Whenever I am in a creative slump or struggling to pick what I want to use, it helps to randomly draw a slip and use whatever supply is on it. It helps get the ball rolling and is honestly very fun. The Mardi Gras series acrylic markers by emberlily.com are now available! They can be found through the link in my bio.
You know that feeling, right? You're staring at a blank page, all your art supplies laid out, and your mind is just... empty. I've been there countless times! That's why I absolutely swear by my little "random art supply prompt" trick. It's a game-changer for beating creative blocks and finding endless drawing ideas, whether you're an adult looking for a new challenge or just want some simple drawing ideas for kids. The premise is super simple, but the results are always so inspiring. It's literally "Time to pick a random art supply"! Here's what I do: I grab a bunch of small slips of paper, and on each one, I write down a different art medium or tool I own. Think beyond just a pencil! I include things like 'charcoal pencil,' 'brush pens,' 'watercolor paints' (maybe even specific ones like 'A Dream or A Day Watercolor' for a dreamy vibe, or 'Distress Watercolor Pencils' for unique textures), 'fine-liner pen,' 'colored pencils,' 'oil pastels,' or even 'digital art software' if you switch between mediums. I fold them all up, put them in a jar or a small bag, and whenever I'm in a creative slump, I just draw one out. The magic happens when that random supply forces you to think differently. If I draw 'Distress Watercolor Pencils,' suddenly I'm not just thinking about what to draw, but how to draw it with that specific tool. It instantly transforms a generic "drawing prompt" into a unique challenge. It sparks "creative drawing prompts" you might never have considered! For example, if I'm usually a pen-and-ink person, drawing 'Mardi Gras Series Acrylic Marker' (like the vibrant new ones from EmberLily Creations!) pushes me to experiment with bold, opaque colors and different blending techniques. This method isn't just about the medium, though. It also helps generate "random drawing prompts" because the chosen tool often suggests a subject or style. A delicate watercolor might lead to a floral scene, while a chunky acrylic marker could inspire a bold, abstract doodle. It makes "random easy drawing" a reality because you're working within new constraints, which can actually be liberating. To take it a step further, sometimes I'll have a second jar with generic subject prompts: 'a fantastical creature,' 'a cozy corner,' 'something from nature,' 'a portrait with an unusual expression.' Combining a random supply with a random subject guarantees truly unique drawing ideas for adults and kids alike! For younger artists, the simpler the supply and subject, the better – maybe 'crayon' and 'your favorite animal.' It's truly amazing how this small act can 'get the ball rolling' and make art feel fresh and exciting again. It's also a fantastic way to get to know your supplies better and push your artistic boundaries. If you want to see this process in action and get even more inspiration, I often share my creative journey. You can check out the "Full video on my YouTube channel!" where I sometimes do these challenges live. It's all about making art fun and accessible, and embracing the unexpected. Give it a try next time you're stuck – you might just discover your next favorite technique or piece!
