Creativity Prompt: Beautiful Mess

Here's a great way to break through the Block -- deliberately create something messy, flawed, even weird to break free from perfectionism and ignite flow.

Materials: Any surface, tools, and media that feel least precious. Optional: found objects.

Process:

🌟Release the Inner Critic: No nitpicking! Celebrate the unconventional. No mistakes, only discoveries.

🌟Loose Intention: Gently guide yourself with a color, feeling, or movement – no rigid plans.

🌟Embrace the "mess": Use tools unconventionally (slap, drip, smear). Lean into "flaws" (bleeds, stray lines). Explore the "weird" (odd colors, illogical forms, unexpected textures/collage). Let your subconscious lead.

Reflection:

• How did letting go feel?

• What unexpected things emerged?

• Any intriguing elements for future work?

• Did this loosen your grip on "shoulds"?

The Takeaway: The Beautiful Mess breaks down perfectionism. Intentionally embracing imperfection unlocks experimentation, new possibilities, and the joy of raw creation. "Flawed" explorations often hold original ideas. Go make a beautiful mess and surprise yourself.

BONUS TIP: Dare to be different! Big Yes Spark Cards contain 90 prompts that break through creative block and inspire wonderfully flawed, yet powerful, paintings.

Beverly Todd

B. Todd. Arts | Santa Fe Artist Getaway