun part! :) Sometimes starting can be the hardest step and a blank page can be intimidating! So…
  1. Open your sketchbook to a blank page.
  2. Pick a tool/medium at random. Choose a color that's jumping out at you.
  3. MAKE A MARK!
Apply this concept to your artform. If you're lettering, make a stroke or letter. If you're working in mixed media/collage/scrapbooking, cut out a shape and adhere it to your paper. Ceramicist or sculptors, make a small piece out of clay. Sewers and quilters, make that first line of stitches. If you're unsure of what to do with your medium, hit reply.
 
Don't overthink, just do it! Close your eyes if that helps. It's OK if it's not in the “right” spot or doesn't look exactly how you want it to. Let all of that go. Our goal is to simply take that first step and turn our intentions into action.
 
That's it! Leave your mark alone (even if you reaaaally want to “fix" it!) It might come in handy later on :) I'd love to see what this mark looks like for you--hit reply and send me a pic!

That's it for now--keep an eye out for Week 1's email!
Enjoy your weekend and I'll talk to you soon,
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