by Ashley Belote
Once upon a slime…I couldn’t resist! Slime! Something so seemingly simple has had a profound effect on my art and outlook on inspiration. When my art director sent me the manuscript for FRANKENSLIME, I was blown away by Joy Keller’s ability to turn the act of making slime into an adventurous, mysterious, and scientific narrative. Using slime as my inspiration, I set out on my own scientific adventure to create a body of artwork inspired by this unique substance categorized as a non-Newtonian fluid (how’s that for some science talk?!).
Inspiration constantly exists around us; we must be willing to recognize it or even create it. When I began thinking about how to illustrate this book, the first step was to completely immerse myself in my inspiration, literally! I made slime! Glitter slime. Fluffy slime. Ghost slime. Butter slime. Crunchy slime. You get it, I made a lot of slime. Being able to touch and feel and observe slime firsthand allowed me to learn about it through play. I had to think of myself as the main character, Victoria Franken, and interact with this substance. A lot of the funny scenes I drew were a result of my Pinterest slime fails and inability to admit defeat. I had a blast! As adults, we tend to look at things analytically and can sometimes forget to have fun.
Now, I realize that not all inspiration can be easily accessed physically, and there are times when we must look inward and rely on our imaginations. But this isn’t always as simple as it sounds; some days we feel like we don’t even have imaginations! No more of that! When I’m stuck, I complete the following drawing exercise to get my mind thinking in a different way. This trick is great for illustrators AND writers, so, if you’re one of those people who say drawing is impossible, now is the slime to put those thoughts away and get ready to play! (Did you like that one?!)
Step 1: Take out some blank paper.
TIP! If you can get your hands on a large-scale piece of paper, like 22” x 16”, DO IT! Trust me, there is something freeing about drawing on a big surface. You feel limitless. I am blessed with a creative mom and when I was a kid, she would bring home pieces of unused billboard paper for me to draw on. They were huge! They took up our entire living room floor, so the whole room was my canvas! Obviously, that isn’t something you can get from Amazon (at least I don’t think so…) but just try to get your hands on something a bit bigger than printer paper. Again, we are focusing on fun!
Step 2: ART SUPPLIES!
You can use pencils, markers, colored pencils…whatever you want! Just find something to draw with that feels good to you.
Step 3: Hold your drawing utensil in your NON-dominant hand.
For me, that is my left hand as I usually draw with my right. Close your eyes, place your pencil to paper, and make a sweeping, continuous mark for 3 seconds.
Step 4: Voila!
Open your eyes and see your masterpiece! Just kidding, haha. It probably will not be a masterpiece quite yet. Look at the shape you have created. What does it look like? Turn your paper to get a look at your shape upside down and keep turning until you see something. A moose? Maybe a river? An elegant three-story Victorian home with a walkway and koi pond? Wonderful! Now, once you “see” something or visualize the potential of your shape, start drawing it out. Add color, details, manipulate it to create what your mind’s eye is seeing.
Step 5: Use your inspiration!
Have you designed a landscape that can act as a setting for a story? Did you create a character? How exciting to be able to take this creation in any direction you’d like.
I love this stuff!! I hope you can use this technique to help find the fun in your inspiration and jumpstart your imagination going forward. Have the slime of your life! I had to sneak in one more 😊 As for me, I am proud to show the cover of FRANKENSLIME, coming to shelves near you on July 13th and followed shortly thereafter by its sequel, VALENSLIME, on November 16th!
Ashley Belote is the illustrator of FRANKENSLIME (2021), VALENSLIME (2021), and the author-illustrator of her solo debut picture book, LISTEN UP, LOUELLA (2022). She studied traditional animation under the direction of Don Bluth. Ashley earned her BA from Alderson Broaddus University and her MA in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. Her graduate study included a children’s literature and illustration course through Simmons College. Ashley lives and works in North Carolina where she creates artwork that she hopes brings lots of laughs to others. Visit her at AshleyBelote.com and and follow her on Instagram @AshleyBeloteIllustration and Twitter @AshleyBelote1.
Ashley is giving away a virtual visit—either for a classroom or a writer/illustrator consultation.
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543 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 8, 2021 at 10:06 am
Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri
That excercise sounds like so much fun!!
January 8, 2021 at 10:07 am
rjtraxel
Frankenslime sounds amazing. I’m off to draw on my head.
January 8, 2021 at 10:07 am
Doreen Tango Hampton
Frankenslime!!! So clever.
January 8, 2021 at 10:11 am
kirstenbockblog
Love this idea! And Frankenslime looks adorable!
January 9, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Susannah Crispe
Love this idea, I remember doing something similar in a drawing class a million years ago as a warm up exercise. What a great way to inspire ideas.
January 8, 2021 at 10:11 am
Brian
What a fun post! Your illustration style is great. Thanks for sharing Ashley.
January 8, 2021 at 10:12 am
lizricewrites
Thanks for those Steps! I’m going to buy some large paper and cover my dining room table with it. Art Time!
January 8, 2021 at 10:13 am
readmybook2002
I love the non-dominant hand part to get a different perspective on the artwork creation from a different point of view. Thank You
January 9, 2021 at 1:57 am
Rebecca Arent-Draper
“Now is the slime!” Is my new favorite quote! Thank you, Ashley! ❤️
January 8, 2021 at 10:16 am
Cedar Pruitt
Reading the last couple of days of entries in a row, and seeing – hold a pen in your other hand, see your room from another angle, think and create in a new way. Love this theme.
