Amy Latta - Practice Makes Progress: My Creative Journal

Hello, friend!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I love to create! Throughout my adult life, I have been a teacher, a professional dancer, an artist, an author and a business owner. What I love most is making beautiful things and teaching others to do the same. I have tutorials for all kinds of art and craft projects on my website, amylattacreations.com, and I do regular craft segments on television in the hopes of inspiring viewers to try them at home. Additionally, I teach local and national workshops and have written five books about the art of hand lettering. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to be able to make a living doing what Im passionate about: inspiring creativity. But thats enough about me. Lets talk about you!

The fact that this journal has made its way into your hands tells me something exciting: You are ready to take a creative journey. Whether you consider yourself naturally artistic or the furthest thing from it, you are willing to join me as we discover, embrace and express creativity in a variety of forms throughout these pages.

This journal is designed to give you specific questions and exercises to get you working those creative muscles, as well as to give you the freedom to express yourself in whatever ways you enjoy most. Youll have opportunities to write, to doodle, to reflect, to make plans and even to create larger works of art. There are no right or wrong answers, and what you do with these exercises is entirely up to you! My hope is that as we explore 25 quotes about art and creativity, youll be stretched, challenged and inspired. I hope youll discover new things, and most of all, that youll have so much fun along the way.

This journal belongs to you, so mark it up and make it your own. Cut out some of the pages to use, display or give away. In fact, some of the exercises will specifically ask you to do just that. Dont worry about making everything neat or perfect; this is a place for exploration and expression, not perfection. If any of my hand-lettered illustrations inspire you, feel free to cut those out and display them, too, or re-create them yourself.

I dont know about you, but I cant wait to get started. Grab a few markers, a pencil and a good eraser, and lets begin this creative journey together!

One of the roadblocks we can face on our creative journey is the idea that we have to wait until weve got a great idea before we start working. The reality is that creativity rarely works that way. Its only after we pull out our supplies and begin the process that our project will start to take shape. As we get our hands covered in paint or clay or glitter, or we start putting words on a page, the ideas will roll in and well become inspired. The more we experiment, the better an idea well have of what works and what doesnt. Dont wait around for inspirationget busy and make it happen! Which supplies do you have on hand that you could grab right now?

The Ghost of Inspiration Past

Whats your favorite thing that youve ever created? What made it so special? Think about what inspired you to make it. Was it for someone else? Was it for an occasion? Was it something you knew you always wanted to do, or did it surprise you?

Inspiration Is Everywhere

Inspiration is rarely like a lightning bolt from the sky; instead, its all around us. Take the next few minutes to concentrate on your senses one by one and jot down things that grab your attention. Then, once you finish, choose whichever inspired you most and use it as a springboard for a creative work!

The SIGHT of:____________________________________

The SOUND of:____________________________________

The SMELL of:____________________________________

The TASTE of:____________________________________

The TOUCH of:____________________________________

Just Get Started!

The best way to get inspired is to dive right in! So what are you waiting for? The next page is a blank slate where you can create any kind of masterpiece you like. Feel free to draw, paint, hand letter whatever your heart desires. Write a poem, brainstorm the plot of a short story or draw plans for something you want to build, bake or sculpt. Dont overthink it, just start creating and get inspired as you go. Color the border, too. Use this art to remind you not to wait for the perfect idea before you begin your next project!

Despite what some folks think, living a creative life doesnt mean everything is always rainbows and flowers. In fact, it can be a real challenge thats sometimes downright scary. Every time you create, youre taking a risk. Youre putting a part of your soul out there into the universe where it could potentially face criticism or rejection. That is no small feat! It requires real courage to step out and try something new, in spite of not knowing how it will turn out or what others may think. But imagine how much less beautiful the world would be if artists and creators let fear get in the way of their next creation! Dont be afraid to step out and create what only you can make.

Is courage something you have thought of as part of the creative process before?

The Voices in My Head

When you have a new idea, what fears pop up in your mind? What do the voices in your head tell you that cause you to hesitate instead of starting your project and making it happen? Fill in each thought bubble with some of the doubts that hold you back.