100 artist dates for you and your spirit

visit a bookstore or library. go to an aisle/section that you normally wouldn’t go to. buy or borrow a book from that section.

buy 3 old magazines, books, postcards, etc. cut them up and make a collage.

go for a walk. take a camera (preferably not your smartphone) and document the experience.

visit a park. find a place to sit (a bench, a spot under a tree, on the grass, etc.). audio record the park.

look through your bookshelf. pick ten books you haven’t read yet, and either read them or give them away.

create an “artist’s space” in your home — it can be a tiny corner of a shelf or desk or an entire room.

write a letter to a friend, family member, or mentor.

visit a shop that has nothing to do with what you actually do - a construction worker’s supply store, a fishing gear store, a fabric shop.

eat something you’ve convinced yourself you’d hate. document the experience.

create a meme.

plant something.

visit your local community center. see if they have any events or workshops. sign up for one.

volunteer at your local community center. offer your skills/perspectives to your neighbors.

go to a grocery store you’ve never been to. walk around there for 30 minutes. document how it’s different from your usual grocery store.

go to a thrift store or recycle shop. buy yourself a gift under 1000 yen.

take a walk on a nature trail. bring a camera or audio recording device with you.

spend the day naked.

go to a pottery class.

visit a museum, art gallery, or art exhibition. try and find something that is outside of your usual realm of interest.

collect rocks.

collect flowers. dry them on your windowsill. take a photo of the flower every day.

read a play. perform one scene on your own. put in your entire thespian spirit.

send a care package to your best friend or to a family member. put your all into the care package. it doesn’t need to be fanciful, but be creative and intentional. kiss the package before you send it off.

visit a religious or spiritual space. it can be of your denomination or something new. sit there for a few minutes or a few hours.

find a local mini theater/cinema. buy your favorite snacks and beverages. write a little piece on the movie you watched.

cook yourself a meal from a cuisine you’ve never tried but have always been curious about.

choose a creative figure. take the day to learn about their life as an artist. read about them, take in their work, and pay attention to their history.

browse through your closet. take out five items you haven’t worn in a year. give them away, or see if you can create an outfit outside your comfort zone. ]

create an altar in your home. house them with trinkets that represent your inner world.

write a letter to a living artist you admire. ask them about their technique, or simply tell them how much you admire their work.

write a poem about the sky. fold the poem into a paper airplane. fly the poem into the sky. see how far it flies.

bake a simple bread.

make jam with seasonal fruit.

create a self-portrait.

film yourself for a day. edit it into a short clip.

ask your friend to share their playlist. walk around their neighborhood and listen to their music.

move your body.

see if you can get your hands on photos from your childhood. pick a photo, and see if you can remember the day it was taken. write or draw about that memory.

go to the nearest train station. hop on the train, and get off at a station you’ve never been to.

visit a flea market, estate sale, or yard sale.

write a scene for a movie.

set a timer for one hour. do a task you’ve been putting off.

write a letter to the people who cared for you - your parents, grandparents, teachers, or neighbors. tell them what you are grateful to them for. send it.

spend the entire day drawing.

give yourself a massage or spa day.

write a list of 10 things you want to learn. look up courses or workshops (either online or in-person) that you can try out.

plan your dream holiday - be very detailed. play music that captures the essence of your dream vacation

write a love letter to a past love.

watch a movie you’ve always thought you’d hate.

listen to a song you’ve always thought you’d hate.

have a day of complete silence.

have a technology-free day.

make a playlist for every month of the year.

make a playlist of songs you’ve never heard before but like the titles of.

make a list of books you’ve never read before but simply like the covers of.

try and find a cat in your neighborhood. see if you can follow it around for the day.

watch a movie in a different language.

make a list of thirty things you’d like to do before your next birthday.

organize your pantry.

hop on a bus from the nearest bus station. ride till the very last stop. spend your day there.

go dancing.

read poetry aloud.

try and remember your favorite books from your childhood. see if you can find a copy at the library or bookstore. borrow or purchase it, and read it aloud to yourself.

try and remember your favorite films from your childhood. watch one of them.

visit a botanical garden.

visit a farm.

go on a bike ride.

give yourself 500 yen to spend at the 100 yen shop (or dollar store or pound store). see how far you can stretch it.

create an account on Pinterest. search for images that inspire you - interior design, book covers, film stills, paintings, memes. collect them with care.

take an hour to have tea or coffee. use your favorite mug. do not read, listen to music or touch your phone.

people watch at the local park.

people watch at the busiest train station near you.

collect fall leaves and then compose a photo with them.

read an old journal.

meditate.

cry.

finger paint.

watch a documentary on your favorite artist.

try papier-mâché.

buy a coloring book and some crayons.

journal using colored pencils.

write a letter to your ten-year-old self. ask them how they’re doing. tell them about your life now.

write a letter to your eighty-year-old self. ask them how they’re doing. tell them about your life now.

go to the local pet shelter. play with the animals there, with your entire spirit.

go to the hardware store.  create an art piece with items bought there.

play at a park. swing, slide, and dangle from the monkey bars.

find a beautiful grass hill. roll down from the hill.

go to a cafe. sketch the other customers there.

find a hashtag

write the first paragraph of your imaginary autobiography.

write the last scene of your imaginary biopic.

create a collage or scrapbook image of your ideal home.

write a prayer.

read a prayer.

start a secret blog.

start a curation account on Instagram. curate your favorite images, videos, and memes.

create a meme template.

try to make a song on a free beat maker/track maker.

let yourself “intentionally binge-watch” a series you’ve been wanting to dive into. take regular breaks!

go to karaoke on your own. sing there for an hour.

look through notes on your phone/computer’s notes app.