A creative workshop, say, a watercolour workshop caught your eye - it was something you've wanted to try and learn, but you were a little unsure whether you'd succeed with what the instructor promised. Nevertheless, you buy a ticket (or perhaps, you're considering it), and you're second-guessing what to expect, and the following thoughts may be running around in your mind
- "Will I be able to create something 'good'?"
- "Maybe I'm not creative enough."
- "This probably won't be as much fun as I think it will be."
It is so natural to think this way because creativity is for 'special, talented people'. And it isn't true! We are all creative - some of us maybe enjoyed getting creative but then general life got in the way, or perhaps someone once told you you weren't. We all have the ability to solve a problem - exploring your creativity at a workshop is a way to solve the problem of learning how to use certain tools in a way that will bring enjoyment from the medium.
When you've booked your watercolour workshop ticket, you may think you need to bring something along - a tool, your own materials or a reference photo. Those can be necessary if your instructor made a special request but if they did not, then happily bring yourself. This inspiring list is here to help you get the most out of attending a watercolour workshop.
Here's how to approach getting your mind (yes, and not your hands) in the right space to enjoy the next watercolour, or creative, workshop you attend:
1. A Willingness To Learn
This may seem obvious, but sometimes some attendees feel they won't learn anything new, particularly if they've tried YouTube tutorials but there's always something new to learn. Every instructor has a different way of teaching so you may understand something better when someone else explains it differently.
2. Gentle Curiosity
Curiosity is that gentle yet nagging thought in your mind that leads you to wonder "what would happen if I try something new?", "this could be a lot of fun" and "how amazing wouldn't it be to show a loved one what I made?". It allows one the opportunity to explore the possibilities of what could be, and be gentle when things may be don't go as expected. Give it another go, try something differently and be surprised at what you can achieve.
3. Get Comfortable With Making Mistakes
As we grow older, we are more fearful of getting something wrong. Rather channel that energy into the workshop - this is the best and encouraging space to make mistakes, to learn to play and to have fun! These are the times where you would discover something you wouldn't have had you played it safe.
4. Bring A Question
Maybe you have lots of questions, maybe you don't have one. Consider thinking of at least one question you'd like to ask the instructor - what made them choose this particular medium, what's the best advice they would give a beginner, what is the most important (or favourite) tool to have when exploring this medium. This will already set you up to engage and be present during the time of the workshop and gain some valuable insight while your instructor is available.
5. Tell Yourself "I am creative"
Whether you believe it or not, you are creative. It takes being a beginner to learn the skills and then practice them while enjoying the process of doing so. Once you allow yourself to perform the act of creativity, can you allow yourself to call yourself a creative person, but to be honest, you are creative before you do the creating.
It's incredible what a few mindset shifts can do when you're feeling unsure of yourself. You don't need an advanced skill set to attend a creative workshop, only the willingness to give it a try and the cheerful curiosity to see it through. You'll be amazed at what you're capable of.
BOOK a Watercolour Winddown Workshop ticket for yourself (and a bestie, perhaps) from the dates available
DOWNLOAD Getting Started With Watercolour Checklist from The Artful Library