January 8, 2021 at 10:19 am
Judie
A local restaurant used large sheets of brown craft paper as table cloths and provided everyone with a menu AND a set of crayons. Was so much fun to eat surrounded by our imagination.
January 8, 2021 at 10:19 am
Mackinzie Rekers
Love this Ashley! Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2021 at 10:19 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thanks for the reminder to have fun, Ashley! I need some to free up my mind. Meanwhile, I’m excited to read both slime books.
January 8, 2021 at 10:20 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Wow. Time for slime and a rhyme. Love your artistic and innovative process!
January 8, 2021 at 10:20 am
Suzanne Lewis
Ohhh, I LOVE this approach to freeing the imagination! Big sheet of paper, here I come! Thanks, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 10:22 am
Kimberly Marcus
Frankenslime looks fantastic! What a fun and energetic post. Thank you for the creative inspiration.
January 8, 2021 at 10:22 am
Laurie Knowlton
Sometimes I forget how freeing making something can be to get my writing kick started. Thanks’
January 8, 2021 at 10:23 am
Cat owen
I have big paper! I have big paper! I also have child ‘helpers’ xxx
January 8, 2021 at 10:24 am
jms5880
Thank you for sharing.
January 8, 2021 at 10:24 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love slime, finger paint and slippery clay. Now I’m looking for a piece of paper as large as my studio. Thank you for the freedom.
January 8, 2021 at 10:25 am
Teresa Daffern
Thanks Ashley! I love the story of your mom bringing home pieces of billboard to draw on! I’m so going to try this creative jumpstart technique. Fun!
January 8, 2021 at 10:25 am
sherry fellores
What a great exercise to get the creativity flowing!
January 8, 2021 at 10:26 am
Dee Knabb
Slime is definitely a winner and your tips for letting go and getting creative were terrific. Thank you
January 8, 2021 at 10:29 am
Susan Drew
This is a fun post. I’ve made slime for a summer camp I was directing. A couple of fails later… But it was always fun!
January 8, 2021 at 10:30 am
pbbeckyk
Slime is a brilliant topic for picture books! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 10:30 am
Lydia Lukidis
Thanks for this prompt! PS love your illustrations…
January 8, 2021 at 10:33 am
Joan Longstaff
Have never thought of doing this type of exercise before – sounds like I’m going to have some good slimes indeed! Thank you for sharing.
January 8, 2021 at 10:33 am
Melissa H. Mwai
Ohhhh, can’t wait to try this with my kids. A weekend project for sure!
January 8, 2021 at 10:35 am
karynellis
This sounds fun! Reminds me of my love of collaging, which is another form of “drawing” but with images. I’m gonna try this. Thanks!
January 8, 2021 at 10:36 am
Shelley Isaacson
I’m not much of an artist, but I’ve made a lot of slime! Love your tip–and I think it will work for me in my dominant hand as well!
January 8, 2021 at 10:37 am
Elyse Trevers
Sounds like so much fun- non-dominant hand is hard enough but eyes closed-eek! This sounds like a great activity to do with the 7 year old as well. Will try it later
January 8, 2021 at 10:38 am
Mary Lou Johnson
You immersed yourself in the medium of your subject–slime–the way good actors immerse themselves in the milieu of their characters. Thank you for sharing your creative methods! If you aren’t already a teacher, I hope you will be someday. Now to find some BIG paper for my granddaughter…
January 8, 2021 at 10:39 am
Jany Campana
Thank you Ashley. Drawing with my left-hand is a super suggestion. Great Fun!
January 8, 2021 at 10:41 am
Suzana zur Nedden
I loved this insight! Super fun!
January 8, 2021 at 10:43 am
Tanja Bauerle
Slime! I love it. Thank you for sharing. T
January 8, 2021 at 10:44 am
Sallye O'Rourke
I enjoyed this post and look forward to enjoying your books!
January 8, 2021 at 10:47 am
Susan Wroble
The piece that stuck out for me with this post was that incredible technique of freeing the brain towards creativity by hampering both vision and the dominant side of the brain, then engaging with something tactile. I think I’ll put some slime on the left side my writing desk and let it work its magic. Thanks!
January 8, 2021 at 10:49 am
authorlaurablog
You’re right about how a big piece of paper can be freeing! I had rolls of paper I used when I taught that allowed children to create murals! Fabulous.
January 8, 2021 at 10:49 am
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the great tip!
January 8, 2021 at 10:51 am
thecrowsmap
Congratulations on your book, and thank you for this inspirational idea:)
Gail Hartman
January 8, 2021 at 10:53 am
Christine @ Goodjelly
Love this exercise. ❤ Thanks for the inspiration. My favorite line: "Inspiration exists constantly around us."
January 8, 2021 at 10:53 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
How fortunate for you to have been so encouraged by your mother! This sounds like a fun exercise. Now to go find some oversized paper! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 10:54 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Terrific brainstorming ideas, Ashley – And bigger paper definitely helps! Thanks for the tip!
