Summary

The website content details the author's journey into sketching and personal transformation over a month, inspired by the books "The Atomic Habit" and "The Artist's Way."

Abstract

Upon returning from a transformative vacation in Brazil, the author, feeling the need for significant life changes, found inspiration in two influential books: "The Atomic Habit" by James Clear and "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. This led to a month-long exploration into daily journaling, self-dates, reading, and most importantly, drawing. Despite past traumas associated with drawing in college, the author embraced the challenge, documenting life experiences through sketches reflecting personal style. The process, which included overcoming fear and embracing imperfection, resulted in a collection of drawings from various locations in Porto, Portugal, and a profound shift in the author's sense of purpose and creativity. The author acknowledges the importance of self-compassion and safety in nurturing creativity and reflects on the progress made, setting the stage for further growth in the coming month.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep-seated need for change and a desire to unlock creativity and purpose in life.
There is a strong belief in the transformative power of small, consistent habits, as advocated by James Clear in "The Atomic Habit."
The author admits to previous fears and insecurities about drawing but has found a new appreciation for the art form through consistent practice.
The impact of "The Artist's Way" is evident in the author's approach to creativity, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and safety.
The author values personal growth over perfection, as seen in the inclusion of both successful and unsuccessful drawing attempts.
There is a sense of pride and accomplishment in the progress made, despite not meeting the initial goal of the number of drawings completed.
The author encourages readers to engage in creative habits and to be kind to themselves in their creative journey.

October Drawings

My first month of sketching

Pen in paper — 23 x 11,5 cm Art by Author

After spending three months in Brazil during my vacation, I came back to Portugal knowing that I had to make some big changes in my life. I needed to start creating something, building my future, and feel a purpose.

By some kind of destiny, I came across these 2 books: “The Atomic Habit” by James Clear and “The Artist Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron. I honestly don’t know how to explain, but it was as if when I saw the books, I felt an urgent need to read them no matter what.

There is no other way of saying it: my life changed the last month. I feel like a completely different person, more focused, knowing what I want and how to go after it.

One of the biggest things that bothered me was that I had so many plans, so many ideas, and so much potential, but I was wasting it and letting time pass because I was afraid.

I was afraid of things not turning out as well as I expected.

I decided to take small steps:

Do journalling every day. Three pages a day, no excuses.
Go on a date with myself at least once a week.
Read a little bit every day.
Draw whenever I can.

Sketches were something that I always wanted to do, but for some reason, never really got my hands on it.

In my first year of Architectural College, I had 8 hours of drawing classes every week.

Yes, I did learn how to draw, and yes, I did get traumatized.

The feeling of “I can draw everything” was very overwhelming, but the obligation to do it (sometimes outside in the freezing cold) made me stop liking it so much, which resulted on me not touching a piece of paper (unless I was obligated again by college) for a long time.

This month I decided that things were about to change. I wanted to draw. I had to. I wanted to start documenting my life with images with MY personality (even though sometimes I preferred others).

1. My first drawing:

After a lunch with my boyfriend and his family, we decided to go to the sea.

I thought to myself: Just a few lines. You can do this!

2. At the bus stop

The next day was my first artist date alone, and I only had one objective: to do a few drawings.

I waited 40 minutes for a bus that never came, but at least I decided that my date was gonna start right there, so I did this drawing of the view.

3. Largo de São Domingos

After I finally got to the center of Porto, Portugal. I decided to draw one of my favorite parts of the city: the Largo de São Domingos.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to people stopping to see me draw. It’s a weird feeling that makes me shy, but I was determined to not let that stop me.

4. FAUP Library

I usually go to the library after lunch to read a bit before going to my next class, but since I wasn’t really in the mood for reading that day, I decided to draw.

But there was a problem: I had forgotten my favorite pen for drawing, the BIC 1.6, so I had to face a big fear: do a contour drawing.

It Turned out way better than expected.

5. Classes, classes, classes

The next day, I was so excited that I decided to do another one with the same pen during a boring class in the auditorium. It went well too, but not everything was at the right scale, which frustrated me a bit.

6. Failure

I went for another artist date on the next Sunday, but that day just wasn’t my day.

I tried a few times to start a drawing but for some reason I just couldn’t.I ended up starting this one but stopped because I wasn’t feeling it.

Either way, I’m adding this picture because even tho it wasn’t, by far, my favorite drawing, it’s important to remember that sometimes things will not go as planned, and it’s OK! You can always try again. Or don’t, change locations, the pen, the day… I’m sure something will work out.

7. Hot Chocolate at the Caffee

After feeling a bit discouraged with my last drawing, I only forced myself to draw again next Sunday, when I stopped at a coffee shop for a hot chocolate.

I went back to my comfortable pen but decided to try something new: draw me drawing the table. Honestly, It turned out better than I expected, but I still want to improve this technique.

…

In conclusion, I didn’t do as many drawings as expected, but it was still a big improvement.

“Creativity flourishes when we have a sense of safety and self-acceptance” — Julia Cameron.

We need to be comprehensive and loving with ourselves so our creativity can flourish. October was better than September, and November will be better than October.

Let me know which drawing is your favorite!

I hope you find yourself making good changes in your habits this month as well!