Getting creative again

In this post, I wanted to share a little of my experience with getting creative.

As a child, I was obsessed with drawing outfits and flamboyant dresses (not too dissimilar from the fabulous creations we now see on RuPaul’s Drag Race). That interest never really left. These days, alongside my love for finding clothing gems in local charity shops, I often picture how second-hand clothes could be transformed into the extravagant designs I dreamed up as a child.

Another creative obsession that’s stuck with me into my twenties is designing homes and interiors. I adored watching Grand Designs as a kid (and even dragged my dad to the N.E.C for a Grand Designs convention when I was ten). I always had a sketchbook to hand, usually filled with floor plans. The moment I discovered The Sims, I was hooked on trying to bring those drawings to life in digital form — something I still do today.

Of course, like many of us, school and social life sometimes pushed these hobbies aside. But since lockdown, I’ve found myself returning to those old sketchbooks and dreaming again about renovating a run-down house into the mega-bougie mansion my younger self imagined. One day, maybe!

Despite all of this, the creative activity I come back to most is simply: painting and drawing.

Finding time to sit down with a paintbrush or pencil can be hard — life gets busy. But what really motivates me is creating gifts for friends and family. There’s something so thoughtful about handmade presents, especially when you’re on a student budget. Don’t get me wrong: not every piece turns out like a masterpiece (some of them go hilariously wrong), but that’s part of the fun.

Whether I’m using acrylics, watercolours, or just a biro, it usually takes a little while to remember how to use the materials properly. It’s like riding a bike — except you fall off a few times first. For example, after many failed attempts to draw a dinosaur for my mum (she’s a big Jurassic Park fan), I gave digital art a go using Procreate. I attempted to paint a piece for my brother-in-law... let’s just say it’s a work in progress. Digital tools are a whole different world, and I’m still learning.

So, back to my comfort zone: pens, pencils, and paint. Last year, a friend suggested drawing on lampshades — something I’d never considered. I was sceptical at first, but I gave it a go. I picked up a plain lampshade from B&M for £3, and over a few evenings after work, I started drawing sea creatures onto it with a biro. I didn’t have a set plan — I just let it develop as I went, and it became quite a mindful, relaxing process. I gave it to my sister for Christmas (poorly wrapped, might I add), and she loved it. Now I’m planning the next one using watercolours!

Another way I stay creative is by making birthday or thank-you cards. Recently I made a heron with watercolours and drew flowers for a Mother’s Day card. Admittedly, I was rusty — but that’s half the fun, remembering how to actually do it again.

And yes… I did once try to paint Taylor Swift as Jesus. It was a gift for a Swiftie friend, and although it turned out quite terribly, it gave us both a good laugh. Lesson learned: watercolour portraits are very, very hard.

Another thing I’ve noticed is how something that starts as a quick doodle can suddenly turn into a full evening project. For example, I recently scribbled a little seahorse while bored, just using a biro on some paper — and before I knew it, I’d spent two hours adding little details, shading, and patterns. These drawings always start with a “just for fun” attitude, but once I’m in the flow, it’s hard to stop. I’ve realised that even the simplest biro doodles can be a way to unwind, express myself, and revisit the joy of creating just because it feels good.

My most recent project was painting my sister’s cats. I’m not very confident with acrylics, and I spent all day repainting mistakes — but those little flaws added character. 

Next on the list? I’ve started a drawing of Charli XCX for a friend. Progress is slow… so I’ll update you with a photo in ten years when it’s finished!

Whether it’s a biro sea creature on a lampshade or a crooked acrylic cat, I’ve learned not to take it too seriously. Art doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to bring joy. And for me, it always does.

If you’ve been creating anything lately — or even if you’ve just thought about picking up a pencil again — I’d love to hear about it. 💛