Unleashing Your Imagination: 3 Unique Creative Outlets to Explore

Introduction : Creative Outlets

I get bored easily. Like REALLY easily. However I have found that doing Concept Art and Illustrations allows me to experiment in new areas that maybe I have not explored or possibly having found new interest in. But That does not have to be the path everyone takes.

One thing that always stuck with me from college is taking on new hobbies and exploring things you do not have interest in. There is a world of new layers and newfound ways of improving your creativity and your work proficiency. If you feel stuck in a rut or in a bog of mental space this is a good article for YOU.

In my few years in business I have had customers and people mention areas of art I did not know about but had piqued my interest nonetheless. The list presented below is in no way complete but the top few that captivated me and perked my ears when mentioned. Let's dive in!

1. Artist Trading Cards

There is nothing like opening up a pack of trading cards or sports cards. The interesting cards you might get, the art amongst them, and the gamble of getting something big is quite the allure. Let me introduce you to a unique member of this world: Artist Trading Cards.

To summarize quickly; Artist Trading Cards are small 1:1 artworks made in a specific size to be traded amongst artists. This format was meant as a way for any artist to make and experiment with small formats that they could trade with other artists they look up to or new artists they had just met.

This has a very niche and fun community that has a lot of potential for learning and growing your own styling or test new ones. It also helps for you to get used to letting go of original pieces (its a lot easier to let go of 10 playing card artworks vs. 1 11x14 original drawing). You can even go to worldwide events and online markets to trade your work with others (honestly the initial movement was for these to not be sold but always traded).

Let this special hobby be your seeds of growth to try new work, take on different subject matter, and try new mediums of creation. Just remember to have fun with it and potentially learn from peers!

My first attempt. I had a lot of fun making a line of 5 forest creatures with golden crowns.

2. Sketch Cover Comics

You like comics? Graphic novels? Have you ever wanted to imagine your artwork on the cover of the latest marvel heroes? Well look no further than the awesome world of Sketch Cover Comics!

This art form is pretty much explained in the name of it. Typically a lot of mainstream comics will have variant cover issues which are sought after over just the original choice. One such variant that became prevelant is blank covers that only include the text or comic brand logo on it. Everything else is an empty canvas for you to explore!

The creativity of this medium is whichever direction you would like to take it. I personally like to read the comic and then try to convey the feeling of how the issue went or maybe an action scene that I draw from a different point in time. Some collectors will buy them and take them to conventions to get commissions from their favorite artists.

In the modern day there is a large variety of comic brands that make this style of cover and you can get them relatively cheap when they come out. If you talk to your local comic shop or do a little online sleuthing you can get into a new flow state of creating. Just remember to have fun with it and go wild. It's fiction after all!

One of my favorites thus far. I love zombies and when I bought this I knew I had to take a crack at some DC zombies. Or undead at least.

3. Ex Libris (a.k.a. Book Plates)

This is a very unique creative niche that is both collectible as it is personal. You will not get rich from this form of artwork but you will have a personal touch into a clients' life and your own collections. This is what we call Ex Libris A.K.A. Book Plates.

In the old days it was custom to label the books you own in case someone wanted to borrow them or you wanted to lend them to a colleague. The Book Plate was generally customized to the individual and stamped or stickered within the front cover so you knew whose book it was. This led to some collectors seeking out books from famous deceased individuals and the bookplate inside was almost a certificate of authenticity.

Looking at designs, both modern and old, you can create the most simplistic designs that were the owners initials with fancy filigree to creating full tiny scenes. Generally the designs were only in one color as it was stamped inside limiting your palette, However in the modern age you could always get stickers printed that serve the same purpose.

Ex Libris is Latin for "from the books of" signifying your library. Here is an attempt I made in this medium

While I do not have a ton of practice in this realm I can say that it is a fascinating case study of ways your creativity can spiral towards new and exciting ventures.

4. BONUS : FUNKO POPS BOX ART

DUE TO RECENT EVENTS I wanted to add an additional creative outlet as I was commissioned to partake in its challenges. Every individual on earth at this point has probably heard of POP figures by Funko. There is definitely some prop design practice that is needed to modify these little figurines, But there is an easier modification method for 2D artists which uses the box itself as a canvas.

In general a lot of people think of signatures that fans will get on the boxes from their favorite celebrities. Another way they can amplify it to make it individual is to requisition an artist to... well art on the box. Paint pens seem to work best and I must say it has been a fun challenge to make something eye catching while also paying tribute to the figurine itself.

You might have some less valuable figurines sitting around your house as we speak. Why not grab one and try a doodle on it. You never know what cool ideas and techniques can come from it!

Fat Thor was fun. And I also learned that planning is KEY

Conclusion

Practice is extremely important for us to continue and grow our skills. It is also just as important to experiment and get out there to experience anew. I hope these few artistic paths have given you some intrigue or at least a night of wiki kung fu to look through. Maybe it will help light the match on the candle of curiosity. Keep your mind open and your skills growing.

Until next time!