Have you ever felt the pull to create something simply because it brings you joy? To honor what you love, to play, to learn, to share? That’s the heart of a creative journey rooted in intention—and it’s exactly what inspired my own creative manifesto:
"I create to preserve the essence of nature in my own freeform style. I embrace my authenticity, honor my mistakes as lessons, and create for personal fulfillment. With whimsy and spontaneity as my guides, I let inspiration flow freely. I share with those closest to me, growing and evolving as I continue to learn."
This statement became my North Star, a gentle but powerful reminder of why I make art. But inspiration without direction can drift, which is why I’ve started setting creative goals that align with my manifesto. I’d love to share the short-term and long-term goals I’ve set, along with some fun and functional tools I use to stay on track—all in the spirit of sharing and inspiring fellow creatives like you.
Short-Term Goals: Nourish the Practice
Short-term goals are about showing up and building a creative rhythm—without pressure or perfection. Here are the ones I’ve chosen to ground me each week:
1. Create One Nature-Inspired Piece Each Week
Nature is my greatest muse, and committing to one wildflower, one scene, or one moment of inspiration per week keeps me in tune with it.
2. Embrace Spontaneity With a “Free Paint” Day
At least once a week, I allow myself to paint with zero expectations. It could be a color swirl or a joyful mess—but it always reconnects me to the joy of creating for its own sake.
3. Try Something New
Whether it’s using a different medium, experimenting with a new brush, or trying a completely different style, each week I challenge myself to learn.
4. Go on a Weekly Nature Walk
This could be a walk in a park or just stepping outside to notice the way the wind moves through the leaves. I bring my sketchbook and let nature whisper ideas.
5. Share One Piece With a Loved One
A simple photo message or a handmade gift reminds me that connection is a core part of why I create.
6. Honor My Mistakes
I keep a little “mistake journal” where I record what didn’t work and what I learned. It’s a celebration of imperfection, which feels very human and very freeing.
To support these weekly intentions, I created a Whimsical Creative Tracker, a printable and digital tool that helps me stay playful and intentional. It includes a weekly checklist with space for notes and feelings. You can download it for yourself and make it your own!
Bonus Fun: The Whimsical Prompt Jar
Sometimes we need a spark. That’s where the Whimsical Prompt Jar comes in! It’s a jar filled with tiny prompts like:
Paint with your non-dominant hand
Make a flower with a face and give it a name
Use only two colors
Create a magical garden with hidden creatures
You can pull one when you’re feeling stuck or just want to inject a little more wonder into your art time. I’ve made a printable list of prompts and even a cute poem label to stick on your jar. It makes a lovely ritual!
Download the Whimsical Prompt List
Download the Prompt Jar Label
Long-Term Goals: Grow the Vision
While the weekly habits nurture the roots of creativity, long-term goals are like branches—they stretch outward, giving form to dreams.
1. Create a Nature-Inspired Art Collection
One of my big dreams is to create a cohesive collection—maybe a seasonal series or a watercolor storybook—that reflects the whimsical, freeform spirit of my manifesto. This gives me a direction to work toward over the months.
2. Develop a Personal Creative Ritual
I want to establish a steady rhythm to my creative life—perhaps painting every Sunday morning, journaling afterward, and updating my nature altar with seasonal findings. Ritual brings deeper meaning to the practice.
3. Host a Nature & Creativity Gathering
Whether it's a small afternoon tea with painting supplies and friends or a virtual "show & tell," sharing art with others brings joy full circle. Creativity doesn’t live in a vacuum—it wants to connect.
Why These Goals Matter
Every goal I’ve set reflects something deeper: the desire to stay true to myself, to honor nature, to find joy in the process, and to share what I love. They’re not about outcomes or perfection—they’re about expression, growth, and connection.
If you’re on your own creative path, consider writing your own manifesto. Then ask yourself: What simple things can I do this week that reflect this vision? What dreams feel exciting to grow toward?
And if you’d like to join me, feel free to use the trackers and prompts I’ve shared. Let’s make space for wonder, for wildflowers, and for a little whimsy in every week.
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