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Monday, May 28, 2012

Look what I bought today

A huge package of index cards.

Why am I so excited about this?

Because Index-Card-A-Day 2012 starts FRIDAY!!!!!
 
I took this challenge last summer and it was one of the most fun things I've ever done.
 
Hosted by the fabulous Tammy at Daisy Yellow,
the idea is to draw, paint, doodle, write, collage (etc.)
on one little index card each day for June and July.
and then (if you feel like it) post your work on your blog, or flickr or somewhere and link up with other ICAD artists.
 
Here's why I loved this challenge:
  • it forced me to create every day, even if it was just for a few minutes.  even if I didn't think I wanted to create, I was always glad I did.  and I often was so inspired by my 10 minute index card that I kept working on other ideas and projects.
  • the materials are cheap and readily available.  don't like your card?  recycle it and grab another.
  • the small size means it's finished quickly. I find 4"x6" far less intimidating than a blank journal page.
  • it was really low-pressure.  the goals is creativity, not masterpieces.  if you miss a day, you don't get kicked out of the club.  there is no club.  arrive late to the party? no problem.  don't catch up, just start.
  • Tammy provides optional prompts so if you're feeling stuck for ideas you've got a starting point
and the biggest reason I loved it:
  • the flickr group was so friendly and supportive.  When I started ICAD last June I wasn't very comfortable sharing my art in public forums.  I pushed myself to participate and met some wonderful, funny, supportive artists who have now become blogging friends and mail-art buddies.  I gained a lot of confidence.  It made me a better artist, a better blogger, a better commenter on other people's work.

I keep my cards in this little open box, and a year later I still flip through them regularly and use the scanned images in other artwork.
They became a chronicle of my summer.  Many of them bring me right back to what I was doing and how I was feeling the day I made them.


and it all starts again in four days!
That leaves me with just one question:

 


15 comments:

  1. That's a BIG stack of index cards! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with them this year.

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  2. OMG - I am SOOOOO in! Gotta stop at the office supply store tomorrow...

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  3. Oooo, little blank spaces ready to be filled!

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  4. I am on the fence, did it last year and had fun, created some fun cards. I did go and see if i had any index cards lying around, so I am thinking about.

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  5. I saw Tammy's announcement last week and decided to give it a try this year so I have my 4x6's ready to go and I even have a sticky note on my monitor so I don't forget. I didn't realize you did it last year too, but after reading how it helped you become more comfortable with your art and creativity, it really reinforces that I want to participate. I'll see you in flickr!

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  6. WOW! what a great idea and your cards are so cool!

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  7. I'm so tempted to do this! I'm in a really good groove right now with creating every day (I know, don't say that too loud, knock on wood, etc) but am REALLY intrigued with your box of finished cards and the possibilities of using them in other artwork... :)

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  8. Eep..I'm in! I think. I don't know. I have 100 index cards though.

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  9. I really want to do it but cannot find Tammy's original post about when it starts and how to go about it. Help!

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    1. try this link http://daisyyellowart.com/icad/
      Tammy put a bunch of tabs across the top of her blog and dedicated one whole section to index cards.
      hope you join the fun!

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  10. LOve your stuff - hey I just dicovered you through Lee's blog! wow what great work yo do and I'm looking forward to seeing your index cards now!

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