The new year is the perfect time to press pause. After the holiday whirlwind of parties, endless notifications, and overbooked schedules, it’s easy to feel drained. That’s why I created the Creative Pause; a simple, mindful way to detox from screens and reconnect with your creativity.
📵 Why a Creative Pause Matters
Creative burnout is a big problem for a lot of us, and lately, I’ve been desperately craving to get away from my phone. That’s why I started hosting offline creative events. While online classes, Skillshare projects, and digital tools are amazing, stepping away from devices can be transformative.
The Creative Pause is all about:
- Detoxing from your phone and screens
- Recharging your mind and creative energy
- Finding joy in simple, playful creation
- Connecting with a community of like-minded makers
As someone who teaches illustration and creative practices online, I love seeing how digital skills translate into real-life, hands-on experiences. Creative Pause is an extension of what I teach on Skillshare: the same ideas of iteration, play, and discovery, but unplugged and in the real world.
It’s a reminder that creativity thrives when we slow down, take breaks, and let our minds wander; and January is the perfect time to start this habit.
Creative pause in madrid
For those local to Madrid, join me at J&J’s Books and Coffee on January 8 for our monthly meetup!
Here’s what to expect:
- Hands-on activities with materials provided: pen, paper, mini-zines, and other playful prompts.
- One drink included, to sip while you create
- Screen-free time to focus on your imagination.
It’s low-pressure, accessible to everyone, and designed to leave you feeling refreshed; a true creative detox.
🎨 How You Can Make Your Own Creative Pause
This concept is something you can try at home. Set aside an hour, put your phone away, and just create:
- Set aside 30–60 minutes for yourself.
- Put away your phone and digital devices (set them to ‘do not disturb’)
- Grab some paper, pens, or any simple materials.
- Try a playful creative exercise; doodle, make a mini-zine, or illustrate a funny concept. I like to use a sketchbook and doodle with a limited set of colored pencils.
- Repeat, when possible, on a regular basis.
This is a perfect way to start the year with intention, reset your mind, and cultivate a habit of mindful creativity.
Related article: Our First Sketch Retreat in Spain: A Creative Weekend in the Madrid Mountains
✨ Whether you’re an artist or not, taking a creative pause for yourself is about building space for creativity in your life. Take a break, detox from digital noise, and reconnect with the joy of making something just for you.
