FAFO: Start Practicing Creativity
Dear Creative (yes, you),
It’s time to DO something to reclaim your creativity.
Like riding a bike or going through puberty, this may feel awkward, vulnerable, confusing, and a little shaky at times.
But it's really good for your brain and overall well being.
Step 1: Get a FAFO* journal.
This journal acts as a place for creative experimentation. There are only two rules for the FAFO journal:
You are allowed to do ANYTHING you want in the journal.
You will NOT show it to anyone. This is a safe creative place just for you.
I like to use smaller sketchbooks with sturdy paper. A smaller size makes them easily portable and thicker paper will hold up to markers, cheap paint, and glue.
*For the uninitiated, FAFO = F*ck Around & Find Out. Or Frolic Around, if that’s preferable :)
Step 2: Get affordable art supplies.
Markers, colored pencils, highlighters, gel pens, crayons, maybe a baby's-first-watercolor set and some stickers.
Your supplies don’t need to be fancy. Don't overthink it.
You can get fancy supplies if you want, but only if you promise you won't do that thing where people say ‘oh, but I can’t use these until I'm really “good” at art.’ If you buy it, you use it!
Step 3: Mark up your journal!
Mark up the first page (or the cover) in a way that feels different to you. This is your first creative act. The intention is for your first creative act to feel new, novel, and freeing. It may also feel a little chaotic and unplanned.
Here’s a few prompts for your first FAFO Creative Exercise:
Write or paste a permission slip to the inside cover as a reminder that you are free to use this book however you want.
Color the whole first page your favorite color(s)
Write your name in a bunch of different ways
Fill the first page with abstract shapes
Physically crumple the first page
Decorate the cover or first page with stickers
Print out some pictures you love and make a collage
Step 4: You did it! You created something JUST for you.
Well?? How did it feel??
You went outside your comfort zone, experimented, and kept creating even if you had no idea what you were doing.
Creativity requires courage. It requires resilience.
It also requires that you allow yourself to have fun.
Keep trying new things in your FAFO journal. We’ll be back with more creativity prompts as well.
You are creative. You got this.
XOXO,
Ambassador of the Official Fake Bureau of Creativity
P.S. You may be thinking ‘Hey! You said I don’t have to be an artist to be creative. Why are we doing artsy stuff??”
Good question! Even if you don't want to be an artist or writer, doodling and writing are two of the most accessible ways to practice & strengthen creativity. All you need is a pen and paper.
Plus, a key ingredient for strengthening creativity is participating new or novel experiences. The FAFO journal is a place for just that: trying new things.
