Happy new year! I hope you’re NYE was fun (and safe). Did you make New Year’s resolutions? My 2020 resolutions were to pick up my old art account on Instagram, so I started to create artwork to post every week. I’m happy to say I stuck with it. Kinda. (I mean, I did have a hiatus for a few weeks, but we’re not going to bring that up :`) ). So why do people create art? Why should I make art? Here are 5 reasons why!
Why do people create art? | 5 awarding reasons to create art in the new year
Why do we create art?
Why make art? We create art to express how we feel. Secondly, people create art just because it’s so much fun to do! And thirdly we also create art to feel accomplished. After hours of hard work we can admire what we’ve made, and show it off. It’s just too much fun to do :)
1. You'll learn a new skill
What’s better to end a year with a new skill? Broadening and expanding your skillset is not only fun, but it will also make you feel accomplished. You’re always a work in progress anyway, so you might as well throw in something new. Making art is something anyone can do. No matter what age you are, it’s never too late. It doesn’t matter how long it will take you. You will get there someday. There are lots of (free) online classes to learn from. But even if you don’t want to take lessons, there’s another way to learn: by simply doing it.
Social media
If you’re like me, it could help to set up a social media account, like Instagram, to post your art. I separated my personal and art account. By making a separate art account, I’m more likely to post artwork to keep it updated. Plus think of all the like-minded people you will meet. Why is it a good idea to pick up art at the beginning of the new year? It’s practical. It’s easier to track and associate months with your growth. At the end of the year, you can compare your first and latest piece. Looking at your progress gives insights into how much you have learnt. You’ll be proud of yourself.
2. Making art promotes mental health
Imagine coming home from an exhausting day at work. You’re tired, so all you want to do is relax. Research has shown that making art reduces stress and promotes relaxation. So, instead of sitting in front of the tv, not really enjoying it (because you feel guilty about all of the other things you have to do), you can make art! Not only will you feel relaxed, but you will also feel accomplished because you didn’t waste your time doing nothing. You actually created something. It’s also been proven that art makes you feel energized. It’s a win-win! Just note that actually making art is more effective than admiring art.
3. Art will translate your emotions when there are no words to describe how you feel
This might sound a bit like what your weird art teacher might have said. She’s right though. Say you are feeling down because you’re having trouble with a family member. Talking about it might not be what you need right now. All you know is that you need to express your feelings without telling anyone about your business. You can grab your paints and paint abstract colours to reflect what you feel. If this is too weird for you, try drawing a nature scene.
You can use color psychology in your art. You can incorporate how you feel into the atmosphere. If I were in a mood to paint something like that, I’d probably go for a cool-toned painting of a rainy forest. Perhaps throw in a lake. You can look up tons of references for this. All you have to do is paint!
4. Being creative improves other aspects of life
Painting and drawing (obviously) get your creative juices flowing. But not just for art.
Studies have shown that having a creative outlet will benefit your work life as well. By making art: you brainstorm, you have to problem-solve, and do things in a fast way (e.g. you might have to work with a fast-drying paint). You’re practising these skills whilst having fun. It’s also great for your communication skills. You’re translating what you see, hear or feel to others. This is why employers benefit from having employees with creative outlets. Making art is not only good for your mental health. Your physical health, your brain, will slow down the brain ageing process. This is why, when you’re at an older age, you should keep your brain healthy by creating.
Are your art ideas beyond your skills? Try tracing!
How to trace an image without transfer paper
Worried about if tracing is O.K? Read this:
Is it wrong to trace an image?
5. You could make an extra penny
And last but not least: your artwork is worth something. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so don’t be devastated if no one wants to pay big bucks for your work. If they see something they like, great! Remember, the point of picking up art is to have fun. It shouldn’t be a side job. If you keep this in mind you’ll keep having fun and it won’t feel like a chore.
You can put your work on various websites like Society6 or RedBubble. These websites do everything for you: They print your work on products, take care of the packaging and send it to your buyers. All you have to do is upload your art. The benefit of this is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy packaging supplies.
The downside of having your work on websites like this is that you’ll only make a little bit of money. Most of it goes to them. But it’s always nice to collect some extra pennies without the risk.
I hope I convinced you to pick up art in the new year. I wish you all a year full of happy days to paint and draw. May you have a year of growth and the courage to go after your artistic dreams. If you need a friend to support you along the way, send me a message. I’d love to follow your work!
♡ Laura
