At the heart of Shayda Campbell’s YouTube channel lies a simple but powerful idea: that making the artifacts of our everyday life (things like cookies, calendars or greeting cards) into things of beauty is an important task. According to Campbell, introducing creativity into our life is an important task, and one that can help lift our spirits. First, because the process of creativity is wonderful in and of itself, and second because it’s lovely to be surrounded by lovely things.
“I’ve tried my best to make my channel a calm, inspirational space where you can approach the basics of drawing, watercolour painting, journaling and many other crafts,” she explains on her personal website. “There are so many benefits to everyday creativity, so I hope you’ll grab a paint brush and join me. Because creativity is play, anyone can do it!”
Campbell’s website and YouTube page include basic tutorials on how to draw simple, beautiful illustrations using ink and watercolor, including an assortment of flowers, wreaths, foliage and more. Those can be used to decorate journals, create cards, or simply make other art you enjoy. It also includes an introduction to simple hand-lettering, and encouragement to daily art practice.
There are also entire posts dedicated to the art of illustrating flowers – a task you’d want to take on this spring. According to Campbell, you don’t need to worry about painting a perfect flower; instead, you can focus on the way the brush feels in your hand. In one moment you use only the lightest touch, just the delicate fine point of the brush; in another moment, you smoosh the belly of the brush across the page forming large leaves and petals.
Dip your toes into the art of creativity.
