Create Now!

A Systematic Guide to Artistic Audacity

Marlo Johnson

• Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781452146027
• eBook ISBN: 9781452152684
• Topic: Personal Development
• Subtopic: Art Techniques

The road to unfettered creativity begins here! Written in an engaging choose-your-own-path format, this unique guide transforms the creative process into a simple series of multiple-choice questions and answers. The journey begins with a simple question designed to spark inspiration: Do you have a clear vision of what you would like to create and why? Whatever the answer, creative coach Marlo Johnson offers the encouragement and guidance needed to move on to the next step. With tips for overcoming blocks, staying motivated, and even sharing finished work with the world, Create Now! is an invaluable tool for artists, writers, and creatives, whether established or aspiring.

PHASE 1

Becoming a Clear Conduit

Inspiration is not somewhere “out there,” waiting to be found. You are a powerful and creative being already—so much so that you can even create the illusion that you are not. These techniques are designed to allow you to strip away this illusion, to help you realize the gifts you already have, and to allow your work to flow from a higher level of consciousness.

Using your own words, set the intention to let go of all blocks and negativity that are obscuring your creativity now. Then begin . . .

^STEP 1

Do you have any basic physical needs to take care of at this moment?

1. A No. I feel great!
2. B I could be better.
3. C I feel horrible!

INSTRUCTIONS

A Fantastic! Move on to Step 2.

B Do you need food, hydration, sleep, coffee, exercise, or something else? Fix what you can and then move on to Step 2.

C Perhaps you have more important things to deal with right now. Take care of whatever needs you can and then start over when you’re feeling better.

^STEP 2

Do you have any emotional or mental needs to take care of at this time?

1. A No. I am happy and peaceful.
2. B I could be better.
3. C I am losing my mind!

INSTRUCTIONS

A Lovely! Move on to Step 3.

B Perhaps you know exactly what’s wrong or are just vaguely unwell. Either way, I recommend some therapeutic writing. On some loose paper, get out all the random thoughts, pent up emotions, and subconscious fears. Vent, scribble, doodle, explore. Don’t judge it. Just purge anything and everything that comes to mind until you have nothing left. Be as ridiculous and extreme as you can! Let it all flow without hesitation and consider burning the evidence when you are done. Then continue to Step 3.

C Take some deep breaths. Maybe there’s some serious stuff going on in your life, but let’s focus on being okay for just this moment. Keep breathing and surrender to what is right now, as much as you can. Giving yourself love and compassion should always be a priority. When you’re ready, start again from Step 1.

^STEP 3

Do you have a clear vision of what you would like to create and why? Do you know your purpose?

1. A I have it all figured out!
2. B I have a vague idea.
3. C I have no clue!

INSTRUCTIONS

A Good job! If you haven’t yet, write this out as a mission statement for your practice and place it near your workspace as a reminder. Then move along to Step 4.

B It’s time to narrow your focus. Create a mission statement for your creative practice. It should embody the highest goals of your life and work and give you purpose. What are you most passionate about? Ideally, what would your work be able to achieve for yourself or others? There is no right or wrong type of mission statement, and it can change over time. When you are done, put your mission statement somewhere as a reminder, and then move on to Step 4.

C A naturally flowing art practice shoul...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Who Needs This Book?
• How Do I Use This Book?
• Phase 1: Becoming a Clear Conduit
• Phase 2: Creation and Completion
• Phase 3: Sharing Your Work
• Phase 4: Receiving Payment
• Conclusion
• About the Author
• Chronicle Ebooks