If you were hanging around these parts about this time last year, you may remember I spontaneously decided to make a creative planner and offer it as a gift we could all use.
When I say ‘creative’, I mean a planner specifically devoted to creativity, rather than life in general, or business. There are plenty of both of those already available in glorious abundance and since I neither plan my life nor my business {much}, a creativity planner makes a lot more sense to me. And when I say ‘planner’, I use that term in the loosest possible sense.
The emphasis here is pleasures remembered and anticipated.
In my natural spirit of not actually planning anyway, it seems kind of ironic and ridiculous to make a planner, but since I knew that if it worked with who I am, instead of who I might wish to be {ie. someone who plans, and then actually follows through on those plans, with bullet points and deadlines}, I was able to create it in such a way that it was actually useful. And not just to me, as it turns out. I know there are some fellow structure-resisters out there. 😉
In fact, looking back over last year’s planner and remembering everything I did and experienced was so gratifying, I decided to make another one this year, and update it. Not to mention I love to make stuff.
And so I did!
Last year’s planner was three pages; this year’s is ten. Here’s what’s included:
- pages to record what you did creatively over the past year, what you want to celebrate and what you want to do looking forward into next year
- a month-to-view calendar for next year
- a motivational poster {don’t get too excited, it’s simple but to the point ;)}
- a page for notes
- a blank page to customise as you wish
- some quotes I love
- suggestions for what you might want to note down
I designed it myself and am rather pleased with how it turned out, since I’m a total amateur fiddling about with Pages on my Mac, and making it all up as I go along. I was careful not to go overboard with colours because a} I like a simple aesthetic and b} I’m mindful of printer ink costs. I’m scroogey nice like that. 🙂
It costs you nothing so please help yourself if you think it will be useful to you.
You can download it HERE.
You can see I’ve already made a start on mine. {It prints beautifully by the way. Just saying.} And yes, those pens are sparkly.
If you do decide to use it, please let me know!
If getting to grips with your art practice is something you’d like to go deeper with, you might like to check out the Happy Artist Studio – a peaceful, algorithm-free membership built to support you in quietly getting on with being your happiest artist self.
Inside you’ll find:
⭐️ The Artist Retreat – a gentle, guided monthly rhythm to build a sustainable and joyful practice without overwhelm
⭐️ The Course Library – excavate your own art from amongst all you’ve learned so far
⭐️ The Way of the Happy Artist – to develop a robust, resilient mindset when it comes to your art
⭐️ A curated selection of Bonus Materials, including the Q&A library, tutorials and workshops, and behind the scenes videos
⭐️ Responsive and thoughtful support from me, tailored to you
Tara, love it! And I need those markers. Off to share with with everyone.
Oh great, thank you Jacki! The pens are from Paperchase. 🙂
Dear Tara,
Thank you so much, that’s an amazing idea. I just filled mine out and it was so gratifying to think back on all the new creative – “paint related” things I tried this year and to realize how much I’ve grown and focused.
So, thank you again 🙂 and greeting from germany,
Gesche
Gesche – I’m so happy you used it! How funny, I don’t think I’d actually considered anyone really would! This makes me happy. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to come back and tell me.
Bless you, Tara! What a gift! It’s exactly when I need right now – thank you!!
<3 x
Ah you’re very welcome Claire – I’m so glad!
Tara you are so clever and it all looks so lovely and inviting and beautiful!!
xox
Thank you dear M! I do like things to look nice. 🙂 xo
Thank you for this lovely gift! Im printing mine as i type!!! 🙂
Yay! Enjoy. 🙂
Tara, I love the creativity planner!! I tend to be serendipitous and as a result, I forget that I have actually made progress. This free-spirit type of planner is a great way for me to aknowledge my growth that can then help guide me to what’s next.
Encouragement to better see and motivate myself without a stiff, formal structure. This is GREAT! thank you.
Ellen I’m so pleased it’s useful for you! And I love thinking of it as a free spirit planner. 🙂
Tara,
Who does your website, It is very nicely done and honors your personality…….I would like to get one that I can manage and looks professional. I live in the USA and I am also on a budget, but I think this is an important tool. Any comments or suggestions??
Thank you so much
It’s a combination of a ‘base’ created years ago by a friend {who no longer creates websites I’m afraid!}, and developed over the years by me, having taught myself a lot about WordPress over time. I designed this one and for the more technical side I have a super guy called Rob {at itarsenal.com – tell him I sent you!} who does all the bits that are beyond me. There is a lot of info out there, and if you have the patience and perseverance you can teach yourself enough to make a really lovely website. I’ve only ever used WordPress {and blogspot.com before that}, although I hear good things about SquareSpace too. With WordPress you could just get some help setting up the basics so you have hosting etc, then choose one of the many free themes {I like Brasserie}, add a few plugins and away you go! If you have any further questions let me know. 🙂