A Watercolorist's Take on Creative Rituals
Learn practical tips to seamlessly integrate creativity into your busy life.
Lately, I've been reflecting on how the little things we do each day can make a big difference in our creative lives. Unfortunately, as a mom, finding time for myself can feel like a luxury… but I've discovered that weaving small rituals into my routine has been a game-changer for my watercolor practice and my life.
The Power of Personal Rituals
We often think of rituals as grand or time-consuming, but they can be as simple as taking a deep breath before starting a task. For me, slipping off my shoes before I begin painting signals to my brain that it's time to create. A friend of mine ties her hair up—a small gesture that helps her transition into her creative space. Done with intention, these personal cues, though seemingly minor, can have a profound impact on our focus and creativity.
Creating Your Own Creative Ritual
Here are some ideas to help you establish a ritual that suits your life:
Find Your Cue: Choose a simple action that you can associate with the start of your creative time. It could be lighting a specific candle, playing a particular song, or even putting on your favorite soft sweater.
Set Up Your Space: Dedicate a small area for your art. It doesn't need to be a full studio—a corner of a room or a spot at the kitchen hutch works just fine. Keeping your supplies organized and within reach (**or out of reach of little hands) can make it easier to dive in when inspiration strikes.
Embrace Flexibility: While having a consistent time can be beneficial, it's not always feasible with our busy schedules. Instead, focus on consistency in action. Whenever you find a pocket of time, perform your ritual to signal the beginning of your creative session, even if you only paint for 10 minutes.
Warm-Up Exercises: Start with simple exercises to get into the flow. For instance, painting basic shapes or gradients can help you loosen up and ignite your creativity. If you’re not sure where to start, take a peek at my February Watercolor Practice — it’s something I share with paid subscribers each month
Making It Work for You
Remember, the goal is to make your ritual personal and meaningful. It's not about adding another task to your to-do list but about creating a small pocket of intention that enriches your creative practice. Start small, see what resonates, and let it evolve over time.
I'd love to hear about the rituals you've created for yourself. Feel free to share them in the comments or reply to this email. Let's inspire each other to find magic in the mundane.
About Jaime
Jaime is a working artist based in Austin, Texas. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in creative burnout. Seeking a deeper connection with her body, she went on to dedicate the next 10 years of her life to studying Yoga and Meditation with some of the top teachers in North America.
She started painting while pregnant with her first child and quickly realized her watercolor practice provided a safe space to remember herself, loosen the tendency for control and regain a quiet mind space. Because of this she dedicated any free moment she could (with two kids) to her paints.
Jaime offers artwork and experiences that encourage a deeper connection with your perfectly imperfect nature.