Before you Begin, Start with the End
What book or artwork or project do you want to create? Who is it for? How will it be used or enjoyed? What value does it provide to you and to other people too?
Before starting a project, take a moment to visualize the end result, the thing that you want to create.
Sit still and color quietly for a few minutes.
This will help you drop into the present moment, tapping into a form of active meditation that guides your mind to release busy thoughts and focus on the simple task of coloring.
Using a single pencil (to avoid distractions), trace and fill your coloring page. As you do, breathe deeply, starting with your belly, your ribcage, your chest – filling yourself all the way up, then releasing completely. Repeat until you feel yourself relax.
Then, pause coloring and close your eyes. Let all thoughts subside.
Focus your attention on your intention – ask yourself, What do I want to create?
Try to visualize in your mind’s eye the book, artwork, or project that you want to make a reality. Stay there, eyes closed, until you can see your vision as clear as possible, with an awareness of every little detail, with an optimistic attitude of, “or better and better than I can ever imagine…”
Now, jot it down.
Pick up a pen and paper, in a notebook, sketchbook, or journal (single paper sheets work too) and simply put your idea onto the page.
Even if it feels real big, or real small, or unjustifiable or really simple. Start with, “My idea is…” and just keep writing. Make it a vision board, an outline, a sketchnote, let yourself believe it is possible as you take the idea out of your imagination and onto your page.
Here’s a few more questions, to help you generate a crystal clear vision of what it is you want to create.
What book do you want to make?
Who is it for?
Where will it be sold?
How will it be used?
Why do you want to make it?
When do you want to finish it?
Writing by hand can help you connect more easily to your intuitive side.
When making books, and creative projects of all kinds, it is easy to get lost in the infinite possibilities. It’s also easy to simply create (which is great!), yet when you start this way – with taking a few minutes (even hours or days) to visualize what it is you want to make, it will help you immensely on your creative journey.
And, by starting with a few minutes of mindful coloring, you’ll be training your creative mind to be more readily available, making it easier to tap into that place where imagination flourishes and ideas are waiting, ready to be brought to life.
So, next project you’re beginning, start with the End Result.
Then, move to Step 2: Putting in the Elbow Grease (article Part 2, coming soon).
About the Author
Mackenzie Bakewell, or ZieBee, is the lead author and artist here at ZieBee Media. Mackenzie is a travel photographer, illustrator, and professional book maker. She specializes in helping people turn their ideas into reality, tapping into her background in web design, publishing, and portrait photography. She is passionate about the use of coloring as a tool for health and happiness.
