We all need to play…

I’ve been reading the Stuart Brown book ‘Play’ on and off for a few months now and the one thing that keeps coming up for me is how the activity of ‘play’ is so crucially linked to what we need as artists.

We can get so caught up in wanting to produce the next masterpiece, that we often forget the simple pleasure of just playing with our art…trying out new things, new colours, new materials (…also, old materials too, I might add, I’ve got things I bought years ago that are still waiting for me to use…all those impulse buys, the good deals, my ‘that might come in useful one day’ purchases that are waiting for the ‘right’ project to come along)…but why are we waiting?…why are we not scheduling ‘play’ into our days more often and seeing it for what it is…that ‘play’ is at the very heart of creativity.

I think it lies in the fact that as we get older we see play as a frivolous thing, something to be pushed aside until we have time. We feel guilty about playing, the seriousness of being an adult weighing down on us, the need to follow rules, to please others and to use our time and resources ‘wisely’ …not waste them.

But if we think back to being a child, play was fundamental to our development, it was how we learned to function in the world, an essential tool that helped support our physical and emotional growth…giving us such fond and happy memories in the process.

Why Play Matters in the Creative Process:

When we allow ourselves to play, we unlock a world of possibilities. Play brings a lightness to what we’re doing, it can energise us, opening doors to fresh ideas. At its very core play is freedom. An activity done purely for its own sake, with no pressure or judgement of outcome. Play allows us to create without the burden of expectations or self criticism, making it a vital practice for any artist.

It’s in these play moments we stop worrying if something is ‘right’ or ‘good enough’. We lose ourselves in the flow of what we’re doing…how often have we wondered where the time has gone to when we’re fully absorbed and enjoying something.

When we play, we have the opportunity to break down problems and rearrange our thoughts in new ways, find new approaches… often stumbling on happy accidents, things we might not have even considered, when the pressure is off.

Creativity thrives on curiosity, and play sparks that creativity.

By constantly asking ‘what if’ we can explore new ideas…’what if we put these colours together’…’what if this composition is better’…’what if I mix this with that’…Play gives us the freedom to simulate possibilities and imagine new directions while helping us develop greater self awareness, it’s so important to notice what excites us while we’re playing, what we like and don’t, and identifying which things we’d like to pursue further.

Whether we share our work with the world or keep it to ourselves, the act of making, is its own reward. Play reminds us to enjoy the process, not just the outcome.

Embracing Play as an Artist:

As an artist, I believe that play isn’t just a process… it’s a necessity. It’s how we explore ideas and learn to value mistakes, letting go of unnecessary perfectionism…a trait that can kill both our confidence as well as our creativity.

So how can we bring more play into our creative lives?

Well, let’s start by giving ourselves permission to play, then set aside time to do so, without any expectations or pressure. Let yourself explore and just follow where your curiosity leads. Use a sketchbook as a playground for thoughts and skills to develop, then protect it from your inner critic (…and any external ones too)…play is not a waste of time, it’s an investment in your creativity, growth and enjoyment.

Let your time playing be a judgement free zone where you can create freely, without fear of failure or the need for approval.

Sketchbooks as an Artists Playground:

In my eyes, sketchbooks and play go hand in hand, a perfect partnership, and I think the reason I’ve been so motivated by Stuart Brown’s book is that I can see how liberating this marriage can be for our art practice.

A sketchbook is one of the most valuable tools an artist can have…how you use them is entirely personal, there’s no right way or a wrong way…only ‘your’ way…it’s your space and yours alone. No need to worry about perfection or pleasing others. A sketchbook isn’t about creating polished, finished work, it’s about the joy of the process, the freedom to try new things and the thrill of the discovery.

When we use our sketchbooks as a place for play, something magical happens, we enter a state of flow, where time disappears and we become fully immersed in the activity. Through this playful exploration we learn more about our materials, techniques and creative instincts than we ever could through rote practice.

The use of sketchbooks encourages us to participate in active play rather than passive repetition, pushing us to discover and grow in ways we never expected.

“Sketchbooks are an artist’s playground...they embody the spirit of play, a space where no rules apply and no pressure exists...a safe way to experiment, to imagine, to discover and make mistakes without consequence”

The Benefits of Play:

As if we’re not already convinced…the benefits of play are profound, not only in helping boost our creativity, but studies have shown that play-type activities keep our minds active and enquiring as well.

Play also enhances our emotional well-being, sparking excitement and enthusiasm, feelings that are contagious to those around us…and when we feel good about our ‘play’ we’re naturally motivated to do more of it.

Perhaps most importantly, play allows us to rediscover the enjoyment that non-essential activities can bring, a chance to reconnect with that childlike wonder we often lose as adults. When we achieve a better balance of work and play, our minds function better, and we approach life with a renewed sense of possibility…just think how good we feel after a great holiday.

Final Thoughts:

I think what I’m trying to say is that play is more than just fun. For me, it’s the foundation of creativity, learning and new ideas. It sparks curiosity, fuels the imagination and keeps us growing as artists, and as individuals. Without play our work can become stale, our minds rigid and our enjoyment diminished.

So, I hope you’ll make time to play…to explore, experiment and enjoy the process. Allow yourself the freedom to create without judgement or expectation…play is a gift that renews our energy, inspires us and keeps our creative spirits alive

..,and if you’d like to join me on the next Sketchbook course, to play a little, just click the link below

Happy playing 😊