Have you ever felt like your creativity was... dormant? That feeling that there's something inside that wants to come out but doesn't know how? Because it happens to me A LOT. That, along with impostor syndrome, are two constants in my life... And I don't like it, honestly. While trying to fix it, I think I've found something that could help all of us.
I'm reading "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron and there's a concept that's absolutely blowing my mind: "Artist Dates".
WHAT ARE ARTIST DATES?
Artist dates are exactly that: an appointment you make with yourself, alone, to feed your creativity. It's not to create anything, it's not to be productive, it's not work. It's pure creative pleasure.
Julia Cameron describes them as sacred time, about two hours a week, dedicated exclusively to nurturing your inner artist. And here's the important part: we all have an inner artist. You don't need to be a professional painter, writer, or musician. All people are creative by nature. Absolutely ALL of us. ALL.
WHY DO "DATES" WORK?
Cameron uses a brilliant metaphor: imagine your creativity is a well. If you only draw water out (create, work, solve problems) but never put fresh water in, what happens? The well eventually runs dry.
Artist dates are that fresh water; they're the experiences that fill your "creative well" with inspiration, beauty, curiosity, play.
And these artist dates with yourself can be anything that sparks your curiosity or makes you feel alive:
- Visit a bookstore and browse books without buying anything
- Go to a flea market to browse around
- Sit in a cafe and people-watch
- Walking through a neighborhood you don't know
- Go to the movies to see something that calls to you
- Visit a museum or an exhibition
- Explore an arts or crafts store
- …
THE GOLDEN RULES
1. Alone. This is super important. It's not a trip with friends or with your partner. It's time with yourself, time for you. You need that freedom to follow your impulses without having to negotiate with anyone.
2. No agenda . Don't go with the pressure that it has to be "productive" or "useful." If you end up spending an hour watching how clouds move, perfect.
3. No phone (or use it minimally) . No answering WhatsApps or making stories for Instagram. It's disconnected time, for you, not for social media.
4. Follow your impulses . If something catches your attention, follow it. If something bores you, leave. It's YOUR time.
BUT I'M NOT AN ARTIST...
HOLD IT RIGHT THERE ! That's the first thing we need to get out of our heads. Cameron insists on this: we are all creative. Creativity isn't just art with capital letters.
Creativity is:
- Solving problems in new ways
- Cooking by combining ingredients
- Decorating your home
- Writing a beautiful message
- Finding original ways to do everyday things
- Telling stories (even just telling someone about your day)
- …and a thousand other things
If you've ever had an idea, if you've ever done something "your way," if you've ever felt curious about something... you're creative. Period.
HOW TO GET STARTED
It's super easy, really:
1. Block 2-3 hours in your calendar . Write it down like it's a medical appointment. Because it's just as important for your well-being.
2. Make a list of things you've always wanted to do but never had "time" for. That exhibition, that curious shop, that neighborhood you want to explore...
3. Start small . It doesn't have to be the Louvre. It could be that neighbourhood stationery store you've never entered.
4. Don't justify yourself . If someone asks what you're doing, say "I have plans." Period. You don't have to explain why you need time for yourself. Stop giving explanations. Again: it's YOUR time.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The incredible thing about artist dates is that It's not about the immediate results . Don't expect to come out with the novel of the century or the perfect business idea.
It's about feeding that part of you that needs beauty, inspiration, play. Over time, that nourishment becomes noticeable. In how you solve problems, in how you see things, in how you feel about yourself.
ARE YOU UP FOR IT?
What do you think? Do you believe you could carve out 2-3 hours a week for yourselves? Is there something you've always wanted to do but left for "when I have time"?
Creativity isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. And we all deserve it.
I hope you'll give "artist dates" a try and let me know how it's going for you. I'd love to know what you discover. 😊
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