Conquer your self-doubt through creativity!
Welcome to The Creativity Digest, a monthly newsletter series from The Creative Directory! We’re bringing you some of the most interesting creative classes, workshops, events, and pop-ups around New York City every month so that you can find your creative community.
I’ve been listening to the audiobook of 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think lately and it’s made me think about my own self-limiting beliefs. The book is a collection of essays by Brianna West that is full of thought-provoking advice, nuggets of wisdom, and triggers so many 🤯 moments. I highly recommend! One particular quote stands out to me:
“The presence of indifference is a sign you’re on the wrong path. Fear means you’re trying to move toward something you love, but your old beliefs, or unhealed experiences, are getting in the way.”
Since launching, I’ve been thinking a lot about how our self-doubt can keep us stuck in a place of fear. It could be that inertia you feel right before going to an event where you don’t know anyone, the imposter syndrome you have right before a big meeting, or the little voice in your head that says you’ll fail at something before you even try it. These fears can literally paralyze us at times, keeping us from ever leaving our comfort zone. What I’ve learned is that fear and discomfort often precede happiness and success, and ironically they usually go hand in hand. I think of it as the big boss in a video game I have to defeat 🤛 before I move on to the next level! In fact, 💯% of the time it’s never as bad or painful as I make it out to be and I always learn something along the way.
In the next month, grow with us by venturing outside of your comfort zone, learning something new, and taking on a creative endeavor. Follow your curiosity and take that first step! Whatever the outcome, it will always result in an experience that will expand your mind in some way. And isn’t that what life is all about?
Read on to attend some of the cool creative things happening in NYC!
Spark your creativity with a workshop:
June 25th: Make your own custom hanging art pieces with beads, trinkets, ribbons and much more at this Craft Club class. ($40) ReCreate Collective in Clinton Hill
June 27th: Learn the art of book binding using the pamphlet stitch in this Book Binding workshop! Beginner friendly and all materials are included in your ticket price. ($75) The Wonder Mart in Greenpoint
June 28th: Make your own glass paperweight at this Paperweight Party class! It’s a great intro into glassmaking and the glass studio! ($165) UrbanGlass in Fort Greene
July 6th: Learn all the cake decorating techniques and methods at this Cake Decorating 101 class. ($150) NYC Cake Academy in Flatiron
July 16th: Make your own charm bracelet at this Charm Meet class. ($50 Early Bird, $55 Regular) NYC Drawing Room in Chelsea
July 26th: In this Spinning Workshop, you’ll learn how to clean, blend, and turn flax, hemp, and wool into your own hand spun yarn. ($175) Tatter in Gowanus
July 29th: Learn how to capture beautiful flower still life compositions on your camera in this Flower Photography Workshop. ($195) PhotoUno in Midtown East
Up-level your creativity with a class series:
Multiple Dates in June & July: Ever wanted to sew your own clothes? Start with this Sewing 101 course that will teach you everything from how to operate a sewing machine to making a garment from a commercial pattern! ($375) NY Sewing Center in Garment District
All July: If you’re a beginner painter, this Oil Painting class series is the perfect way to learn in a supportive environment. More experienced and want to work on more challenging projects? Check out their Oil Painting II class series! Buy a single class or a package. ($80 Single Class, $375 Semester) Creatively Wild Art Studio in DUMBO
July 8th - August 31th: Learn drawing, painting, composition, or artistic anatomy using European master techniques in this summer semester class series! (~$400) Bridgeview School of Fine Arts in Long Island City
July 8th - September 16th: If you’ve ever wanted to write a short story or novel, brush up your writing skills at this Fiction Writing I 10 week class series. ($465) Gotham Writers in Garment District
Attend a fun creative event:
June 21st: Summer Solstice group art show at The Living Gallery in Bushwick.
A one night open-call art show showcasing artists of all mediums and levels. There will be drinks, music, art, and more! All proceeds will be donated to charity. (FREE)
June 25th: Co/Create - Music & Poetry Edition at Telos Haus.
A low pressure co-creation event hosted by Work in Progress NYC where poetry and music converge to inspire and connect creatives. Register to see location. (FREE)
June 29th: Picnic Date! with Studio45 in McCarren Park.
Donation based picnic event where you can meet other creatives and do some casual drawing in the park. RSVP required! (Suggested $10-20)
July 8th - August 3rd: Frankie Thorp - Afterhours at Salon 21 in Soho
“Afterhours” is an art exhibition that celebrates hot and sticky summer nights in the city. Book an appointment to view! (FREE)
July 13th: The Future of Art - A Short Film Festival at SVA Theatre in Chelsea
Attend this short film festival to be immersed in the art of visual storytelling through short films. (~$30)
July 24th: For the Love of Gold - A Conversation on Goldsmithing at Brooklyn Metal Works in Prospect Heights.
This lecture is designed to be a foundation class for anyone interested in goldsmithing. It’s a great chance to learn the history of goldsmithing, the properties of gold and alloys, processes, recycling, and gold as a resource. Great for anyone who is interested in taking their Intro to Goldsmithing course!
All Summer: Art Library at NYC Drawing Room in Chelsea
Add an Art Library pass at 50% off to your all-day pass! Explore different art mediums and create whatever your heart desires in a safe and fun environment. ($15 Art Library pass, $20 day pass)
Do you know of a community-driven creative studio, art cafe, third place, or maker space that isn’t on our directory? Are you a business owner of a community-driven space?
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Happy creating and thank you for joining us on this creative journey! Visit The Creative Directory to access the directory and learn more about us.