Journalling prompts and how to write a creative manifesto
3 days all packed into one...!
It’s been a minute.. or 4 days! This heat GOT me, and I’m actually pretty sure I gave myself heatstroke from running in 28 degrees, I’ve learnt my lesson.
Ok, so the last few days of the August Challenge have been a variety pack, if you’re sticking with me, thank you, it’s good to have you here.
I’m going to give you day 10-12 here, so that’s a good few task - save for later or be intuitive with them, don’t overthink them, sometimes this gives the most honest results.
On day 10, I posted 10 journalling prompts that I’ve used lately:
When was the last time you experienced flow state? Describe it.
What would you tell yourself 1 year ago?
What's the hardest thing about being a creative?
What's the most wonderful thing about being a creative?
What would you do if you had NO fear?
What does art mean to you? What does art DO to you?
What questions do you wish you could ask your practice?
What's the hardest thing vou've overcome?
What do you do to keep your creative health healthu?
What have you done lately to encourage someone else's creativity? What can you do today?
Here’s a few one line answers from me.
When was the last time you experienced flow state? Describe it.
MY TUDOR MAN DUCK PAINTING
What would you tell yourself 1 year ago?
IT KEEPS GETTING BETTER
What's the hardest thing about being a creative?
TRUSTING MYSELF
What's the most wonderful thing about being a creative?
TRUSTING MYSELF
What would you do if you had NO fear?
BLOW ALL MY MONEY ON 6 MONTHS OF PAINTING IN A HOT PLACE
What does art mean to you? What does art DO to you?
IT’S LIKE CLEAN MOUNTAIN AIR, IT HELPS ME BREATHE EASIER
What questions do you wish you could ask your practice?
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
What's the hardest thing you’ve overcome?
IT’S A WORK IN PROGRESS
What do you do to keep your creative health healthy?
MORNING PAGES, LISTENING TO PEOPLE’S STORIES, ENGAGING WITH CREATIVITY AND ART IN EVERY WAY
What have you done lately to encourage someone else's creativity? What can you do today?
I LOVE TO BE A CHEERLEADER, A CRITICAL FRIEND, A SOUNDING BOARD, A FACILITATOR. I’LL KEEP AT IT, IT BRINGS ME SO MUCH JOY
Ok so then we had day 11, and it got Lucy’s seal of approval!
How often do you think about where you've come from?
Task: I want us to a create timeline, starting from birth and going into the future! This is one of my favourite things to do and here's why and how you're going to do it!
This task is designed to get to the root of why you are the artist, musician, writer, or creative that you are today? You could do it in your head or create a visual timeline.
Focus on drawing out these things:
The key moments of challenge
You big supporters or moments of encouragement
The moments of inspiration and influence
The turning points, and the changing of chapters
The aim of this is to consciously see yourself within this brilliant story of your own life. You could spend all day doing this, or just 10 minutes.
And then reflect:
Where have you succeeded?
Where have you learnt the biggest lessons?
What or who is constant?
What has motivated you in the past?
What motivates you now?
Understanding where we’ve come from can help us see the bigger picture, and give us the encouragement we need for the present.
Gosh I’m PACKING IT IN. Because yes, it is the 14th of August, and yes I am 2 days behind so I’m going to record a little two-day task near the end to sort out this little muddle.
But for now, I’ll leave you thinking abut manifestos.
IN SHORT:
A manifesto is a declaration of intent, usually the intent to bring radical change to the world.Throughout history, many art movements have written manifestos, and it’s always a sign that are getting serious.
It’s a statement of beliefs about art - and of course, it can change.
Focus on two things:
What values will your work uphold?
What constant elements will provide a foundation for your artistic exploration?
If you want some examples of famous art manifestos THIS is a great book and I’d suggest starting with these:
The Laws of Sculptors, Gilbert & George, 1967
The Founding and Manifesto of Futurism, FT Marinetti, 1909
Red Alan's Manifesto, Grayson Perry RA, 2014
Righty ho, let me sort out our jumbled up videos…usual service to resume shortly.
Okay bye!!
ps. If you want every task this month in your inbox make sure you’re signed up below 👇🏻
And who am I? That’s one secret you’ll never know, xoxo.. just kidding.
I'm Phoebe, I’m passionate about helping individuals and communities integrate art and creativity sustainably into their li
ves because I KNOW the positive impacts can be world-changing and powerful. With a Fine Art degree and over 8 years of experience in the art world I've been watching this world from all sides. Outside of my 9-5, I coach artists to find purpose, balance, connection, and excitement in their practice and lives. A challenge like this is as much for me as anyone else, as I continue to refine my own multidisciplinary creative practice.