As we find ourselves in the midst of summer, the quest for entertaining activities for children becomes a priority. If your aim is to foster learning and creativity in your kids this summer, who better to draw inspiration from than artists with experience collaborating with Disney, Marvel, and more? Below, you’ll discover valuable insights from four artists that can be employed to stimulate creativity in your children. Notably, two of these artists have crafted tips specifically for you to share with your young ones!
WAYS TO NURTURE CREATIVITY IN KIDS
These four recommendations from Disney artists from different corners of the country can assist parents in cultivating creativity in their children and boost their confidence in elevating their artistic abilities. Continue reading to explore why transforming messy projects into digital art might be worthwhile, the significance of allocating time and demonstrating interest in your children’s endeavors, and how to nurture musical interests together.
“TRANSFORM MESSY PROJECTS INTO DIGITAL ART” — ARA KERMANIKIAN
We all have fond memories of playing with Play-Doh as children, sculpting various objects that existed solely in our imaginations and approximating them in our sculptures. We also remember the chaos that ensued afterward. Parents, consider converting these projects into mess-free digital experiences. Equipping your child with digital sculpting tools can replicate the same experience by allowing them to manipulate, shape, add, subtract, and even transcend the limitations of traditional Play-Doh. They can present their 3D creations and even transform them into tangible objects through 3D printing. Utilizing introductory tools like ZBrush Core Mini, which is available for free, is an excellent approach.
This can awaken your child’s imagination to the possibilities of the digital realm and enable them to spend their summer break constructively, producing art and refining their skills.
“MAKE TIME FOR NOVEL EXPERIENCES” — MIKE MORRIS
Allocating time for novel experiences is pivotal in enriching a child’s mind with new sources of excitement and empowering them to express their creativity. Children are perpetual sponges, absorbing information from their surroundings, encounters, and interactions. Often, these impressions find their way onto paper, into crafts, sculptures, or posts on social media—essentially, any form of creative expression. Encourage children to explore unfamiliar places and try out new activities, whether related to food, sports, or hobbies, and observe how they translate these experiences into their art.
“SET THE MOOD WITH MUSIC AND JOIN IN” — ETHAN CASTILLO
Music can serve as a catalyst for inspiring children to enter a creative state of mind. Compile a playlist featuring your children’s favorite songs, igniting their enthusiasm for fun and creativity. Additionally, participating in their artistic endeavors can be highly beneficial. Creativity thrives in the company of others, and art provides an ideal platform for bonding, creating memories your children will cherish. Engage with them in drawing and creative activities to convey that art is an enjoyable pursuit.
“DISPLAY GENUINE INTEREST” — QUINCY VADAN
To ignite your children’s creative spark, express genuine interest and curiosity. Go beyond generic inquiries like “What is it?” and “How did you do that?” by delving into your child’s creative process. Demonstrate a sincere fascination with their artistic journey and lend support to their identity as a creative individual.
You can also manifest this interest by gifting your child art supplies. Even if you’re uncertain about their preferred form of art, provide them with a variety of supplies and observe the results. I have fond memories of receiving art materials from my aunt as a child, resulting in an abundance of ideas and the ability to craft anything I desired using paper, crayons, paint, and even digital tools like a Wacom Intuos Tablet or Wacom One.
CREATIVITY GUIDANCE FOR KIDS
Children occasionally require encouragement, and who better to inspire them than adults with experience creating art for Disney and Marvel—brands beloved by kids everywhere! Here are two quick tips to share with your children, helping them discover their unique style by drawing inspiration from their surroundings.
“DEVELOP YOUR UNIQUE STYLE” — QUINCY VADAN
Stay true to your own style, as your perspective on the world is invaluable. Attempt to recreate your favorite toys or characters from movies, cartoons, or games in your distinctive style. Let your imagination take the lead and reimagine those characters according to your vision. Perhaps you believe that The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would be more intriguing as cats, dogs, snapping turtles, or any other creative variation. Your creative potential knows no bounds!
“EMBRACE THE ART AROUND YOU” — ETHAN CASTILLO
Don’t shy away from referencing other artwork! Utilize your comics, toys, books, and any other available resources. Artistic inspiration is all around you, so make the most of it! Sketch what you adore and never cease to draw. By focusing on subjects you are passionate about and drawing from your knowledge, you can swiftly develop your own distinctive style while enjoying the process to the fullest!
