As a color expert and experienced design professional, there’s not a moment I don’t encourage my friends, family, and clients to take on projects of self-expression and creativity. I know first-hand, as many do, how therapeutic and fulfilling it can be to take on a project. Whether that’s painting a bedroom wall, creating a piece of art, repurposing some farmhouse decor, or incorporating an accent color in your favorite space, inspiring others to be creative has always been rewarding for me, and I suggest you give it a try!
I work with clients from all walks of life, but I know when I feel that “spark” of inspiration when I share color ideas that resonate and touch the creative side of their being. If you’re a frequent reader of mine, you’ll know that I often try to provide color projects that are DIY to inspire the designer in all of us and do not require the hands and knowledge of a professional to get done. These DIY projects are as much an exercise in mind and spirit as they are in the physical plane. Of course, it’s great when the results of the color project speak for themselves and wow everyone who sees what’s been accomplished. But it’s the greatest feat when a sense of self-fulfillment and creative appreciation matches the project results.
In this article, I will discuss why DIY projects are an important exercise everyone should embrace; whether artistically inclined or not, DIY projects can be incredibly rewarding and help us find fulfillment when we need it most!
An undeniable sense of accomplishment comes with completing a DIY project. It’s a tangible manifestation of our skills and creativity, a testament to our capabilities. However, the benefits of DIY extend far beyond the physical. Engaging in creative pursuits can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being. It provides an outlet for stress and anxiety, allowing us to focus on the task at hand and escape the worries of everyday life. The rhythmic nature of many DIY activities, such as painting or knitting, can induce a meditative state, calming the mind and promoting relaxation.
Have you ever noticed that when you’re crafting something, the project gets to a point where the motions just seem to happen by themselves? It’s as if you’re not creating something from scratch but almost discovering something that’s always been there. When this happens, I think of it as our unconscious’ hard work, true inspiration! For me, this is one of the most rewarding and cathartic experiences, and it can come as a complete surprise at the time.
Each successful project reinforces our belief in ourselves and our abilities. This newfound self-assurance can spill over into other areas of our lives, empowering us to take on new challenges and pursue our goals.
I sympathize that it’s easier for some people to initiate DIY projects than others. Not everyone feels creative enough to start a project or has the skills to see something through, but these fears are self-imposed! These psychological barriers often hinder our DIY endeavors.
For many, the fear of failure can be an obstacle, as the thought of a botched project can be daunting. Perfectionism can also be detrimental, as the pressure to achieve flawless results may paralyze us from even starting. A lack of confidence in our abilities can further discourage us, leading to self-doubt and procrastination. Additionally, some DIY projects’ perceived time commitment and complexity can be overwhelming.
For those who struggle with DIY projects for one reason or another, I want to help you shift your approach. Don’t think of your next project as a results-driven venture; instead, take a growth-oriented approach and celebrate progress, no matter how small!
Start small; try a new living room color arrangement with accessories and furniture. Move a painting you love into a new space and orient other complementary items. Make small changes to build confidence in yourself: taking action is the first step, and it’s the hardest step. I guarantee you’ll want to keep going once you have creative inertia behind you!
I’m thankful for every day I work as a color specialist. I’m one of those fortunate people who love their job (not every part, but almost everything) because I can use my creativity and express myself with every project I undertake. I realize that not everyone is in that position, which is why I feel so strongly about everyone finding DIY projects they can enjoy. These projects are outlets for creativity and emotional fulfillment—everyone needs that, whether they know it or not!
