Four Problem Solving Skills Every Artist Should Learn

There are four problem solving skills every artist needs to learn.

It does not matter what your occupation is, you will face problems and challenges. This is true with the Arts as well.

Learning to problem solve requires critical thinking and a bit of troubleshooting skill.

Here are the four problem solving skills everybody, especially artist, need to learn.

Here are the four problem solving steps:

Step one, define what the problem is. Take out a piece of paper and list the issues that you are having.

Step two: analyze your art: Look at your project and problem with a fresh set of eyes. If you are working on an art project, walk away from it, then stand back and get a new perspective. Look at your project from all angles. Think about how you can fix it. What needs tweaking?

Step three: Do your research. Look on the internet for answers. Listen to other people’s point of view and expertise. What are they doing and how can you incorporate their ideas into your project? Ask people for their ideas and opinions. Listen to their advice and incorporate their ideas.

Finally Step four: Test possible solutions. You will never know if something will work if you do not try. Just know that trying something new presents it’s own challenge. It is part of the process.

In conclusion, learning problem solving skills involves defining what the problem is, analyzing the issue, doing research and testing solutions. Problem solving and troubleshooting is part of the creative process. It will enhance your creative artistic journey.

Engaging in Art Can Help Mental Health

Did you know that engaging in art can ease pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders like PTSD? 

This is because being creative opens the mind and helps heal the soul. 

Being creative is a body-mind-spirit experience. It promotes a sense of well-being and sense accomplishment. It is a very present, in the moment, experience.

What is art? “Art, according to Eric Bosler, a professor at Hartnell College, Salinas Ca, is the process of making the invisible, visible.” Therefore, creating art is a spiritual experience. According to creationists, God created something from nothing. Artists are doing the same thing.

When a sculptor or potter touches a lump of clay and holds it in his hands, it is just a lump of clay, but that lump has the potential to become what the creator wanted to be.

 A blank canvas, paint and a paintbrush can become a masterpiece. A blank page can become a literary work of art.

So why does engaging in art help your mental health? Because being creative helps you refocus your energy, takes your mind off pain and depressive symptoms, helps you be in the present moment, improves body-mind-spirit well-being, and finally, it gives you a sense of accomplishment!

If you are suffering from pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health issues, create something new. See if it will work for you!

Let me know in the comments how making art has helped you.

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