January 8, 2021 at 10:54 am
Joan Swanson
Great Idea! I have drawing paper for my grandson, but never imagined that maybe I should be right there with him and draw too 🙂 Thank you.
January 8, 2021 at 10:55 am
audiencedog
I really like the emphasis on going BIG and on the non-dominant hand. Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 10:57 am
pollyrenner
Fun idea! I look forward to reading your books coming out this year! Congrats!
January 8, 2021 at 10:58 am
marty
Wonderful post, Ashley! I love this approach and will get to it today—big paper and all! Your puns are priceless. Congratulations on your author illustrator debut!!! Yay, you did it!
January 8, 2021 at 11:00 am
Jennifer Rathe
I can’t wait to try the technique you’ve suggested! Thank You!
January 8, 2021 at 11:01 am
heathercmorris
My daughter will be soooo thrilled to read “Frankenslime”!! Our house was once buried under containers and containers of slime. Thanks for the great ideas to spark creativity!
January 8, 2021 at 11:02 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I’m now a bit obsessed by all the fun words that rhyme with slime! Thanks Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 11:03 am
Patricia
What a fantastic idea for a picture book. Slime. It is EVERYTHING to kids! This book can be given as a birthday present to a BFF with you guessed it…homemade slime, teachers can read this book and then have the class make slime…how fun is that for a lesson? Great concept! Best of Luck!
January 8, 2021 at 11:04 am
andreesantini
Having created modeling compounds for children at both Crayola and Hasbro, I really enjoyed reading about how you played with slime to help illustrate Frankenslime! Thanks for the creative inspiration.
January 8, 2021 at 11:06 am
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post, Ashley. This reminds me to make some slime with my daughter this weekend! And thanks for the great drawing exercise! Looking forward to your books!
January 8, 2021 at 11:13 am
Lauren Barbieri
Great activity—thank you for sharing! Looking forward to reading Frankenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 11:13 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Ashley for this fun post.
January 8, 2021 at 11:14 am
debobrienbookscom
Ooooh, Ashley, I will not be shy. I would LOVE an author/illustrator critique. Thank you for your generousity.
January 8, 2021 at 11:15 am
Annie War
I am a person who tends to be more analytical so I must try this.
January 8, 2021 at 11:16 am
lavern15
What a wonderful idea! I’m gonna do this myself and with the kiddos of course. Can’t wait to read the book. Love the word play on slime. Thank you.
January 8, 2021 at 11:21 am
Tonnye Fletcher
Carolina girls, represent! 🙂 Way to go, Ashley! Excited for your success, and so enjoyed this exercise! I don’t think I have much in the way of artistic talent, but I still find these visual prompts really work well for me! Thanks for the inspiration! Congratulations and I can’t wait to read and see your wonderful illustrations for Frankenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 11:23 am
teacherwriteracker
This was such a fun exercise and brought me a new, rather silly idea. Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 11:24 am
Tonnye Fletcher
Carolina Girls, represent! 🙂 What a wonderful post, Ashley! Big congratulations and blessings for continued success!!! You know, I don’t think I have much in the way of (visual) artistic talent, but I still find these visual prompts really help me! Thank you for the inspiration. I came up with a fun character that I plan to play around with!
January 8, 2021 at 11:24 am
aidantalkin
I’m an illustrator and often find inspiration in character drawings, but perhaps today’s the day to not start with the illustration, but a scribble! A fantastic playful technique!
January 8, 2021 at 11:25 am
srkckass
Thank you for the suggestion. It’s sort of like resorting in a way back to childhood when you’re figuring out how to draw and who you are. That’s when creativity is at its best.
January 8, 2021 at 11:29 am
jbbower
Thanks Ashley. It will be interesting to see what evolves from my non-dominant hand doodles!
January 8, 2021 at 11:29 am
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for this inspirational suggestion. I love this, “As adults, we tend to look at things analytically and can sometimes forget to have fun.” I appreciate that reminder so much!
January 8, 2021 at 11:30 am
Kathy Crable
What a hoot! Can’t wait to read the book AND try the creative drawing exercise!
January 8, 2021 at 11:31 am
Krista Harrington
Ashley, what a fantastic exercise to get our imaginations flowing! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 11:33 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I like your challenge. If nothing else, I might create some linear slime. 😜
January 8, 2021 at 11:36 am
Cathy L. Murphy
You had me at the slime puns! Thanks for sharing your playful technique and new releases, Ashley.
January 8, 2021 at 11:39 am
Cortney Benvenuto
Love this technique! Thank you for the inspiration! 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 11:39 am
suumac
Congratulations on your new book! And thanks for your “subslime” and fun creativity prompt – just in case that’s “sublime”!:)
January 8, 2021 at 11:40 am
muskoshe
What a fun blog post! Thank you for sharing and congrats on the new book.
January 8, 2021 at 11:40 am
auntieshell712
I love this idea. I’m definitely going to try it
January 8, 2021 at 11:40 am
Jessica Swaim
I can’t wait to try this brand-new-to-me brainstorming technique, and I’ve even got an old roll of brown wrapping paper waiting. Thanks, Ashley, for taking the slime to give us an inspirational start to the day!
January 8, 2021 at 11:40 am
Jessica Potts
Ahhh slime – I think most parents have a love/hate relationship with it! Ha!
