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Sustainably Creative by Michael Nobbs

Little and Often

Porridge, dog walking and a VERY big bed.


morning-porridge

I away from home and my studio for a couple of weeks, while I dog and house sit for a couple of friends who are away travelling on the other side of the world. I’m enjoying the change of scene, and am using the time to give a lot of thought to my routine.

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Find ten things to draw!


marmite

Here’s a good trick to get some drawing done.

  1. Pick a room in your house
  2. Set a timer for twenty minutes
  3. Quickly open cupboards, look on shelves, open drawers, etc and gather together ten things to draw. Don’t think about what you pick, just gather ten things.

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Keeping it simple: An essay and resources in Context ‘zine


I was honoured to be asked by Underground Art School’s Racheal Anilyse to compile some resources for their new pdf ‘zine, Context.

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Decluttering: Artist Books Giveaway


artist-books

My studio declutter and tidy continues! This week I’ve been tackling one of the things I find it hardest to deal with, my books.

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Taming the Television (or sometimes turning it off and doing something more creative instead).


watch-less-television

When I was younger there was a great summer holiday TV programme called Why Don’t You? (subtitled, switch off your TV and go do something more interesting instead). Even at eight the irony of the idea that I loved watching the programme rather than turning it off and doing something more interesting didn’t escape me, but watch I did. I also watched whatever came on next and next (and next).

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20 things to do to practice focusing on one thing at a time.


ben-on-paper

I’m amazed how difficult I can find it to focus exclusively on one thing at a time. I know instictively (and from my own experience) that I trully am more productive and happier when I focus my time and energy on one thing at a time, and realise that this way of working is the only time I find myself in the creative flow.

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Decluttering: How many mugs do I need?


I’ve been a little under the weather this week and haven’t been working very much, but have managed to keep up with one of my 20 MInute Challenge projects, the decluttering of my studio. I’m amazed just how much stuff there is in there (I’ve been unpacking, sorting, recycling and throwing away for what seems like years, and still there is more!)

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Can’t wait? Make your own (drawn!) iPad


ipads600

I’m VERY excited about the new Apple iPad. I’m already picturing myself in my Favourite Cafe flicking through an eBook, catching up on a favourite blog, or trying out a drawing application or two. I’m also very impatient. I want one NOW! No such luck of course (and I really do need to learn to more »

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Guest Post: A simpler life for artists


blue2

This post was written by Blue Perez, follow her on Twitter. I recently decided to focus on a simpler life, a simpler creative practice, and helping others to simplify their lives and practice. I gave up a career as a photographer. I woke one day to find I couldn’t bear the mass of clutter it more »

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Previous post: Take the 20 minutes a day challenge

Next Post: 20 things to do to practice focusing on one thing at a time.

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  • Michael Nobbs

    I'm Michael Nobbs, an artist, blogger and tea drinker (not necessarily in that order).

    I'd like to show you that it is possible to stay creative even when energy is in short supply, and how working on small creative acts on a regular basis can build over time into a substantial body of work (and even a creative career).

    I've written a book called Sustainable Creativity. You're welcome to pay whatever you would like for it.

    Delve a little deeper by becoming a member. If you'd like to delve a little deeper into the material offered here on Sustainably Creative, find out about becoming a member.

    My new book, Getting Your Important Work Done, is currently free for members to download.

  • Follow @michaelnobbs
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