AS YOU MAY HAVE SPOTTED, THE HIS & HERS TEAM IS ON SOMETHING OF A MISSION TO INCORPORATE MORE RELAXATION INTO OUR LIVES THIS SUMMER. SO WE COULDN’T RESIST GETTING CREATIVE…

Some people are talented at drawing, others at modelling, others at carving and others at painting. All of these are art forms that turn an idea in the artist’s minds into reality. Some people aren’t really interested in their artistic talents, while some of us just don’t make as much of them as we could. If you are an artist and would like to transform your talent into a hobby or even into a money-making venture, you need to showcase your work. The best way to do this is to create a collection, alone or through an agency, such as an illustration portfolio which will show some of your work to potential clients.

How can you turn art into a hobby? Here are a few His & Hers tips to get you started:

Experiment with various materials:

You need to start somewhere, so why not start with whatever’s within reach, be it a pencil, marker, charcoal stick, watercolour paints or pencils, chalk etc. If you feel your interest is in abstract art, pick say three colours that complement each other and allow your hand to wander across the page. The point here is to let your imagination take over without being self-critical.

Enrol in an art class:

Signing up to a class can be very hard, often due to tight schedules or feelings of intimidation. However, taking part in classes is crucial in order to help you sharpen your skills or learn new techniques. Art classes should be enjoyable and fun and should encourage the learner to be open and bring out their talent.

Create something every day:

Create in whatever way feels right to you, whether that’s drawing or carving etc, and do it daily if you really want to improve your skills. This requires patience; it is not for those who give up quickly. Set short achievable goals instead of long and complicated ones, as it will help you to build commitment.

Visit art museums and attend gallery openings:

Art museums are fantastic places and are full of valuable and inspiring objects to fire up your creativity. Museums are mostly free to enter, and you can go on any day and spend as much time as you want. However, sometimes you need to arrange a visit with certain art gallery owners. Check their website or give them a call. Attending gallery openings is also a way of supporting local talent. You will get to meet the artists and find what they are working on, which may excite and motivate you.

Avoid judging yourself:

As you build the habit of practicing your art daily, you will get to understand that there are some pieces of art that you are not happy with. You must realise that you are not perfect and perfection is not the goal. Instead, enjoy the sense of improving gradually over time.

If you take the advice above, you will eventually make art your hobby, and you will be able to produce beautiful and thought-provoking pieces of which you’ll be proud.

Related features: His & Hers gets philosophical about goal setting. Image courtesy of Cambridge Imprint.