Creativity has been an essential part of my days for as long as I can remember - often my favourite part of any day. Especially in the small, steady moments that help me feel grounded, calm, and connected. With a life on the go - singing, teaching, travelling, and the usual call of everyday things, these little practices have become anchors I’ve had to make sure I keep returning to. And when I do, they remind me to slow down, breathe, and keep noticing the world... with a sprinkle of curiosity.
Here are a few of the small daily moments that keep my creative scribbling life going - gently, quietly, and with a lot of joy.
A Few Minutes With a Pencil / Biro / iPad (Even If It’s Just a Scribble)
I don’t always have time for a full drawing session, but I always have time for a scribble. A tiny doodle in the corner of a notebook, a quick sketch of a cup of tea, a little character popping up on the back of an envelope - these small marks keep my creative mind and heart beating. Sometimes the smallest doodle, made at the most random moment, becomes the first seed of a bigger idea.
Noticing the Small Things
I often catch myself thinking, “I want to draw that.”
Birds, creatures, bold outfits, interesting buildings, tiny scenes - they can stop me in my tracks in the best way. These unexpected observations can be the seeds for creativity. I try to catch at least one each day, not in a pressured way, but as a gentle habit of recognising what’s around me and savouring the memories.
My phone is full of things I’m going to draw one day - when I have all the time in the world.
And my husband has even started doing something similar… making colourful pictures out of rubbish people leave on the street. You're onto something when you can make rubbish look beautiful!
Creativity is contagious.
A Page From an Illustration Book
My collection of illustration and art books has grown alongside my music books. I love diving into them for inspiration - even opening one at random and letting a single page spark something: a colour palette, a character, a line of humour. It keeps me inspired and reminds me how many ways there are to see the world - and all the incredible people who have spent their lives doing the same.
Sketching on the Go
I always keep paper and pens with me. Sometimes I don’t even draw - I just jot down a title or an idea for a doodle. Those tiny notes often become something later.
Keeping Pens, Paints, Papers in Reach
If my materials are tucked away, it’s definitely harder to get “in the flow.” Keeping things simple and visible removes the barrier between wanting to create and actually doing it. Sometimes the simplest setup - a few pens, paints, colours - is all you need.
In the Quiet Moments
Carving out a few minutes of stillness to be creative is one of life’s biggest blessings - a cup of tea, a breath, a thought. Creativity needs space, and this tiny pause helps me step into the day, or finish the day, with a clearer head and a more open heart.
In the Anxious Moments
We all need to escape sometimes. Whether it’s an anxious waiting room or a delayed journey, there’s always room to create, especially when you don't feel like it - and before you know it, it can make the most tense situations feel a little lighter. A doodle, a scribble, a quick note of an idea…they all help me breathe differently and let my imagination take flight.
Indoors and Outdoors
There is inspiration everywhere - from the quiet corners of home to the wide, open outdoors. Without fail, I always feel like I want to draw when I’m near the seaside. There’s something about being by the water that makes me want to capture everything - the colours, the movement, the feeling of being small and happy amongst other sea-side visitors all at once. Inspiration has a funny way of appearing wherever you are, if you’re open to noticing it.
Listening
Music is my first language, but I’ve somehow loved learning to tune in visually too. When I hear sounds, a song or phrase - especially in nature or live music - I often imagine the scene or shapes - a curve, a splash, a colour, a rhythm. It keeps my mind open and playful, and it often sparks ideas to get busy making art later on.
Encouraging Someone Else
This might be my favourite. I love receiving doodles, and I love sending them even more. There’s always a reason to add a doodle to something - it’s better than an emoji. Encouraging students, sending a kind scribble to a friend, or sharing a little sketch with someone who needs a smile… creativity is a lovely way to communicate and connect.
I don't think creativity needs hours of free time or perfect conditions. It just needs small, honest moments where we set our minds to it. These little routines keep me grounded, hopeful, and connected to the joy of making things and the people and things I love around me.
I hope you enjoy creating too.