PhD Life Blog

Trust the process

The main problem I personally face when starting a new creative project is the fear of blank canvas that stems from perfectionism: if I can’t do it perfectly, I feel like not starting at all. But then I remind myself that the goal is to enjoy the process and discover something about myself, not to create a masterpiece straight from the beginning. Sometimes I even ruin the blank canvas on purpose just to cover it up later and feel relieved from this fear of imperfection.

When you take up a new creative hobby, the learning process itself is capable of healing your soul from daily worries. The act of creation helps you be grounded and present in the moment and connect to your inner feelings, so don’t underestimate it in case the result doesn’t appear as great as you envisioned it to be. Consider this to be a therapeutic exercise that gives you time to clear your brain and works like a meditation and try to overcome your fears of not making everything perfect.
 

No need for expensive supplies

A thing that stops a lot of people from trying something new and creative is getting the materials. Nobody wants to ruin a pretty sketchbook or buy costly tools for only a couple of uses. But as someone who tried tons of different hobbies out of sheer curiosity (and a desire to prove myself that I’m capable of recreating that thing I saw on Pinterest) I can confidently say that you don’t need professional quality materials for your first steps. Good supplies don’t have to drain your bank account: there are always plenty of cheap reliable options available in the shops, and don’t forget art supply swaps and second-hand markets that are around every now and then. For some creative projects you can even upcycle or recycle what you already have at home or can easily find outside in the nature. And, of course, there are plenty of resources available in various community spaces: you could visit a free Arts centre workshop, an occasional creative retreat in the Uni library or a craft session in your local community centre.

Friendly bonding or self-discovery

As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in regard to creative practices, and there are benefits to whatever style you choose. If you prefer to try your new hobby out on your own, it can allow for better concentration and leave more space for self-discovery. It is also a great option if you’re too shy to show your unfinished work or feel uncomfortable working around others: no pressure, take all the time you need! However, if you decide to include your friends in your newly discovered creative passion, you can opt for a group workshop or class which tend to be cheaper (and it’s also easier and less wasteful to buy art materials in bulk). And, of course, if you’re a people’s person, you can get a lot of fun out of bonding with good company over a hobby.

What are your favourite creative activities? Let us know at doctoralcollege@warwick.ac.uk or on X @DC_Warwick