With almost two years into this pandemic, you may be itching to start that creative project you can’t seem to get out of your mind. So you made completing it one of your 2022 New Year’s resolutions. However, starting a new project can be daunting, and you can feel overwhelmed, especially if it’s your first time.

Here are a few tips that may help you ease into your creative project:

• Brainstorm intently: Crack open a new notebook and grab your favourite pen. In one sitting, brainstorm your idea. Write as much as you can think of about your project. Make sure to answer questions like: What is the genre? Who are your characters? What is the setting? Which chords and chord progressions are you going to use? What will be the style of dance? If writing things down isn’t your thing, you can use the notes app on your phone instead and type the idea up when you’re on the go. You can also voice record or video journal your idea.

• Research thoroughly: Research, research, research. It is the foundation of any creative project you decide to start. Not researching the content of your project can leave it feeling dry and severely lacking in depth. If you are a writer and you’re writing about a community that isn’t your own, reach out to a person in that community to make sure that your content doesn’t lean towards offensive.

• Divide carefully: Some creatives can dive into a creative project without much planning and seamlessly finish it ahead of the deadline. For others, however, the idea of doing that may feel overwhelming. Planning is not always a bad thing. It brings structure to the chaos. The best way to do this is by dividing your idea into sections and setting small goals for yourself every day. Guide books can also be helpful. They help break up and divide your project for you. For example, if you are interested in screenwriting, consider The Coffee Break Screenwriter by Pilar Alessandra. Also, check out our Kickstart Your Screenwriting course by Ferdinand W Gernandt right here on Artist on Cue. You can also search online for other tutorials to give you a step-by-step approach to completing your project.

• Enjoy easily: Most importantly, you should have fun with your creative project. Worrying about the outcome will take away the enjoyment, and you won’t be as interested in completing the project. Try not to focus on how other artists have done things in the past. Your art is your signature, so find your style. Being able to create is a blessing. You are taking your emotions and desires and turning them into art for yourself, and possibly others, to enjoy.

Make sure to plan your idea before you start and do your research. That way, it will make the creating process a lot easier. You also can’t rush artwork. Take things slowly and complete a little bit every single day. Remember, the tortoise won the race for a reason.