5 Minute Creative Break

*Image courtesy of a fellow creative soul, Wade B. Clark Junior.  Check out more of his photos!

When you were a kid did you ever spend lazy afternoons laying on your back and staring at the clouds?  Did you ever let your imagination run wild and find pictures in those cloud formations?

I’ve got a fun game for your creative brain.  You can do this on napkins at a restaurant, on some printer paper at the office or wherever you find yourself with a need for some quick creative play.

It’s simple, really.  Just scribble on a couple sheets of paper (or napkins – whatever!) and hand to a friend or back to yourself for some imagining.  Rotate the paper and see what emerges from the scribble.  I kind of let my eyes glaze over (you know, the same thing that happens when I see lots of numbers – ha), and I put very little pressure on myself to come up with something.  It’s fun.  Give yourself about 20 seconds to see something and take another 20-30 seconds to flesh out the image.  It’s a quick 5 minute boost of creativity!

I guarantee you’re gonna like it.

Here’s some before and afters of my 5 minute creative break.  Hubster even tried one!  Can you guess which one is his? 

(click on images to view larger.)

BEFORE	AFTER

“Y, as in

Hot Off the

I am MN

Exclusive Preview! “Whispering

When Old Becomes

I am enough.

Are You There

Letter From a

Abigail Washburn

Color Crayons

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1. 

   Elisa Choi says:

   September 19, 2011 at 2:34 am

   Hi there, I love this exercise:) I have tried this with my officemate during a break in the office and it was super fun! You have posted something unique and I agree with you that it’s a refreshing start for creativity. Love the works both u and ur husband did. Keep it up!
2. 

   Makie says:

   September 19, 2011 at 1:25 pm

   Thanks Elisa, glad to know I’m not the only one sneaking this into the work day. You’re right, it’s a good start for creativity or even just a nice brain break during a busy or otherwise task-oriented day. Be well, I love you site! Makie
3. 

   Brianna says:

   September 23, 2011 at 2:31 am

   I love everything you draw! Looks like fun!