For many, many years I have struggled with the concept of mindfulness. I have always believed it to be about meditation and deep breathing and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t manage to incorporate this awareness practice into my routine.

I appreciate the benefits and I know it helps lots of people, but I just couldn’t get it to work for me. I can’t sit still for long enough, I am always eager to get going and I am so used to my mind being full and racing that to slow down, quieten my inner voices and be completely present is very hard for me.

However, recently I have realised that being mindful isn’t just about meditation and deep breathing. This is merely one element. There are lots of other ways to slow down, be present and connect with yourself and the world around you. This was a game changer for me. Not only had I unlocked a whole new approach to my creative practice, I had also improved my workflow, increased my productivity and injected new ideas into my work. Evidently this has had a huge impact on my own wellbeing and also on the growth and development of my art practice.

So how can adopting a mindful approach to creativity help you on your surface pattern design journey?

Improved wellbeing

Embracing a mindful approach to creativity can yield profound benefits, not just for your wellbeing but also for the quality of your artwork and your progression as a surface pattern designer. At its core, mindfulness invites you to cultivate a present-moment awareness, to anchor your attention to the here and now. In a field where focus is paramount and distractions lurk at every corner, this ability to channel your awareness becomes an invaluable asset.

By approaching creativity with mindfulness, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. At this point you will discover the strength in ‘focus’. Being mindful, present and fully immersed in tasks will enable you to apply a level of focus in your workflow that you may have struggled to achieve before. This accomplishment will instigate a sense of empowerment, confidence and achievement which will have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing.

Revitalised artwork

The impact of mindfulness on your artwork is profound. Freed from the constraints of self-doubt and perfectionism, your designs will take on a newfound authenticity and vitality. By infusing each pattern with intention and purpose you will create pieces that resonate deeply with both yourself and your audience. Moreover, by fostering a mindset of curiosity and openness, you invite innovation and experimentation into your work, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in surface pattern design.

Greater growth potential

By approaching creativity with mindfulness, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. At this point you will discover the strength in ‘focus’. Being mindful, present and fully immersed in tasks will enable you to apply a level of focus in your workflow that you may have struggled to achieve before. This accomplishment will instigate a sense of empowerment, confidence and achievement which will have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing.

But how?

It’s all well and good knowing what the benefits of mindfulness are, but how do you actually go about implementing it into your daily arts practice?

Here’s an overview of three ways you can begin to approach creativity mindfully.

Be intentionally present

As you journey deeper into the world of surface pattern design, cultivate a mindful approach to creativity. Embrace the present moment, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the creative process without judgment or distraction.

Slow down and be kind to yourself

Let go of expectations and perfectionism, and instead, revel in the joy of creation. Embrace experimentation and play, giving yourself permission to explore new techniques, styles, and ideas without fear of failure.

Take time to nourish your creative spirit, seeking inspiration from the world around you – from the delicate petals of a flower to the rhythmic patterns of the natural world.

Adopt a positive mindset

Passion and confidence are your greatest allies as you journey deeper into the world of surface pattern design. Let your love for colour and pattern fuel your creativity, infusing each design with warmth and vitality.

Banish self-doubt and perfectionism from your creative process, embracing imperfection as a natural part of the design journey. Trust in your unique perspective and artistic voice, knowing that your creations are a reflection of your inner world and personal style.

In a nutshell…

…mindfulness in creativity is not merely a technique but a way of life—a philosophy that permeates every aspect of your being. By embracing this mindful approach, you not only enrich your artwork but also nourish your soul, finding fulfillment and joy in the simple act of creation.

Before you go, don’t forget to download my free resource:

“How to cultivate a mindful approach to creativity”

- a comprehensive list of practices that you can begin to incorporate into your creative routine to help foster a deeper connection with yourself, your artwork and the world around you.

Join me next time as we explore how to avoid the ‘rabbit holes!’

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See you next time,

Yvonne x