Learning is a process that we do all the time and it is very essential now a days. After becoming a mom, I started this process all over again. I had to learn how to paint from scratch!! I learnt how to mix colors once again, learnt new mediums, learnt Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign. I also learnt to give myself some space and time to nurture my inner artist and to help her grow. Sometimes it is important to learn, unlearn and relearn. You have to give yourself the time and space to grow if you want to achieve something in life or if you have already decided on a goal to work on.
Things that you need to get started would be:-
1) Block your time – Blocking your time for educating yourself is very important. This is the only way you can find time for yourself. Time will flow as it loves to do so, but we will have to find the time to learn and educate ourselves – Without which, it is almost impossible to achieve our goals. So, block your time. It could be sometime in the mornings or in the evenings, where you can find some good, quiet, uninterrupted space for yourself or when doing your house chores in the morning and evening. This was my favourite way of finding time as a stay at home mom. I used to plug-in my headphones and make Indian dosas for breakfast or listen to my classes when I would put my little one to sleep.
“Where there is a WILL there is WAY”.
2) Find your space – This is essential in two areas. One would be, finding a space to learn- which includes keeping a table for yourself, or a nice corner to read / write. Though I have always found this space no matter where I am ( India / Germany) I always find a space where I can have a lot of fresh air, lot of natural light, hear the chirping of birds and a clean table with some nice fresh flowers for inspiration from the garden along with my books, paints, brushes – all ready to get started with work.
The second space you need to find, is inside your mind. If your mind is hustling with other thoughts, you will not be able to focus on what you learn. Meditating practices in the morning or writing down your thoughts everyday, can help you give yourself that mind space.
3) A Mindset – The most important part of your self-education is your mindset, like we talked about earlier. Your willingness to do it and along with it preparing your mind for it.
4) A Topic – If you need to learn, you need to choose your topic. This is one area where some people have a huge issue. They might not know what to focus on or what topic to choose when they are getting started.
Well, in this case, it is better to brainstorm your ideas and choose the topic that you feel is the most relevant to you. When you are starting a creative artistic career, it would be difficult to choose in the beginning. I know it, because I have been through it. But first it is important to just learn and then start creating sample projects related to that topic, be it art, illustration, logos, graphic design or anything
Action for today:
1.Write down your thoughts without thinking too much or not analyzing if it’s wrong or right. Simply write 2-3 pages letting your mind flow onto that blank white space. Make this a habit for the next 7 days.
2.Find a space in your home to sit and write or start drawing and panting
3.Start creating some artworks or illustrations, whatever that comes to your mind. If you don’t know where to start, enroll yourself in a class that builds your creativity and helps you to become your next bigger version of yourself. I have created Art to Design Academy for you to get started with your learning. Check it out here!
