If you’ve read Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, you have been introduced to the concept of an artist date. To cultivate creativity, Cameron suggests that every writer set aside a weekly block of time to nurture the artist within. No partners. No work. Just an hour or two each week designed for a solitary diversion.
Although the idea of an artist date may seem self-indulgent, you’ll find that setting aside time to nurture your creative self will yield a greater sense of presence in your work and in the rest of life as well. Nurturing your inner writer is a win-win endeavor.
What Are Some Ideas for Artist Dates?
The good news is that artist dates don’t have to be complicated or costly. These events are designed to awaken your soul and inspire your mind. What that means for each individual writer is different.
Sometimes an artist date involves dining alone in a nice restaurant. Sometimes it means taking a leisurely walk on a nature trail. An artist date can simply be sitting lakeside to observe the clouds reflected on the rippled surface of the water.
Listen to the desires of your creative self, and each week, do something that brings you joy. If you need some help coming up with ideas, here’s a list of ten to choose from.
Museums and Art Exhibits
Sometimes there’s an admission fee, and sometimes there’s not. But there’s definitely something inspiring about being in the presence of art and history, and these places are filled with story ideas!
Sketching and Doodling
Take a journal to a public park or sidewalk café. Sit for a while. Do some people-watching. Observe the sky, the buildings, and the trees. With no specific goal in mind, mold your experience into words and images.
Buy Some Sidewalk Chalk
Create some temporary art. It’s a great way to allow your creative self to assume a risk-free attitude. Draw pictures, write haikus, or channel your inner graffiti artist. Have fun!
Attend a Performance
Check out local theater and music options. You might find a favorite play or musician coming to town, or you might discover some local talent that brings you joy.
Visit an Independent Bookstore
Every independent bookstore has a unique sense of charm. Immerse yourself in that charm, and drink it in. As a bonus, you may discover some great books to inspire you!
Make a Collage
For writers who are not skilled in visual arts (like me, for instance), collage is a great medium. Find beautiful images and interesting words in old greeting cards, junk mail, and the pages of magazines. Cut them out, collect them, and then create something new.
Be a Maker Outside Your Usual Medium
Create something that is not writing. Bake a cake, plant a garden, build with blocks, learn a little origami, or compose some music. Explore new pathways in your creative brain.
Sign Up for a Tour
Maybe you can hop a trolley and learn more about your hometown. Or maybe there are places that intrigue you, like historic houses, trails, and even cemeteries. Check out available tours – both formal and self-guided – and prepare yourself for discovery.
Farmers’ Markets and U-Pick Farms
Things that develop from seed to food are nothing short of miracles. Put yourself up close and in touch with the growing process and find yourself both physically and artistically nourished.
Move Your Body
Go for a hike, ride a bike, take a Tai Chi class, do some yoga, or put on some music and dance! You probably spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, so give your heart rate a thrill, stretch your muscles, and nurture that mind-body connection.
Ready, Set, Go!
You’ve got some ideas. Now it’s time to pull out your calendar and schedule it. Give yourself the gift of a weekly artist date. Make time to nurture your creative self, with no expectation other than joy, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover new depth and delight in your writing.
