Diversify Your Creative Arsenal: 5 Practical Ways

Published on 18 July 2023 5 min read

Practice different art forms
Learn from diverse creative mentors
Use creative tools in new ways
Explore various genres and styles
Engage in creative collaborations

Ever felt like you're stuck in a creative rut? Don't fret, it happens to the best of us. One surefire way to reignite your creative spark and keep your ideas flowing is by diversifying your creative arsenal: expanding skills and exploring new mediums. Let's dive into 5 practical ways you can broaden your creative horizons.

Practice Different Art Forms

One of the most effective ways to diversify your creative arsenal is by practicing different art forms. It's like adding more colors to your palette — you get to paint a more vibrant picture.

Try Your Hand at Painting

If you're typically into writing, why not give painting a whirl? From watercolor to acrylics, the world of painting is vast. And the best part? You don't need to create a masterpiece on your first try. It's all about exploring new ways to express your creativity.

Explore the World of Photography

Photography can be a powerful tool for telling stories. It's not just about capturing moments, but also about seeing the world from different perspectives. Start with your phone's camera and experiment with angles, lighting, and subjects.

Get Crafty with DIY Projects

DIY projects can be an exciting new avenue to express your creativity. They can range from simple home decor items to complex 3D models. Plus, the satisfaction you get from creating something with your own hands is unparalleled.

Remember, the goal is not to become the next Picasso or Ansel Adams. It's about expanding your horizons, learning new skills, and diversifying your creative arsenal. So go ahead, pick up that paintbrush, click that camera, or start that DIY project — who knows where it might lead you!

Learn from Diverse Creative Mentors

Learning from a variety of creative mentors is a fantastic method for diversifying your creative arsenal. Every mentor has a unique perspective and an array of skills that you can absorb and make your own.

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Workshops and seminars are goldmines when it comes to learning from creative mentors. You get to see their creative process, techniques, and thought patterns in action. Plus, there's always the chance to ask questions and get valuable feedback.

Read Books by Prolific Creatives

Ever read a book and thought, "I wish I could write like that"? Well, you can! Authors often pour their hearts, souls, and most importantly, their creative processes into their books. Reading widely can give you insights into different writing styles, storytelling techniques, and ways of thinking.

Social media is a treasure trove of creative inspiration. From photographers to graphic designers, to writers, there are countless creatives to follow. Not only do they share their work, but they often share their creative process, tips, and even the challenges they face. It's a great way to learn from the comfort of your own home.

The beauty of learning from diverse creative mentors is that it's not about mimicking their work, but about understanding their approach to creativity. You get to pick and choose what resonates with you and incorporate that into your own creative arsenal. So, get out there and learn from as many creative minds as you can!

Use Creative Tools in New Ways

Another fantastic method for diversifying your creative arsenal is to use your creative tools in new ways. Let's explore how you can push your tools, and yourself, beyond the ordinary.

Experiment with Different Mediums

Are you a painter? Try sculpting. Do you usually write poetry? Give short stories a shot. By pushing your comfort zone and experimenting with different mediums, you can unlock new ways of expressing yourself.

Try New Techniques With Familiar Tools

You don't always need new tools to create differently. Try sketching with the eraser end of your pencil or painting with a sponge instead of a brush. This can encourage you to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

Digitize Your Art

If you're used to working with physical mediums, try going digital. Programs like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate can give you a whole new world of possibilities. You can play with different brush types, layers, and effects that aren't possible with traditional mediums.

Remember, the goal here isn't to become a master of every tool or technique you try. It's about expanding your skills and exploring new mediums to add more depth to your creative arsenal. So go on, get messy, make mistakes, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Explore Various Genres and Styles

Exploring various genres and styles is an excellent way to diversify your creative arsenal. It allows you to see things from different perspectives and can inspire you to create something entirely new. Let's dive into how you can do this.

Immerse Yourself in Different Genres

Start by immersing yourself in different genres. If you're a musician who primarily plays rock, try listening to some jazz or classical music. If you're a writer who usually pens sci-fi stories, give romance or historical fiction a read. By doing so, you expand your understanding of what is possible within your art form.

Emulate Different Styles

Once you've immersed yourself in different genres, try emulating the styles that resonate with you. Picasso, for instance, went through his famous "Blue Period" and "Rose Period" before landing on Cubism. Experimenting with different styles can help you find your unique voice.

Create a Fusion

Fusing different genres and styles can lead to exciting results. Think of Hip-Hop music, a fusion of rap, funk, and R&B, or magic realism in literature, which combines the real and the fantastical. Mixing genres and styles can lead to fresh, original work that stands out.

Remember that the goal is not to fit neatly into a particular box, but to expand your creative horizons. By exploring various genres and styles, you're not just diversifying your creative arsenal—you're redefining it.

Engage in Creative Collaborations

Another exciting way to diversify your creative arsenal is to engage in creative collaborations. Collaborations can introduce you to new techniques, inspire fresh ideas, and expand your understanding of your craft. Let's look at how to make the most out of collaborations.

Choose Your Collaborators Wisely

Who you collaborate with can greatly influence the outcome of your project. Look for collaborators who are skilled in their craft, but who also bring something different to the table. Maybe they have a unique style, or they specialize in a genre you're unfamiliar with. The key is to pair up with someone who can show you a new side of your art form.

Be Open to New Ideas

When engaging in a collaboration, it's important to be open to new ideas. This is the time to step outside of your comfort zone and try something you wouldn't usually do. You might find that a collaborator's suggestion leads you down a path you hadn't considered before, helping you to expand your skills and explore new mediums.

Learn From the Process

Remember, the goal of a collaboration isn't just to produce a finished piece—it's also about the learning process. Take note of how your collaborator approaches their work, their techniques, and their creative process. These insights can be just as valuable as the final product.

By engaging in creative collaborations, you're not only expanding your creative arsenal but also building meaningful relationships within your creative community. So, don't hesitate—reach out to potential collaborators today and start diversifying your creativity!

If you're eager to expand your creative toolkit and want to learn more about becoming a multidisciplinary artist, don't miss the workshop 'Building A Sustainable Career As A Multidisciplinary Artist' by Rosa van Iterson. This insightful workshop will provide you with practical advice and proven strategies to help you diversify your creative arsenal and build a sustainable career in the world of art.