Probably not so surprisingly, people sometimes assume I teach art…

Well, here’s a little plot twist… I don’t, really. 🙃

Instead, I create environments where art and creativity can thrive. And I use creativity to help people connect… with themselves as well as with others.

Sometimes that’s a child discovering they can solve a problem on their own, other times it’s two siblings giggling over a veeeery wonky cardboard creation. Other times again it’s an adult who hasn’t picked up a paintbrush for twenty years, thinking “I’d forgotten how much I needed this”…

The artwork itself usually isn’t the important part, even though we often think it is…

The real magic lies in what happens while we’re making it.

Research consistently shows that shared creative experiences support wellbeing, strengthen connection, and help people feel more present with each other. And that’s not because of the final, “perfect”, outcome, but because of the shared experience of making something side by side.

If you want to feel what I mean, here is a very simple way to try it at home (or at the office) this week, as a pair or a small group:

1) Grab one piece of paper (or the whiteboard) and one pen between you (Yesss, one pen! Shared control is part of the magic ✨).

2) One person starts by drawing a simple shape or squiggle in the middle of the page.

3) Then you take turns adding ONE thing at a time, no pre-planning, just keep responding to what’s in front of you.

4) At the end, give it a name together.

Optional notes for all at the start: 

* You’re not trying to make “something good”.

* No judging or correcting allowed = every mark added is “right”.

* Open with a prompt, e.g. “a creature that does not exist” or “a machine that makes breakfast”.

Have fun giving this one a go (and, as always, feel free to send me a photo of your wonderfully weird creations)❤️

—

I’m Franzi, an educator and creative play & process art specialist designing open-ended art experiences that nurture creativity, confidence, and wellbeing. For children discovering their creative voice, and adults reconnecting with theirs.

If you enjoyed this post and want to support what I do, pick one of these right now:

Subscribe to the newsletter and get early access to more stories, insights, and creative inspiration.

Leave a Google review for Imagine Play Inspire (this helps people find us!)

Become a Creative Supporter to help keep this content free.