January 8, 2021 at 11:42 am
Angie
Love how you stayed on sleme. I mean theme. Slime. Whah whah whah (that funny sound when a joke falls flat). Thanks so much for sharing your tips for getting the creative juices flowing! Congrats on the new books!
January 8, 2021 at 11:42 am
Kelly Nott
I’m going to try this. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 8, 2021 at 11:47 am
Sara Ackerman
Thanks for the Friday inspiration! I love to draw but I’m not an illustrator, or good at it, so I rarely do. I love this idea 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 11:49 am
Linda
Can’t wait to try this!
January 8, 2021 at 11:50 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Time to gather a few art supplies and a humongous piece of paper to play and create.
Thank you, Ashley.
Suzy Leopold
January 8, 2021 at 11:51 am
Brenda Flowers
Ashley, thank you for reminding me about ways to have childlike wonder, fun, and creativity. The idea of looking for big paper sparked an idea…
Your illustrations are wonderful! Congratulations on your books being showcased this year!
January 8, 2021 at 11:53 am
Aimee Haburjak
This was pure joy! Thanks for igniting fun in the artistic process for me again. Great timing for a New Year.
January 8, 2021 at 11:53 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Ashley, for helping us think and slime outside the box. Huge sheets of paper on the floor. Wow!
January 8, 2021 at 11:54 am
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
I need to think of the last time I did something just for creativity’s sake without thinking of budget and other restrictions. Sounds fun.
January 8, 2021 at 11:56 am
Caren
Thanks for the inspiration. I just bought some new colored pencils and they make me feel the way I did as a kid – all the possibilities.
January 8, 2021 at 12:01 pm
danielledufayet
What a fun post -and good reminder to keep it fun! I’m inspired! 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 12:04 pm
heatherbell37
Love this idea of using non-dominant hand and just letting imagination flow. Sometimes adulting really restricts ideas. Thank you for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Sheri Dillard
What a fun post! Thanks, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Keeping the Me in Mommy
Great reminder to loosen up and have fun!
January 8, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Melissa Trempe is querying (@melissa_trempe)
I love the idea of letting a random drawing spark a story or character. I plan to pull out some large sheets of paper later with my kids!
January 8, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you for this tip! I look forward to your book.
January 8, 2021 at 12:17 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for the inspiration, Ashley! How fun!!!
January 8, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Yes, I love drawing on large paper. In art school drawing was physical exercise! Your whole body got into it. It was so fun!
January 8, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Darcee A. Freier
I never knew there were so many kinds of slime. What fun to try them all! Thanks for a great post.
January 8, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Cassie Bentley
This looks like so much fun. You’re right I forget to have fun before, during and while writing. I love tactile projects too. Congratulations on two fun publications.
January 8, 2021 at 12:23 pm
Krissy
What a fun post to read and such great ideas!
January 8, 2021 at 12:23 pm
Kassy Keppol
I don’t know about billboard paper, but the local newspaper office sells the left over rolls of newsprint. 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Gail Aherne
Kids love slime & now I want to too! Thank you for the inspiration. Looking forward to your books. Congrats!
January 8, 2021 at 12:26 pm
mona861
This is fun! Could be a fun classroom activity. Thanks. As soon as I get finished typing this, I’m grabbing that blank piece of paper! Being the artist that I’m not, I wonder what will come of it!!!
January 8, 2021 at 12:28 pm
dedradavis03
This sounds like a fun exercise, and because it involves pencils, pens, and markers, I’m doing it! Thank you, and congratulations on this adorable book!!
January 8, 2021 at 12:28 pm
saintamovin
Thank you Ashley😊
January 8, 2021 at 12:30 pm
mona861
Such a fun post for a non illustrating author. Can’t wait to grab that blank piece of paper! Would be a fun project for the classroom! Thank you.
January 8, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Gail Atherley
Getting out my markers and wide freezer paper now! Great suggestion for inspiration and fun. Thank you.
January 8, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Bethanny Parker
It sounds like you had a lot of fun playing with slime! The drawing exercise you provided sounds like fun too.
January 8, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Bhandi
My dad brought home large rolls of unused printer paper from the printing company he worked for… I wonder if those are still laying around.
January 8, 2021 at 12:35 pm
tpierce
I love how “outside the box” this idea is! Thanks, Ashley, and congratulations!
January 8, 2021 at 12:36 pm
vijikc
Thank you for that wonderful exercise!
January 8, 2021 at 12:37 pm
vijikc
Thank you for that wonderful idea!
January 8, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Rozana Rajkumari
Slime is so much fun 🙂 And I’m not an illustrator but drawing certainly unlocks creativity.
January 8, 2021 at 12:38 pm
authordebradaugherty
Ashley, thank you for your slime, and this post. Congrats on two books coming out this year! Your cover art is super. You had a wonderful mother who saw the artist in you at an early age and encouraged you with the huge poster boards Love it!
January 8, 2021 at 12:39 pm
babybluesnowflake
Frankenslime and Valenslime! This is just hilarious! Also how you experimented with types of slimes. You made me realise that my studio is currently more and office—offices leave very little space for creative play. Good that this space is still under construction. So, I need to focus on making it my creative playground, too. Thanks for the insights, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 12:41 pm
rosecappelli
I’ve read so much lately about the importance of play for inspiration. Thanks, Ashley.
