FIND CALM IN CREATIVITY Tap into yours with our easy guide

Many of us have taken up new creative hobbies in recent months. Illustrator and author Lorna Scobie explains the benefits of making art, and helps you plan a fortnight of creativity

There’s nothing I love more than sitting down with my pencils and a sketchbook, as I focus on something to draw. It doesn’t have to be complicated – it might be something from my storecupboard or what I see from my window. I lose myself in art. It’s how I express myself, helping me to explore what I love, and to find a sense of calm.

I work as an illustrator, but I’m passionate about the power of art, regardless of your level of skill and experience. Exploring your creativity is a wonderful way to boost wellbeing, build confidence and appreciate the world around you. Spending time at home during lockdown has meant we’ve had the chance to think about how we relax, and – along with rewarding activities such as baking – I’ve noticed a renewed interest in creating art.

And it makes sense – art can be a brilliant tonic. Studies have shown that creative activities, such as drawing and writing, reduce levels of stress, increase positive thoughts and lead to a greater sense of self-worth and purpose.*

But even if you would like to be more creative, it can be challenging to know where to start. I’ve often heard family and friends say they ‘can’t draw’ or they’re ‘not creative’, and this can put them off picking up a pencil and having a go. I believe that we all deserve to have creativity in our lives, as it has an incredible capacity to make us feel good. This inspired me to create my 365 Days Of Art activity books to help people to get started. The books feature a guided artistic task for every day of the year because, often, all you need is a prompt and a safe space to get your creativity flowing.

As a taster of that, I’ve designed this 14-day journey to inspire you to get started. Remember there’s no such thing as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ art and there are no rules! You can adapt the tasks however you like; enjoy the freedom of exploring what works for you. Relish pressing pause, relaxing and feeling that well-deserved sense of achievement once a task is completed.