There are a lot of art forms you can learn so you can flaunt your creative potential to your family, friends, and, of course, yourself. Not all of these forms of art are accessible, and some may be too daunting at first. However, listed in this article are five creative hobbies you can learn and do right away to jumpstart your pursuit of creativity, future artists!

1. Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of writing and arranging symbols in an ornate way. It is a form of art that demands careful positioning to inscribe words that reflect a sense of integrity, rhythm, and harmony to the writer and the reader.

Calligraphy flourished during the Goths’ prominence in the Middle Ages, when symbols transitioned to being narrower and more angular. When the Renaissance came in the 14th century, not only did the period’s artistic evolutions significantly influence literature and painting but also writing with ink itself, thus paving the way for modern calligraphy.

Calligraphy is all about expressing your identity and style through beautiful lettering. You can start whenever you want because this creative hobby can be done without having to spend money at all. A pen, pencil, and a piece of paper are all you will ever need. If you prefer a more in-depth entry to the world of designing letters and symbols and should you decide to become a full-fledged calligrapher, you can purchase calligraphy kits of varying prices and sizes in the nearest book and art supplies store.

2. Creative Writing

Anyone can write, but not everyone can be a writer. Creative writing is all about composing pieces that narrate stories, evoke emotions, express thoughts, teach lessons, highlight social and cultural issues, reflect who you are, and explore our humanness.

Initially, stories were only shared by memory, voice, instruments, and dance. When the written word came around 3200 BC and people started learning how to write, writing as a skill rose and made inheriting stories through written works possible.

Learning how to write creatively is as easy as thinking of whatever curious idea you can imagine or any memory you can remember and jotting them down on a piece of paper as if you are eagerly narrating them to a close friend or family relative. Writing in this manner needs you to come up with clever ways to tell stories so your reader will be entertained. Techniques like knowing how to use literary devices such as metaphors and similes, identifying your themes, constructing your narrative structure such as plot and characters, and being truthful when writing nonfiction (prose based on facts) are some of the things you need to become a skilled writer.

However, don’t feel pressured by all of these techniques. When writing creatively, what matters first and foremost is to write your thoughts away so they won’t be wasted staying in your mind for eternity. If it is creative writing that you aspire to learn, then all you have to do is write, write, write.

3. Dancing

Dancing is one of the few forms of art that use the entire body to express creativity. It consists of sequences wherein each movement has a symbolic value and is aesthetically pleasing to perform and watch.

The history of dancing traces back to the primitive period, when people used dance as a tool to communicate and a way of life. These dance movements eventually transformed in the ancient period when people started to recognize the potential meanings and purposes of each sequence and how to interpret them. This remains true in the contemporary period; however, dancing is more than just an activity and exercise nowadays but also a way to convey messages and artistic creativity to your audiences. The choreographies behind a dance are made in such a way that only a creative person can come up with them.

When you watch videos showcasing breathtaking dance choreographies, such as those from K-pop stars, don’t worry because you can be like them. All it takes is for you to move your body with confidence and dance with the intention to evoke the audience’s emotions. Of course, you can take lessons and watch tutorials to master the art of dancing!

4. Photography

Cameras are everywhere now, from laptops and digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR) to smartphones. It is such a simple device that allows a person to take a photo of a single moment and save it for many others to witness.

Photography did not exist until Joseph Nicéphore Niépce invented the first photographic film camera in 1816. It was thanks to him that taking a photo of something so it can still be witnessed in the present period came to be possible.

Taking a picture of something can be as easy as pointing a smartphone camera at it and pressing the shutter button. It can also be as complicated as choosing the right lens for your digital camera or adjusting its aperture and shutter speed before photographing the right moment. Photography, as a visual art, can be a way to express your artistry because you can choose the right angle or the best filter to enhance or alter the way your image looks.

However you want to approach photography and how you want an image to come out is entirely up to you. This is where your creativity comes into play; just pick up a camera and shoot at whatever piques your interest and curiosity!

5. Digital Art

Digital art relies on modern technology and gadgets to artistically portray something. It was during the mid-1960s when digital art came into existence. Using a computer, Kenneth Knowlton transformed an image of a woman into a photo made of computer pixels or individual pieces of a graphic that create a whole image when combined together. This process still applies to the present state of digital art.

This form of art is also cheaper when it comes to equipment because all you need is a phone, laptop, or tablet to start drawing whatever comes to mind. Traditional art may rely on high-quality pens, pencils, inks, papers, and canvas that can sometimes be expensive, so digital art is a good substitute for those looking to enter the world of drawing and painting without spending money at all.

These five forms of art are some of the many ways to further hone your skills in producing art and unlock your artistic potential. You can start indulging in these creative hobbies whenever you want and invest your time in whatever sparks your interest the most!