January 8, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Susan Eyerman
Thanks for the fun inspiration. Wish I could draw beyond crude stick figures.
Love you illustrations.
January 8, 2021 at 12:44 pm
Roberta Gibson
My line turned into a odd, but fun unicorn. I wonder where it is going. Only slime will tell…
January 8, 2021 at 12:48 pm
Ally Enz
Yes! Giant paper is so inspiring. Love that you have an MA in arts administration (analytical mind?) and are a playful illustrator as well. Love the title-Listen Up Louella! Thank you for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 12:48 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleySierra06)
Such a great title and writing exercise. Looking forward to reading.
January 8, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Sheri Radovich
Being an artist must be freeing to create from a blank canvas, I guess the rest of us are a little inhibited but tried your exercise and have a story idea that I’m going to work on. Thanks
January 8, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Cathy Ogren
I loved the drawing exercise. It was fun to see the result! Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Writer on the run
I felt such freedom and joy reading this Ashley! Thank you so much for the inspiration!
January 8, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Janie Reinart
Ashley,
What fun! Looking for a large piece of paper😊 Thanks for the post.
January 8, 2021 at 12:57 pm
ejessmurray
Great post, Ashley! Looking forward to this exercise, possibly with a colleague;)
January 8, 2021 at 12:57 pm
marshaelyn
Fun and imaginative idea for inspiration. Thanks, Ashley! Slime play reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously in this “business” and forget the joy. I congratulate you on finding success with work that obviously feeds you with joy. SPLAT! That’s me sending you a slimeball of gratitude!
January 8, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Stephanie Fitzpatrick
What a cool idea! I can’t wait to try it out when I get home tonight. I might have both of my kids draw freely too and see what they come up with. That might be my next big inspiration! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Nancy Colle
Drawing with your non dominant hand. LOVE it!
A brilliant post that pops! Thank you.:)
January 8, 2021 at 12:59 pm
beckylevine
Oh, I am so doing this this weekend!
January 8, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Deek
As a artist who has played with this technique, DO IT! It is so much fun! You can also take photos of cracks in walls or sidewalks, print it out and do the same thing. It will be new for me to use this as a springboard for my books. I will even go back to my piles of drawing and see if I can discover a story! Thank you !
January 8, 2021 at 1:03 pm
Beth Elliott
I love your art! I love that you aim to evoke laughter with your art! It’s a pleasure to discover you, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 1:05 pm
asiqueira1307
I love slime too and Frankslime… Wow, what a great idea. I can’t wait to read this book.
January 8, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Kate Carroll
WOW! I’m inspired! Drawing with my non-dominant hands and eyes closed may actually be better than with dominant hand and eyes opened.
Great post!
January 8, 2021 at 1:07 pm
bevbaird
Love your post and inspiration. I will definitely look for “the fun in (my) inspiration”. Can’t wait to read your books!
January 8, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Mary Jane
Thanks for an inspiring post!
January 8, 2021 at 1:14 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
My squiggle turned sideways,…became a whale and a fish friend in the ocean,…my most happy of places. As a former drawing artist,…now trying my hand as a budding writing artist,…this exercise was very meaningful to me.
Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 1:14 pm
Brandy Dixon
I’m a teacher who’d love a virtual classroom visit. 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 1:19 pm
Christina Shawn
Thank you for this great idea! My daughter and I are loving it.
January 8, 2021 at 1:21 pm
Alice Fulgione
I’m nowhere near being an artist but I love your unique approach!
January 8, 2021 at 1:30 pm
claudia sloan
Both look like really fun books, congrats! …and thanks for sharing your process. 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 1:33 pm
kathalsey
Ashley, you have me “slime-ing” or smiling. LOL. Sounds like a great “get unstuck exercise.” Ty and congrats on your books!
January 8, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Carole Calladine
Thank you for sharing. I needed a little fun today.
January 8, 2021 at 1:41 pm
marty
Losing that adult mind and playing like a kid. Such great advice for creativity! Thanks for sharing your fun process with us.
January 8, 2021 at 1:42 pm
teresawebauthorcom
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much because I am NOT an artist, but OMG, this actually worked for me, lol. I came up with (what I hope is) a cute story idea! Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 1:44 pm
pathaap
Slime flies when you’re having fun! Thanks for the reminder to find the child in ourselves!
January 8, 2021 at 1:49 pm
jacqueline flesher
Love the wordplay! Pure fun.
January 8, 2021 at 1:51 pm
suzannepoulterharris
My mum let us draw on old rolls of wallpaper when we were kids … and she did the same for her grandchildren. Hours of fun! Thanks for the reminding us to be creative.
January 8, 2021 at 1:52 pm
sareenmclay
Your book looks so much fun! Thanks for your encouragement to be creative and play.
January 8, 2021 at 1:53 pm
andynarwhal
As a full-time leftie, let me welcome you all to the dark side. Watch out for ink smudges.
January 8, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Nadia Salomon
Oh Ashley!! I love this post, because you are so hilarious and truly inspiring! I will definitely try this exercise to see where it takes me! Congratulations on your books!!
