Art and the Everyday
How to Bring Art Into Everyday Life
When you picture yourself as an artist, it’s easy to imagine the studio—a space filled with tools, materials, and half-finished projects. But what about the moments outside of that space? Creativity doesn’t switch off when you walk out of the studio. In fact, some of the best creative sparks may happen in the quieter, everyday moments that fill most of our lives. Bringing art into your daily life isn’t about checking off tasks or being productive all the time. It’s about living creatively—paying attention, finding meaning, and letting your perspective as an artist shape the way you approach even the simplest things.
Art doesn’t have to live on a canvas, in a sketchbook, or on your computer screen. It can sneak into the way you arrange your home, the meals you cook, or even how you have conversations with others. Expanding your creativity into daily life doesn’t mean taking on more work—it’s more about noticing where creativity already exists and letting it grow.
What does it mean to create?
It’s so easy to tie creativity to finished projects. That painting on the wall, the sculpture you spent weeks on, or the design you finally sent off feels like proof of being an artist. But the truth is, creativity shows up in the in-between moments too—the ones that don’t have a tangible outcome. It’s there when you solve a problem, notice something new in your surroundings, or take time to enjoy something beautiful.
For example, let’s say you’re at the grocery store. Instead of rushing to grab your list and get out, try slowing down for a moment. Look at the produce section—the bright colors, the variety of textures, the way everything’s arranged. Snap a quick photo of something interesting: maybe it’s the way purple eggplants pop against green herbs, or the layered shapes of stacked oranges. I tell my design students this all the time—creativity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. You need those moments of noticing and gathering ideas to feed your work later.
Or think about gardening. Cutting flowers and arranging them in a vase might feel like a task, but it’s a great exercise in balance, shape, and color. The same principles you use to create a painting or design can apply here. And the best part? It’s for your own enjoyment.
Building a Creative Mindset
Living creatively doesn’t mean you’re constantly making things. It’s about shifting your perspective so you start to see the world as a source of inspiration. Notice the colors, textures, and patterns around you. Pay attention to the way light falls on buildings at different times of day or how people interact in public spaces. These observations might seem small, but they’re at the heart of any creative practice.
Next time you’re out, take your phone or camera and treat your walk like a mini creative session. Capture the way shadows stretch across the sidewalk or an unusual pattern on a cracked wall. Maybe you spot a storefront with colors that spark an idea for your next piece. These photos don’t have to be perfect. Think of them as little visual notes—a way to build a reference library you can draw from later. Over time, these snapshots might inspire a new series of paintings, become textures in a digital project, or simply help you see the world in a more intentional way.
Here’s a fun challenge: On your next walk or errand, try to notice three things you’ve never really paid attention to before. Maybe it’s the way leaves collect in a corner, or how the sky reflects on a puddle. Even if you’re not sure how you’ll use these observations yet, just the act of noticing sharpens your ability to see like an artist.
Art and Daily Routines
Your daily routines are a perfect place to experiment with creativity. You don’t need a big block of time or fancy tools—just a little intention. For example, start your morning with a quick sketch. It doesn’t have to be “good.” Doodle whatever comes to mind or something you see around you. Even five minutes can help set a creative tone for your day.
Cooking is another great opportunity to think like an artist. When you’re plating a meal, experiment with balance and composition. How can you arrange the food to make it visually interesting? Add a pop of color with herbs or create contrast with textures. It’s not about being perfect or fancy—just playful.
Even chores can become creative. Rearrange the books on your shelf by color to create a design that feels intentional. If you sew or craft, add something personal to your clothes, like a small embroidered patch or hand-dyed fabric. These small acts make your everyday surroundings more personal and meaningful.
Embracing Community and Collaboration
Art doesn’t have to be a solo experience. Involving others can bring a whole new layer to your creativity. Try hosting a casual art night with friends or family. Everyone brings a small project—whether it’s painting, knitting, or just doodling—and you spend the evening creating together. It’s not about the final product but about sharing the experience.
Or maybe you collaborate on a practical project. If a friend is redecorating, offer to help them paint a wall mural or design a unique piece for their space. Even small collaborations, like making holiday cards together, can spark new ideas and remind you of the joy of creating with others.
Seeing Your Life as a Canvas
When you start to think of your life as a canvas, creativity can be everywhere. Take photos of little moments that catch your eye—how light streams through your window in the morning or the way your coffee cup reflects the colors around it. These snapshots can turn into mini projects, like a photo series or a journal entry.
You can also personalize the objects you use every day. Paint a design on a plain mug, make your own block-printed wrapping paper, or use washi tape to decorate your notebook. These small touches bring personality to the things around you and make everyday tasks feel more intentional.
Balancing Art and Life
Sometimes it feels like there’s a wall between your creative life and everything else. But when you bring art into your daily routine, those lines start to blur. Your creativity becomes something that supports your life, not just something you “do” in a specific block of time.
For example, if you’re a parent, involve your kids in simple projects like painting rocks for the garden or making collages from old magazines. If you work a 9-to-5, bring some personality into your workspace. Hang sketches on your wall, add a small plant, or even just keep a notebook handy for quick ideas.
These little acts of creativity might not seem like much, but they add up. They remind you that being an artist isn’t just about the work you produce—it’s about how you see and live in the world.
The Joy of Everyday Creativity
Ultimately, bringing art into your daily life is about finding joy. It’s not about achieving or finishing anything; it’s about letting your creative energy shape the way you move through the world. Whether you’re arranging a meal, decorating your space, or snapping a photo on your walk, these moments of everyday creativity remind you why you fell in love with art in the first place.
Art isn’t just about what you make—it’s in the choices and moments that fill your life.
