2.
You need… Creative Expression
Whether you are a maker or a marker, you need to express yourself in creative ways to find your best outlet. Take these ideas and run with them:A maker designs things from scratch. If you're a maker, you ...* Don't stick to the script (instead, you write your own)* Find it tough to color in someone else's designs without changing the designs in some way* Like to mix your own colors, make your own fonts, or design your own craft because it's a reflection of youIf this is you (a maker), you may want to try ...* Mixed media: Combine painting, torn paper, sketch pens, and crayons on canvas to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.* Grab some old dishes (ask your parents first), take them out to the driveway or a parking lot, and throw them on the ground. Once they are broken into small pieces, use wood glue to piece them in an arrangement on canvas board or wood. You can paint them or leave them with the design they already have.* Find some random objects at home. Think about textures and colors. Ideas include fabric, rope, cords, product packaging that's no longer needed, strong glue, scissors, and tape. Challenge yourself to design an object that has a practical use.* Grab a sketch pad or a journal and head outside. Draw or write about what you see. Set a timer and don't think about how "good" your work is. Just let the timer be your guide. When finished, you can decide if you want to keep it, change it, or share it with others. This is how some of the most classic works of art and novels began.Maybe you are a marker instead. You are a marker if you like:* To take someone else's design or product and make it your own.* Elevating a project with some finishing touches that show your own personality.* Decorate using things that were already created for you by finding new ways to use them.If you are a marker, you may enjoy:* Renovating your room. Set a 30-minute timer and choose a corner of your room to begin with. Take out all the objects, furniture pieces (within reason), and stuff. Next, look at that section of the room as a blank slate. What objects or things from another part of your room might be rearranged to create a hobby spot? Maybe it's a place for you to write in your journal, design jewelry, or play music. Once you have rearranged the other pieces you need to make it a hobby spot, make sure you evaluate if what you took away from the corner still needs to be returned. * Following lines. Grab some painter's tape and tape off a piece of wood or canvas with strategically placed lines. They can criss-cross or simply be one way (horizontal or vertical). Once your tape design is firmly in place, use some old household paint (watered down) or watercolors to blend a color wash over the paint. Let it dry. Once you pull up the tape, you will have a design to display.* Madlibs. You CAN jump online to grab some of these. Or you can always write your own. Then, get a friend to help you fill in the blanks and lead to a hilarious discussion.* Generate new lyrics. Listen to one of your favorite songs, and try to rewrite some of the lyrics with words that describe your own life stages. Think about a memory from when you were a child or a recent event in life that is meaningful and let the rhythm of the music inspire you.