Okay, so today I wanted to talk about constraints. I think sometimes we feel as though having constraints makes it way more challenging to be creative, but what I've come to realize is that constraints actually give us so much freedom! We actually need them. A perfect example of this is thinking about color. I don't know about you, but for me, choosing color and how to work with color when I'm creating a new piece of art has always been a bit of a challenge, and I can get so hung up debating a million different options, because with color there are truly endless options!
I have found that the key to success with color for me is to start a project by FIRST choosing a super limited color palette of about 5 colors. If I start with just five by choosing them before I even start creating the artwork, it feels like a breath of fresh air. Like a weight is lifted, and now I have a very clear direction once I start creating the art. It's like, "Okay, here we go, we are only choosing from these five now," instead of spending just, truly, hours spinning on what color should I choose? What am I going to use here? What should I put there? Now I go, "Okay, there's only five colors to choose from. Easy! I'm going to put this one here, going to put this one here, do a shade or variation on this one over here," and so on and so forth. I think you can see what I'm saying; it just makes it, from the get-go, so much easier!
If you find yourself struggling when you start a new piece of art, it may be that there's just too many options...What should I make? How should I make it? What medium should I use? What colors should I use? Rather than starting with so many variables in play, set yourself up with some clear constraints right from the start, and then watch your creativity and your sense of freedom just explode! Make clear decisions and set guide rails before you even get to the art creation step...
"I'm making new art today. I'm going to do something involving fruit. Here are the five colors I'm going to use. I'm going to use watercolor paint, and I'm going to paint this 5 inch by 7 inch dimensions." Boom! Now I can just go and let things flow within this nice container that I've built for myself.
I hope this helps you! I hope that thinking about adding in some constraints to actually give yourself MORE freedom and open your creativity will help you to move forward more successfully.