This year is shaping up to be much the same as the last one, with many lockdown restrictions in place for long periods; this can make life difficult for many people who might feel confined and lonely. But it also offers opportunities to get creative with our time and pursue an interest that’s been sidelined or something you’ve always wanted to try. Artistic hobbies not only alleviate boredom, they are excellent for mental health. 

Photography 

Taking pictures is not like the old days. You don’t need a Kodak or a special flash. Technology has unfolded extensively in the last one hundred years and now snapping a high quality digital image of your life, and sharing it is easier than ever. 

 

This also opens up new avenues for people to get creative with photography, particularly in location life when we seem to spend our time either on social media or walking in the woods. Use these opportunities to approach your everyday snaps a little more artistically.

Painting 

Even if you don’t think you have the artistry needed to be a great painter, you can still enjoy the process of learning and creating in your free time. One of the special things about painting is time spent contemplating a subject and attempting to emulate it. This is therapeutic regardless of the outcome. 

 

You don’t have to be a fine art painter, or have your work displayed in Calken Gallery to enjoy painting as a hobby. Especially during the early stages of the year when your area is still locked down. Why not order some canvases and paints from the Internet and study a recent landscape photography you’ve taken.

Creative Writing 

People love to read, but when it comes to writing it can be hard to get motivated. It’s a bit like going for exercise or getting up in the morning. Add to that the doubts you may have about your writing or your anxiety about putting your thoughts on the page. 

 

There are some easy solutions to overcome these obstacles and enjoy your creative writing. Firstly, make your writing situation comfortable. You want to enjoy going to that place and spending some time with your notebook and imagination. If you’re worried about sharing, try using a pen name. 

Crafts 

Lockdown life is an excellent opportunity to explore arts and crafts. That could mean knitting, jewellery making, origami, or home DIY decorating. Now is a great time to rekindle an interest in a craft you’ve forgotten about, or take up a new one. 

 

It’s a good idea to identify one particular craft and stick with it for a period. This helps you go deeper with the knowledge and practice of crafting. When you have your subject make yourself comfortable and access that blissful state of ‘flow.’ You won’t want to put it down. 

Digital Hobbies 

Traditional hobbies such as photography, painting, and writing are always excellent choices to access your flow state and improve your craft. These days, however, there are many more artistic hobbies to choose from thanks to digital technologies. 

 

Digital hobbies include things like digital art, animation, and digital music production. Digital hobbies are super easy to get into although they may require some investment such as a good laptop, software, and sometimes hardware too. However, they are an excellent and progressive way of getting lost in your art.