I stumbled upon a life-affirming experiment recently: every day I create something instead of consuming.
I have not restricted myself with any rules as to what I can create or how or when - I just have to create something. The focus is spending time away from screens rather than making perfect art.
An unexpected but delightful side-effect is that I am making more art than ever before and I’m creating with a less critical eye. I sit down, I pick a medium that appeals to me that day, and I play around.
Having this container that is defined only by my desire to get away from screens as opposed to any vision about what I could or should or must create is freeing for my creative process. It feels like I’m slowly building a muscle, like you do when you consistently show up at the gym - even on the days when you don’t feel like it.
It seems that having a focus outside of screens has also helped me to let go of them. I don’t miss them as much now I know what I want to do instead.
I am on day 14 and have been sharing my creations on the ‘Notes’ section in Substack. It’s been a joy to receive comments and shares from readers and other writers and artists who feel inspired to join in.
I appreciate the absurdity of wanting to take time away from screens and then posting what I create during that time on screens for everyone else to see, but I genuinely hope that witnessing art inspires the creative urge mid-scroll in others.
I have already been told as much by several commenters, and it got me thinking about how art - whether because of its colourful nature or imperfections or human nature - is energy, and energy is transferable.
It’s like when I’m creatively blocked and I choose to get out my art books - except, this creative project is stopping people mid-scroll.
Anyway, I write essays about digital minimalism and creativity at my other blog
but I wanted a more informal space to log my daily creations. This blog will also act as a collection point for my creations since I don’t have social media. I appreciate having somewhere to log my process and a community to share the journey with. I hope my approach inspires someone somewhere to leave their phone in the other room and pick up a pencil, paintbrush, or pair of scissors with me.You can subscribe to receive my daily updates into your inbox, and I’ve shared days 1 - 14 below to catch you up. If you want to join me in creating over consuming, I would LOVE that - please share your creations with me and other readers of this blog in our group chat if you would like to, and maybe invite a friend for even more accountability!
Really great post. Inspiring as always