January 8, 2021 at 1:53 pm
meganu
Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Kathiann Weatherbee (@WeatherbeeBooks)
Great exercise, I’m going to have to try that with some poster board I have at home. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 8, 2021 at 2:02 pm
kimpfenn
What a fun exercise Ashley and Congratulations on your books coming out!
January 8, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Jen Helwig
Thanks for sharing your idea generator exercise. I’ll have to try it some slime, uh, I mean time. Congratulations on Frankenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 2:14 pm
Audrey
When I get stuck, I like to doodle or make stuff, but I’ve never considered doing so in this way. I love it! Congrats on all of your upcoming books. My daughter is going to LOVE them!
January 8, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Cheryl
I’ve been teaching my daughter some drawing techniques and it’s made me realize that drawing is much more in the eyes than by the hand. What she sees and what I see are completely different.
January 8, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Lucretia S.
Ashley, thanks for sharing your approach to a fun, creative and inspirational exercise. I can’t wait to give it a try. Congratulations on your impending solo PB debut and the …slime series! Frankenslime looks like great fun—I’m looking forward to getting my copy.
January 8, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Tracy Hora
I love this! I remembering doing things like that as a kid. So fun! I can’t wait to read your new books!
January 8, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Susan Contreras
What a fun post today. I can honestly say that slime, the non-Newtonian fluid, may have a bit more respect after enjoying Ashley’s insights. Thank you.
January 8, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Joni Nemeth
Interesting thought to go BIG – the opposite idea of thumbnails! Might be a great way to shake things up. Thanks
January 8, 2021 at 2:25 pm
viviankirkfield
Super cool suggestion to use the non-dominant hand, Ashley…and I love the big piece of paper and eyes closed idea. I used to do squiggle art with my kids…and it was always lots to see what we came up with. Thank you so much for sharing inspiration!
January 8, 2021 at 2:33 pm
matthewlasley
I don’t consider myself artistic, but I can see the concept behind this. I have done something similar with my first graders in the past. I draw some shapes or partial shapes on a page, copy it it and hand it out. The kids then take time to draw a picture with the shapes, share their story verbally, then we write it down. We then marvel how 20 some odd people (some odder than others) can start with the same product and each see the shapes differently and come up with unique stories.
January 8, 2021 at 2:34 pm
Heather Rowley
Thanks for the great ideas! You’re so talented!
January 8, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Cindy S
Sounds like something fun to try.
January 8, 2021 at 2:37 pm
Michele Rietz
Thanks, Ashley! I love that you included corny slime word play throughout your post! Congratulations on your books! Can’t wait to read them!
January 8, 2021 at 2:40 pm
writersideup
Ashley, all SO clever and fresh! And you can get large white construction paper through teacher’s/education supply stores or Amazon 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Sara Tobias
Such a fun way to play. I love discovering what will come out of a squiggle.
January 8, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Debi Boccanfuso
I am not an artist although..I want to be one! Fun way to play and “let go”…thank you.
January 8, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Yay for slime… and I’ve made a lot, but never “crunchy” slime. I did not know slime could BE crunchy! I love your slimy book titles!
January 8, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Now my son has seen this and we’re going to make slime this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 2:46 pm
boardmancamera
Yahoo for North Carolina, where the rocks get slimy with moss in those lovely forests and dewy air! (from a displaced North Carolinian, in the parched West)
January 8, 2021 at 2:52 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
That activity sounds so fun. I will be using my right hand and think I’ll get the kids to join in the fun!
January 8, 2021 at 2:56 pm
kiwijenny
Whoah Ashley the Slimenator. Awesome ideas. I love collage. I’m making dragons with lindoor truffle wrappers. So much for weight loss in 2021
January 8, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Janice Woods
Excited to try this out! Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Karin Larson
Fun idea, thank you so much!
January 8, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Christine Pinto
Great ideas! Thanks Ashley. I love how you remind me that the first experimentation can be just playing around with the sound of the words (even though that wasn’t the subject of your post)
January 8, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
So much fun–art intimidates me, but this kind of exercise just to see what happens sounds like a blast!
January 8, 2021 at 3:11 pm
Kelly Darke
What a fun idea (Going off to try it now). And an even “funner” looking PB. Frankenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 3:15 pm
Megan Whitaker
Big paper is fun! Kids love when I used to pull that out for art class at school-even whiteboards are freeing right now. Don’t like it? Erase and draw again. Congrats on your book!
January 8, 2021 at 3:17 pm
Joy Wieder
Great suggestion for the freestyle drawing technique. I look forward to giving it a try!
January 8, 2021 at 3:18 pm
susaninez0905
I love the idea; try something outside of your comfort zone and see where it goes. Adventure awaits!
January 8, 2021 at 3:18 pm
claudine108
Ashley, congratulations on your new book! What a great reminder to have fun while creating!
January 8, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Looks like a great book!
January 8, 2021 at 3:32 pm
Karen Pickrell
What a fun drawing exercise! Thank you for the inspiration! Congratulations on your books!
January 8, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Amy Houts
Thanks for inspiring us!
January 8, 2021 at 3:39 pm
jenlinville2021
My kids love doing blind drawings like that; I’ll have to try it out myself sometime. And we went through the slime phase too..all of it…we made all of the slime 😄 Thanks for your post!
