5 Ways to Practice Self-Love with Art | Guest Post by Katie of KR Creative | Redefining Self-Love Series

I have had a love for art all of my life, especially in high school. My high school art teacher suggested graphic design to me as a career option and it was a perfect fit! I took a few years off after high school and then I did finally go to college for graphic design… just like I had planned. Studies of fine art go hand in hand with graphic design, so I got the opportunity to learn some different mediums in college as well. It wasn’t until Christmas about 4-5 years ago that I received the best gift ever. My husband bought me an easel, paints, brushes, and canvases. He wanted to see me get back into creating with paint. From then on, fine art has also played a major role in my life.

Yes, it’s true, art is a way of practicing self-love. It has been a major stress-reliever for me in the past several years since that Christmas day. I started painting, learning different techniques such as oil painting, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, and my favorite… mixed media art. I can’t get enough! There are online classes and workshops, video tutorials, books, and an online world of creative people to connect with on Instagram and other social media sites. I have connected and shared art with many people that way. I even teach art classes at my own little shop now. Dream. Come. True.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” 

- Pablo Picasso

Here are "5 Ways To Practice Self-Love With Art" just like I do!

1. Art Journaling - This is a wonderful way to take some time for yourself and get out what’s inside your head or write down some encouraging words or quotes for yourself. A lot of people use a moleskine journal or 110 lb cardstock and 80 lb mixed media paper to create in because of the thickness of the paper which will withstand the layering of paints, inks, collage, etc. Create a background first (so relaxing), and then collage with papers, magazine cutouts, or just doodle on the pages. Write positive messages to yourself, inspiring quotes, or journal.

2. Attend an Art Class - Make some time for you & attend an art class. I have taken several online art classes and gone to some in person. I now teach art classes so I can share the benefits of creating art with others. Even teaching art classes is a way of practicing self-love for me. Sharing art with others & seeing how excited they are about it makes me feel great. Find my class schedule here www.krcreativedesigns.com/eventschedule

3. Making & Trading ATCs  - I discovered what an ATC (artist trading cards) was a few years ago and have been creating mini masterpieces ever since. An ATC is a small artist trading card size 2" x 3" and can be created by using any medium you choose. For me is was a much needed break to take the time from my busy schedule of taking care of my family, working a full-time job, and running a growing business of my own. This tiny piece of art takes little time, but is a huge stress reliever. The little messages that I include are positive messages for myself & others. It gets even better... you can share your art by giving it away to someone special or trading with someone. I found many swap buddies on Instagram. Search #ATC or #artisttradingcard and you will find so many people who might want to swap mini art with you.

4. Solo Art Project - Relax and spend some time doing something just for fun. It's okay if you don't have a large chunk of time, too. I sometimes start a project by first working on the background one night and finishing it up another night. My favorite is mixed media art. You can find inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest. I have many Pinterest boards I use for inspiration as well as some of my own art and design projects. Follow me on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/kradke/ if you would like some creative inspiration for yourself.

Related Article: "I can't tell you how big of a hypocrite I feel like writing about self-love. I'm only a few posts into it and I already want to abandon this project altogether because I don't know what the hell I'm doing! That's the fear talking." [...] 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love Part 2 | L I N K » http://bit.ly/1fznoPS

5. Read Art Books - I have found some amazing books on Amazon. I have found them to be very inspirational and a great resource for learning different techniques. I have acquired a pretty large collection over the years, but my favorite is "Taking Flight: Inspiration & Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings" by Kelly Rae Roberts.

How do you stay creative and practice self-love with art?! We'd love to hear from you in the comments! 

Katie Radke of KR Creative is a graphic designer and website designer located in Nebraska City, Nebraska who works with clients worldwide. For the past 11 years Katie has created graphics and websites that give business owners a competitive edge and the confidence to move their business forward. Find KR Creative on Facebook www.facebook.com/krcreativedesigns or visit her website www.krcreativedesigns.com.

To be notified when new Redefining Self-Love posts are available, sign-up for updates from Wayfaring Wanderer HERE and “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page to get connected! Interested in writing a guest post for the Redefining Self-Love Series? Shoot me an email with your ideas on ways to practice self-love at wayfaringwanderer[at]gmail[dot]com!

{ RELATED LINKS }

» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 1) & 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 2)

» Food As Love: 5 Ways to Love Yourself w/ Food (Guest Post)

» Redefining Self-Love w/ Celebrate You Sessions