With many of us social distancing and confined to our own homes amidst the evolving coronavirus pandemic, it’s not only important that we stay safe but also practice good mental health habits. As creative people, this also means making sure we’re flexing those creative muscles as much as we can!
To help keep you inspired and fueled during these trying times, here are a handful of both fun and productive projects for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
For more advice on dealing with social isolation and working from home amidst COVID-19, tune into our latest episode of Overtime — “Let’s Be Alone Together”.
Row 1: Folio Illustration Agency, tye, Maithe Cubero .
1. Design a virtual greeting card for a fellow isolated friend
Isolation is real. It’s important that we still find ways to connect with one another and maintain our relationships even if it means virtually. Try designing a virtual greeting card to send to your fellow isolated friends. Not only will it get your creative juices flowing, but you’ll also spread some much-needed love in the process.
2. Update your portfolio
Have you been putting off the daunting task of updating your portfolio? Well, now’s a perfect time to get on it! In case you haven’t heard, Dribbble’s Profile pages also just got a major update so now’s a great time to start customizing your new Profile and letting your personality shine through. Don’t forget to get creative and have fun with it!
3. Try a new design tutorial
Use the extra time on your hands to expand your skills. Whether it be exploring new design tutorials online, learning the ropes of that new software you’ve been curious about, or just having fun experimenting with new styles. Whatever piques your interest, this is a great opportunity to grow your creative skills. Here are a few tutorials you can check out on Dribbble to get you started:
- Step-by-Step Lettering Tutorial with Jonathan Ball
- How to create an illustrated map in 8 simple steps
- 6 Handy animation tutorials to enhance your work
4. Build & organize your fonts library
What better way to pass the time than updating your fonts library with some fresh new typefaces. We recently rounded up a handful of free font resources so you can start downloading some fresh new fonts there. While you’re at it, organize your fonts library for easier access to your favorite typefaces. Designer Charlie Marie has a great tutorial for how to best arrange your Font Book so check that out below!
5. Design a mantra
Design a message of hope for you, your friends, community, & neighbors. As designers, we have the ability to make hope visible through our work, so take a moment to channel your creative talents to help comfort, encourage, and root for our communities during these tough times. We’d love to see what you come up with so don’t forget to share it with the rest of the world here. We could all use some words of encouragement right now.
6. Design a personal logo for you and/or a friend
Spend some time reflecting on your own personal brand and create a design system that represents your creative services and talents. Or, better yet, connect with a fellow creative friend and task one another to design each other’s logo! This is a great activity to stay connected with your peers while keeping the creative juices flowing at the same time.
Related: 5 types of personal logos to brand your creative services
7. Make a playlist and design the cover art
Make a playlist filled with songs that capture your current mood. Then, design custom cover art that visualizes your playlist’s musical vibes. Share your musical selections with friends and family so you can enjoy it together, even if you’re not physically in the same space. Whether it be an uplifting or moody playlist, we can all benefit from some good tunes right now.
8. Freshen up your desktop
When was the last time you gave your desktop a fresh new look? Well, now’s a great opportunity to design your own inspirational desktop background or download some fresh ones here. While you’re at it, do a little desktop spring cleaning and declutter to help clear the mind.
9. Finally start your online shop
Have you ever considered setting up an online shop to sell your beautiful artwork? Nowadays, print-on-demand services make it easier than ever to sell custom designs online. So what are you waiting for? Go set up shop and upload your custom prints, pins, stickers, t-shirts for the world to enjoy.
Related: Making merch on the side—5 tips for getting started
10. Step away from the computer
Paint, write, cook, read a book, build a fort with your children—the creative possibilities off of your screen are endless. While it’s easy for us to get hooked on our phones right now and keeping up with the latest news, it’s also important we step away from our digital devices and spend time being present in the moment. Make an effort to explore other creative outlets that will get you off of your screen.
Remember friends, it’s so important to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health while all of the COVID-19 craziness buzzes around us—this includes flexing your creative muscles and using your skills to connect with the world around you. We’re here to encourage you to keep on going and stay inspired.
Related articles:
- 10 Tips from team Dribbble for WFH success
- Top 5 challenges of working remotely & how to overcome them
- 10 unexpected ways to spark creativity when you feel uninspired
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