January 8, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Ashley, thanks for your creative inspiration! Congrats on your upcoming books!!
January 8, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Audrey Day-Williams
Ahh..I love your illustrations! I can only draw penguins and octopuses because those shapes are pretty easily identifiable, but I will try this giant paper technique! Also, slime is the best, except on clothes. 😉
January 8, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Lynne Marie
Such absolute fun — as the author of Moldilocks, I say: Why didn’t I think of that? And love the art ❤
January 8, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Roxanne Troup
What fun!
January 8, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Aimee Satterlee
How fun! I’ve never thought about doing a freestyle drawing to gain inspiration or new ideas! Thanks, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Laura Renauld
Haha! My doodle became a cricket on a modped. There’s a great idea for the day!
January 8, 2021 at 3:49 pm
Laurel Goodluck
Okay, I trusted and got the BIG paper and what FUN I had. Thanks for the inspiration and congrats on Frakenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks, what a fun post! Found an idea already. I look forward to your SLIME books! (just noticed that ‘slime’ is one typo away from ‘smile’)
January 8, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Laura N. Clement
That was FUN!
January 8, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Mitchell Linda
Fun, fun, fun! I love how unique this post is and yet…we can all enjoy and participate. Great post.
January 8, 2021 at 4:02 pm
Deb Lund
What a great idea! All my years of teaching, and I’ve never thought of using slime that way! Hmmm. What other things are around us that could be used for ideas? Anything!
January 8, 2021 at 4:04 pm
bonzerb
Why can fun be so elusive? Thanks for the great ideas Ashley…
January 8, 2021 at 4:07 pm
JC
I can’t wait to read Frankenslime, it sounds like you had so much fun with it. I am really looking forward giving your ideas a try, it sounds like Im going to have a great time with it, thanks so much!
January 8, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Cynthia Mochowski
So fun! I love anything that takes you out of your head – well, at least the side we tend to rely on. I’m going to try this with my students! And big paper is a great idea.
January 8, 2021 at 4:11 pm
Abby Wooldridge
I loved this post, Ashley! What a fun way to generate ideas. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Perfect post to end this difficult week. Best antidotes: play and art. Using my non-dominant hand was so freeing. Thanks, Ashley
January 8, 2021 at 4:22 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
I love this idea I just don’t think I’ve done it on a large enough scale yet!
January 8, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Sharon E Langley
I love the creativity and ingenuity…Frankenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Joannie Duris
What a great way to play! Thank you, Ashley, for the inspiration. I’ll be combining your exercise with Samantha Berger’s Jan. 6th Top Ten creativity list (#8). A daily doodle sounds like the perfect fun warmup to start each morning off with a creative bang.
January 8, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
Hooray for FRANKENSLIME! Thanks so much for the fun post, Ashley. Looking forward to trying this exercise and looking forward to reading your books!
January 8, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington (@WriterRebeccaGL)
What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Lynn Baldwin
Frankenslime looks so fun!
January 8, 2021 at 4:46 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thanks for the art inspiration – I’m excited to try out your technique!
January 8, 2021 at 4:49 pm
curryelizabeth
Fun post! Thanks for the ideas.
January 8, 2021 at 4:49 pm
Sara Trofa
Biiig canvas, love it! Thank you, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 4:51 pm
pjnunz
I love the JOY of this inspirational suggestion (and a reminder that I need to channel my inner- kid in order to plug into that creative space inside me)! THANK YOU!
January 8, 2021 at 4:53 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Fun technique! Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 4:55 pm
JEN Garrett
lol, I’m such a writer… I kept thinking, ‘great idea! how can I turn this activity to into a writing exercise? I know, instead of adding details and color, I can describe the details and make up a story about it!’
Once again, a picture is worth 1000 words, and I’d rather write the thousand.
Great post!
January 8, 2021 at 5:01 pm
Meli Glickman
I appreciate the tip to look inward for picture book ideas. Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 5:01 pm
Tara Cerven
What a neat idea. I’m not artistic but I think this is definitely worth trying!
January 8, 2021 at 5:01 pm
Poupette
Zany, wonderful suggestion. Thanks, and congrats on unraveling the intricacies of slime!
January 8, 2021 at 5:05 pm
lisakhan9
So inspirational! Love reading your story x
January 8, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Joyce
Thank you for reminding us writers that we can initiate ideas visually too!
January 8, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Love this! Thank you, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 5:09 pm
sharon lane holm
SLIME!! I think I will stick with the glitter though…
January 8, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I love how illustrators think! It’s so freeing for my text-heavy brain. Thank you for this! And I’m thinking this could be a great exercise for kids, too, so they’ll stop seeing every mark they make on the paper as a mistake. Cheers!
January 8, 2021 at 5:11 pm
Mary Zychowicz
What a fun post! I love puns! I love all the posts that invite us, as writers and illustrators to summon the child in us and play! I can’t wait to get my big piece of paper or posterboard and see what “masterpiece” I create in 3 seconds! Seriously, this is so freeing. I think this approach sounds more productive and way more fun than staring at a blank page and trying to force the ideas. Thank you very much!!
