I've always been fascinated by the idea of finding the spark in life, that childlike energy and optimism that seems to fade as we grow older. So, when I came across Austin Kleon's advice on reigniting that spark, I was intrigued. Kleon, the author of 'Steal Like an Artist' and 'Don't Call It Art', has a unique approach to creativity and self-discovery. In this article, I'll share my thoughts on his tips and how they might help you find your own spark. As an adult, I've felt a sense of stagnation, like I'm going through the motions without much joy or excitement. I know I'm not alone in this, and I'm curious if there's a way to recapture that childlike wonder. Kleon's journey to finding his spark is an interesting one. After feeling uninspired for over a decade, he turned to his children for guidance. Being around his young sons, Owen and Jules, reminded him of the energy, fearlessness, and lightness of touch that he felt was missing from his own creative practice. This led him to write 'Don't Call It Art', a book filled with exercises and prompts designed to help us create like kids again. Kleon's approach is refreshing and different from traditional self-help books. Instead of a step-by-step course or an in-depth exploration of the soul, his books are like creative booster shots, encouraging us to dive in and start making things. This is how I feel about his advice - it's like a breath of fresh air, a reminder to embrace the joy of creativity without overthinking it. One of Kleon's key tips is to become a beginner again. He encourages us to shed the weight of adult awareness and the expectation that we know what we're doing. Instead, we should embrace the exploring mode, where learning and play are the focus. This is easier said than done, especially for those of us who have spent years honing our expertise. But, as Kleon points out, the explore mode is the fun part. It's about constantly going back to that place of curiosity and play, even if we've been zigging for so long that we need to zag. Another tip from Kleon is to make time for play. He suggests setting aside daily playtime, a space free from digital distractions and equipped with pens, paper, and craft supplies. This is easier said than done for me, as I struggle to find the time and energy to engage in creative activities. But, as Kleon reminds us, play is not frivolous. It's essential for keeping our spirit alive and is important for our well-being. In my own life, I've found that making time for play can be challenging. I have a dedicated play area, but I often find myself making excuses and putting it off. When I do sit down to create, I feel self-conscious and silly, as if I'm waiting for someone to tell me what to draw. But, as Kleon advises, the aim is to get comfortable with it. He suggests wearing something ridiculous, like an apron, to signal to your brain that it's playtime and to ease the transition. Making something with your hands is another crucial aspect of Kleon's advice. He encourages us to bypass the blank page and start with something tangible, like a newspaper or a piece of paper. This is a great way to get over the fear of the blank page and to embrace the permission to be bad. I found that creating blackout poetry, where I covered up words in a newspaper story, was a fun and engaging way to express myself. It was a welcome break from the digital world and a reminder of the joy of creating something with my hands. One of the most interesting aspects of Kleon's advice is his emphasis on finding what you really, really like. He encourages us to attune to our individual taste and interests, to pinpoint with precision exactly what we like, and to follow our curiosity. This is a powerful reminder that we should not be afraid to explore our passions, even if they seem weird or unusual. In my own life, I've found that getting into ancient Egypt has been a fun and childlike special interest. It's a significant shake-up from my usual diet of breaking news, pop culture, and contemporary fiction, but it feels like discovering a room I didn't know I had. Finally, Kleon reminds us that we can be our own parents. He encourages us to figure out what we need to put in place in order to let go and have some fun, even if we don't have children. This is a powerful message, as it reminds us that we have the power to create the life we want, no matter how old we are. In conclusion, Austin Kleon's advice on finding the spark in life is refreshing and thought-provoking. His tips on becoming a beginner again, making time for play, creating with your hands, and finding what you really, really like are all valuable and worth considering. While I may not have found the spark just yet, I feel inspired to keep exploring and to embrace the joy of creativity in my own life. So, I encourage you to pick up a pen, a piece of paper, or a newspaper and see where your creativity takes you. Who knows, you might just find your own spark.
