Your Guide to Using the Art Bundle for Good (and course bundles like it)
Art bundles like the Art Bundle for good or the Art for Earth course bundle (affiliate link) are a rare opportunity for you to get a great deal on a large selection of courses that will open up your world to new artists, new projects and new ways of approaching art. [The Art for Earth bundle is only available from April 4 - 10, 2022.]
Remember, you don't have to do every course in a bundle to get a lot out of a bundle! If you work on just 1 course a month over the next year, or if you find one course that really speaks to you and provides you many hours of enjoyment, the bundle will more than pay for itself.
So, how do you approach all that goodness? Here are a few tips to help you break things down and target the next course you want to work on in your bundle.
For Those Who Love Spontaneity
1. Print out the list of courses in the bundle and cut the course list apart:
Choose your favorites, fold them up and drop them in a jar.
When you’re ready to start a new course, choose a course from the jar.
2. Print out the list, close your eyes and randomly point to a course. Start with that one.
3. Choose an art supply or medium you’ve been wanting to try and find a course in the list that uses it.
4. Choose a color and find a course that uses that color in the project.
For Planners
1. Read through the list of courses and make a list or two (or three):
Teachers you love and want to work with again.
Teachers you've heard of and want to try out.
Courses that you've always wanted to try but haven't made the time.
Courses that are way outside your comfort zone but feel exciting.
Courses that seem to fit the materials you have on hand.
Courses that seem to fit your current skill level or will help you level up.
Courses that just feel like the next right thing try.
Projects that speak to your soul (even if they seem way out of your comfort zone).
2. Narrow your options down:
Make a list of 20 courses that really caught your eye.
Choose your Top 12 and print them out.
Post the list where you can see it.
3. Calendar them in. This will help you set aside time to work through them.
Calendar 1 day a month to choose or start the next course you want to work on.
Put your top choices from your lists on your calendar
Each month choose a familiar medium/topic and then add in one or two other courses that are totally different from what you usually do.
4. Work seasonally. Set up a seasonal calendar to do courses that work with the season:
Winter - Snow scenes. Tropical holiday scenes. New techniques: stenciling, etc.
Spring - New life, new growth. Courses that reflect that hope, joy and excitement. New techniques: art journaling, etc.
Summer - Plein air, Gardening, Florals. Courses requiring the gathering of natural materials outside. New techniques: solar printing, etc.
Autumn - Harvest. Fall colors. New techniques: eco printing, etc.
For Those Who Like to Work with a Friend:
1. Invite a friend to join you for a new and different course each month. Take turns choosing a course, or choose something together.
Get together every so often and create.
Zoom calls, Skype, Google Meet, etc. are great ways to do art together when you can’t be together in the same space.
Plan a plein air adventure with some friends, where it's easy to distance and you have the added benefit of fresh air.
Final Tips:
1. Gather your supplies into a dedicated space, basket, tote, etc. so that it’s easy to pull them out and start your warm up.
2. Bookmark the bundle link so it’s easy to get to your list of courses.
3. Course corrections are expected! Start one of the courses and let your creativity flow.
If you change your mind about something on your list, it's OK!
If you abandon this course in favor of other courses, it's OK!
If life gets in the way for a while, it’s OK!
If you move fast, great!
If you move slow, great!
If you start, then stop for a different course and then come back later, great!
If you decide you hate that thing, celebrate! because now you know. Go to the next thing.
If you want to try out a new art supply, do it!
If you find out you love a particular thing and decide to do more, do it!
If you find a course that totally speaks to you and you decide to stick with that for a long time, do it!
We’d love to hear your own suggestions for how to work with a bundle of courses. Post your ideas in the comments!
Don’t forget! The 2022 Art for Earth course bundle (affiliate link) is available for purchase from April 4 until April 10, 2022. It’s a great bargain for a huge collection of courses from dozens of great teachers. You can see all of the courses and teachers included in the bundle at the link. [This year I have donated my Lovely Loose Florals course (49$ value)]