As an illustrator, it’s easy to stick to what you know—the pencils, pens, or digital tools that feel like second nature. But exploring new mediums can unlock fresh creative possibilities and push your artistry to new heights.
Trying new art mediums may seem intimidating at first. You might wonder which medium to pick, how to start, or even worry about confusing your audience if you share your work publicly.
The good news is that with a few simple daily habits, you can confidently explore new mediums without feeling overwhelmed or stuck, all while enriching your creative practice gradually and enjoyably.
Your 3 Daily Habits to Explore New Mediums
Habit 1 — Start Small and Experiment
Why: To build confidence exploring new mediums without pressure, making creative breakthroughs more likely.
How: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to a small, playful project with a new medium. For example, sketch with charcoal, splash some watercolor, or try an acrylic accent on a drawing.
Cue: Set a consistent time daily, like right after breakfast or before winding down in the evening, to keep your focus steady.
Habit 2 — Embrace Mistakes and Learn
Why: Mistakes are natural when learning something new; they help you discover what works and enhance your skills.
How: Maintain a dedicated sketchbook or digital folder for ‘experiments’ where imperfection is welcome. Reflect briefly on what you learned or liked each time you create.
Cue: After each session, take a moment to jot down a quick note or photo of your experiment to acknowledge progress.
Habit 3 — Stay Curious and Research
Why: Curiosity fuels motivation; learning about different mediums and artists inspires your own exploration.
How: Spend 5-10 minutes exploring tutorials, artist interviews, or galleries featuring the medium you want to try. Collect inspiration in a digital or physical mood board.
Cue: Use your morning coffee break or commute to listen to podcasts or review quick videos related to new art techniques.
Week 1 Schedule
| Day | Focus | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Start Small | Try a 10-minute sketch with charcoal or pencil on scrap paper. |
| Tuesday | Research | Watch a short watercolor tutorial or browse art featuring watercolors. |
| Wednesday | Experiment | Play with watercolor paints on a small piece of paper, no pressure. |
| Thursday | Reflect | Review your sketchbook or folder, note what you’ve enjoyed and learned. |
| Friday | Explore | Read about an artist known for mixed media or acrylic painting. |
| Saturday | Try Something New | Experiment with a new tool like colored pencils or acrylic markers. |
| Sunday | Share or Plan | Share your favorite experimental piece with friends or plan next week’s medium. |
Troubleshooting
Barrier: Feeling overwhelmed by too many new mediums and unsure where to begin.
Fix: Narrow focus by choosing just one new medium to explore daily, applying your daily habits gradually for steady progress.
Barrier: Fear of making mistakes and producing ‘bad’ art.
Fix: Remind yourself that every artist starts imperfectly. Keep a private sketchbook for practice and view mistakes as creative stepping stones.
Barrier: Concern about confusing your audience or losing your artistic identity.
Fix: Maintain your signature style elements, such as color palettes or subjects, while experimenting, and communicate your journey openly if sharing your work.
FAQs
Q: How do I choose which new medium to explore first?
A: Start by thinking about what excites you or complements your current style. Using your daily habits, try sampling small projects in different mediums to see what resonates.
Q: Can exploring new mediums impact my main illustration style?
A: Absolutely! Exploring new mediums can enhance your core skills, inspire new techniques, and keep your creativity fresh, which benefits your primary style.
Q: How often should I share my experiments with my audience?
A: Sharing is personal. You can share bits of your process to keep your audience connected or wait until you’re comfortable showing finished works. Daily habits encourage steady progress either way.
Tracking & Motivation Tips
Use a simple journal or an art app to track your daily explore new mediums habit sessions. Note your feelings, discoveries, and favorite experiments. Set small goals like “try a new technique twice this week” to keep motivation strong and celebrate your creative growth regularly.
Key Takeaways for Exploring New Mediums
Daily habits of starting small, embracing mistakes, and staying curious create a fun, manageable path for illustrators to explore new mediums. These habits make trying new art forms less intimidating and more inspiring, helping you evolve creatively while enhancing your signature style.
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Ready to put these habits into action? Dayspire helps you reach any goal with simple daily habits. Join the waitlist now to be the first to get invited to Dayspire!
