Creating art for youth can provide a variety of benefits ranging from stress relief, self-expression, mindfulness, problem-solving skills, instilling patience and perseverance, and fostering innovation. Even with all the benefits art creation can offer, it can still be intimidating knowing where to start and giving oneself permission to “fail” along the way. This month, we have some tips to help youth build creative confidence in their artistic journey.
Embrace mistakes: Making a mistake can be daunting, especially when it comes to art, and it feels like there is no going back. Reframe this thought as a mistake not being a failure, but part of the process. Trying an activity of creating an art piece of only “mistakes”, such as splashes, scribbles, or tears, can help be a freeing practice.
Your style is your superpower: No two artists are the same! Celebrate your unique way of creating by finding your style by making a collage of your favorite colors, patterns, and textures to reflect your personality.
Practice makes progress: Like with any activity your skills will grow with practice. Setting aside even ten minutes a day to sketch, paint, or work with a medium you would like to improve with will help you and your work evolve. Starting small with a mini sketchbook and drawing one small drawing a day is a great way to practice.
Be inspired, not intimidated: As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Learning from other artists is a great way to improve, but don’t compare yourself. Use inspiration as a tool to spark your ideas. Choosing your favorite piece of art and creating your version with unique twists can help you become inspired.
Turn doubts into doodles: Sometimes you may find you are stuck or unsure. Filling a page of random squiggles and turning them into fun shapes, objects, or characters can help unlock creativity.
Color outside the lines: It’s okay to break the rules! Art and being creative means thinking outside the box. You do not always need to have a plan when you begin a piece of art. Take the opportunity to let your tools wander and see what emerges.
Share your work: Don’t be afraid to share your work with others. Being able to display, talk about, and open conversation about what you have created is an act of bravery and joy. Consider hosting a mini art show to share your favorite pieces and discuss why you created them. Or consider finding a Free Little Art Gallery and leaving a piece of your work for others to enjoy.
Take a break: Feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or stuck can happen and often comes when you least expect it. Step away from your project and try an unrelated activity like dancing, journaling, or taking a walk. Coming back with fresh eyes can help get out of a creative funk.
By building creative confidence in youth, we can empower them to embrace unique ideas, take risks, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Encouraging self-expression, celebrating efforts, and providing a supportive environment allows youth to develop the resilience and curiosity needed to explore their full potential. With these tips, we can inspire young minds to approach the world with enthusiasm, innovation, and a belief in their ability to make meaningful contributions through creativity.
About the author: Danielle Gapinski is a 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Creative and Cultural Arts. She provides leadership to the 4-H youth development program focusing on 4-H clubs, 4-H groups, and youth education initiatives. Danielle provides researched based educational programs geared towards art creation and performance, art careers, intersections of art and culture, art as a tool for wellness, advocacy, and education, and more.