Practice Your Craft: Intentional Practice

I once had a coworker, an Art Director, whose calendar I occasionally had to manage. Every Wednesday he had lunch blocked off with the title, "Comic Wednesday." Was this a time when he snuck off to hear his favorite stand-up? Time he saved to read the Funny Papers? Or some new yoga-laughter routine?

No. (Although that laughter thing can burn off some calories!) It was an appointment he made with himself to practice his craft. He would sketch comics.

It wasn't his job. It was a hobby. But the simple practice of drawing comics kept his mind sharp and his hand nimble. It kept him engaged with his own creativity and likely provided an escape from the "real" world around him.

His intentional practice still inspires me to do the same. It may not be an hour every Wednesday (although, if that works for you, then by all means, do it!) but I find that the more intentional I am about practicing art, the more easily it comes to me.

Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine. — Ludwig van Beethoven

Don't get me wrong; there are days and times when writing and drawing are the last things I want to do. But I try my best to force myself to do them regularly. I watch others as they draw. I read blogs that others write. I use drawing and writing hand-in-hand and find that one inspires the other. I also know that when I don't want to, and force myself to, I usually come up with some of my favorite ideas! Like this one...

Be intentional about practicing your craft. Whether it's writing or sketching or sewing socks for chickens.

What's your craft? How often do you practice it? What do you do to overcome the hurdle of stagnation?

Liz