Here's a sneak peak behind our August Creativity Challenge
Prepare to push your boundaries, unlock your creative potential, and embrace self expression.
We've been working behind the scenes to create an engaging experience for August’s upcoming creative challenge, and wanted to share a sneak peak.
Starting August 1st, we'll send out one creative prompt (which we like to call a “Messier Moment"), and hope you’ll join us in completing all 31 of them. The best part? It only takes 5 to 15 minutes per day. Here are a few example of what we’ll be sharing:
[WORDS] Word Ladder: A guided process to come up with lists of nouns and verbs, and then connect them in unusual ways in a poem.
[VISUAL ART] Built to Spill: Spill a liquid (wine, coffee, etc) on a piece of paper and blot it with the paper towel. Do it a few times. Turn the spill mark into something else by drawing on and around it.
[DIVERGENT THINKING] No Sleep Till BKLYN: List all the ways your life would be different if you didn’t need sleep.
[OBSERVATION] Macro Moment: Capture close up shots of objects in your house, office, or outside. (See below for an example of a full prompt.)
We're here to support you every step of the way. Each Moment will provide you with comprehensive instructions, helpful tips, and uplifting encouragement. And remember, you can always rely on the Messier community for ideas and support! (To engage with the community, go to the “chat” section of Substack.)
Here’s an example of a full Moment’s text:
Macro Moment 📸 🍃 🔎
Take close-up pictures. This isn’t about being a professional photographer, it’s about exploring your environment in a new way.
What will I need?
Camera or smartphone, ideally with “macro” or close-up setting.
Timer (can be on your phone)
Steps:
Set a timer for 3 to 15 minutes – your choice how long.
Walk around inside or outside.
Use a camera or phone to take close-up pictures.
After the timer ends and if you’re so inclined, choose your favorite photo to share with the chat or just with friends.
Tips, Guidance, Inspiration and Science
Want to keep going?
Try it at different times of the day, or take photos throughout the day during breaks.
Challenge yourself to focus on specific themes (e.g., colors, textures).
Send a few photos to a friend and see if they can guess what they are.
Help! I’m stuck!
First, remember: this exercise is about observation and discovery, not professional photography.
Look at things from different angles, or try a different location. For example, try just only looking below your eye level.
Focus on only capturing textures or patterns.
Collect small objects like keys, coins or jewelry and photograph them.
Try to capture the surface of a liquid, like a close-up of your coffee or a glass of water.
What’s the science?
Photography can increase positive feelings. (Diehl, et al 2016)
"The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it?" - Edward Weston