I’ve always been a creative writer. Even at primary school I was asked to read my stories to the class. In later life, in writing classes, from writing texts, journaling texts and more, using prompts to create was frequent. Mostly, it’s a way to start. A warm up exercise. Often, prompts are very effective.

Here is a prompt I created as part of a set. The photograph shows the centre of an Iris flower.

Using the Prompt as a Writer

Like most prompts, the text is very open to personal interpretation. The best way to use a prompt is to jump right in and start creating. Don’t overthink it. Just go with your gut. Writers often set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and just write whatever comes to mind in response to the prompt.

The term used for this is ‘free writing’ or ‘stream of consciousness’ because the aim is to keep writing. Don’t stop to think. Just let your thoughts flow from your brain to the page.

If you do this, you’ll be surprised at the results. Our minds work in wonderful ways.

Using the Prompt as an Artist

Visual artists can begin with either the text or the image. One approach might be to pick out a detail to sketch. In the image of the Iris there is a pattern on the lower petal, a fluffy texture in the centre, and a throat-shaped void at the back. These forms can lead the imagination to endless places. The sketches may not resemble the image on the prompt in any way. It’s the pathway from ‘I’m not sure what to draw’ to having an idea.

Incorporating Prompts into a Routine

There are many ways of establishing daily creative practices. Prompts are only one of them. For me, they’re a very effective one.

There are so many sets of prompt cards on the market, I think it is a matter of finding one that speaks to you. I’ve put in a link here to Amazon which lists several pages of prompt card sets. It’s not the only source, you’ll find them in book shops, gift shops, and other places. I just wanted to show the wide variety on the market. I am not affiliated with Amazon nor any of the prompt authors.

100 Days of Art

In a way, writing these 100 Days of Art posts is akin to responding to a daily prompt. I find myself a topic, and write to it. As always, new ideas spring up from the depths. I enjoy this so much.

If you want to read more of my 100 Days of Art series, you can find them here.