Giving YOURSELF Permission to Be an Artist Posted Oct-26-2005
Permission Granted!
As a developing creativity coach, I know this is one of the biggest issues facing many artists (crafters, writers, and performers). A person wants to become an artist. They pursue training (or not), create 'studio' space in their home, buy materials, and dream big. But then what?

Some get stuck. They become filled with fears and self-doubt and question the validity of carrying out their artistic dreams in an external world. Who told them they could do this? "I can't be an artist, unless someone tells me I can." Unsure of themselves, they seek out permission to follow through with their own creative dreams.

This article by Linda Dessau gives an excellent perspective on the concept of permission. It ends with a list of "10 Signs That You've Given Yourself Permission to be a Creative Artist" that should be made into a motivational poster for every creative person struggling with this issue. Nicely put, Linda. •

Make Your Own Peanut Pets™ Posted Oct-22-2005
I can't help it. This is how my brain works. I'll be eating peanuts, for example, and come across one shaped like the body of some poor, legless animal. I'll pause for few moments and think: "Ya know, with some googly eyes, I can turn this peanut into a real-life entity." ...

Gumshoeing and Poking Around Millennial Park Posted Oct-15-2005
Imagination & Play: Not Just for Kids
Last month I entered Michael Bungay Stanier's contest for the best photograph of his Get Unstuck & Get Going coaching tool in 'a cool and funky' location. His challenge inspired me for the sheer fun of it, and I didn't have to travel far to snap an exotic scene. ...

Lesson: How to Draw a Pumpkin Posted Oct-07-2005
A Gourd for the Bored
You know how to pick 'em from a pumpkin patch, but can you draw upon them for inspiration? Go on, be creative today!

(Pssst... if yer looking for coloring pages with a Nit Wits attitude, I know where some are: Printable Pumpkin Coloring Pages.)

My Font Affair with Paul Cézanne Posted Oct-06-2005
Graphic Designer Gift Ideas
I have a confession to make. For more than four years I have been in love with Paul Cézanne. Well, not actually the French artist himself, but the font (typeface) styled after the famous master's handwriting. In my creative world, there was no other typeface that I coveted more than the Cézanne font from P22 (a font foundry). ...

Nit Wits #23: Pumpkasso Posted Oct-01-2005
Pumpkins and Picasso
October is THE month of the pumpkin 'round these parts. Yes, the link between the fall harvest, Halloween, and pagan/druid/orwhathaveyou customs with using carved-face gourds to fend off evil spirits while greeting little children in costumes going door-to-door chanting "trick or treat!" for candy has much to do with it too. ... .