January 8, 2021 at 5:17 pm
Jayne Wilson
Oh Ashley I had so much fun with that & it wasn’t something I wanted to do. I’m also going to use it with the children in my classroom when we start our school up again. Thank you for making me step out of my comfort zone as a writer. It made me smile! ❤️
January 8, 2021 at 5:18 pm
jtfan24wordnerd153
Can’t wait to read Frankenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 5:23 pm
savannahpalma
I love this idea so much- thank you for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Marla Yablon
What a fun idea! And what a fun sounding book! Have you ever tried making ooblek?
January 8, 2021 at 5:30 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for this great exercise! I’m going to dig out some butcher paper on a roll. Lynn Street
January 8, 2021 at 5:34 pm
Jenny Boyd
Sounds like a fun exercise. When you mentioned the big roll of paper that took up much of the room, it reminded me of a scene in Beverly Cleary’s Ramona and Her Father where Ramona and her dad created a masterpiece of their town on a ginormous sheet of paper.
January 8, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Nice to hear from an illustrator’s OPOV.
January 8, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Laura Bower
What a fun post – thank you! And Frankenslime? Brilliant!
January 8, 2021 at 5:42 pm
Sarah Meade
Fun! Looking forward to reading both books! Thanks for the post, Ashley.
January 8, 2021 at 5:42 pm
Lori Dubbin
This drawing exercise has come at the perfect slime! Looking forward to your new books. Thank you, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 5:42 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Wow! My daughter and I do this all the time, but I never thought to go one step further and use it for story ideas. Thanks!
January 8, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Johnell DeWitt
I’ve got to admit, “chunky” slime made my stomach squirm. That is awesome dedication. :). Thank you for sharing your process.
January 8, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Sandy B.
Thanks for sharing your creative ideas with us!
January 8, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Thank you for this fun exercise! I am excited to try it out!
January 8, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Tomorrow, I’ll experiment on my new idea. Thank you. My ‘slime’ is something you probably don’t think about most of the time. I’m being encouraged by a great lady!
January 8, 2021 at 5:54 pm
jenabenton
What a great way to generate ideas! I love it! ❤️
January 8, 2021 at 5:58 pm
Julie Maria Harris
Thank you for the fun ideas!
January 8, 2021 at 5:59 pm
junegraham
Love this idea of drawing line with non dominant hand to get creativity going
January 8, 2021 at 5:59 pm
libbydemmon
My creative juices are really struggling today, but blindly squiggling with my other hand for a few seconds? That much I can handle. Thank you so much for giving us a fun, easy (and effective!!) way to inspiration.
January 8, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Lori Sheroan
I was excited to read such an enthusiastic, fun post from a fellow UK alum! Go Cats! I definitely will try the jumbo-sized drawing activity.
January 8, 2021 at 6:15 pm
JillDanaBooks
Thanks for the creative exercise and interesting post!! 🙂 Jill Dana
January 8, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Sharon Lillie
Sounds like FrankenSlime will be very entertaining. Look forward to seeing it.
January 8, 2021 at 6:16 pm
Sharon Coffey
Ashley,
Love the fluidity of this idea. Art and music can really get those creative juices flowing. Thank you for sharing your slime- multiuous journey.
January 8, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
Not being an illustrator, I was skeptical of anything coming from this exercise…but I ended up with a picture that generated four story ideas! Thanks for this post, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Heather Stigall
Awesome! I can’t wait to play. And congrats on your upcoming books. I’ve put them both on my “to read” list!
January 8, 2021 at 6:18 pm
Judy Palermo
I seriously can’t wait to try this!
January 8, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Linda Hofke
interesting exercise. Thanks for sharing, Ashley.
January 8, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Rona Shirdan
What an interesting exercise! I wonder what I will create. Can’t wait to try it!
January 8, 2021 at 6:43 pm
YauMei Chiang
The exercise resulted in a child figure with a hat on and buttons on his top.
I’d like to have you visit to discuss this character. Thank you, Ashley.
January 8, 2021 at 6:47 pm
ruthwilson48
Brilliant idea and so fun! Thank you, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 6:48 pm
steveheron
A very slimely blob. 🥸🤪
January 8, 2021 at 6:52 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Years ago when I was in high school I would write letters to my girlfriend on the back of the large window sale posters from the local department store. (I worked there and put them up and took them down).
January 8, 2021 at 6:57 pm
mooseeggproductions
Thanks for sharing!!!
January 8, 2021 at 6:58 pm
paulaobering
My kids are grown, but we still have the last bit of a large roll of butcher paper that was used regularly to trace children, draw murals, etc. Time to pull it out again! Thanks!!
January 8, 2021 at 7:06 pm
John McGranaghan
I’m not an illustrator, but I can’t wait to try your exercise. I love this line, “As adults, we tend to look at things analytically and can sometimes forget to have fun.” so good. Thanks.
January 8, 2021 at 7:17 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I cannot wait to do this exercise! I am committing to do it today! Thanks, Ashley. Getting out of my head zone into…something else.
January 8, 2021 at 7:23 pm
mandyyokim
Fun activity! Love the concept of this book and how you so playfully got into the mindset of illustrating it. Thanks!
January 8, 2021 at 7:33 pm
rosihollinbeck
I love the Think Big graphic. This is a fun post and the exercise sounds like it might break some ideas loose for me. Thanks!
January 8, 2021 at 7:34 pm
Catherine Brewer
In the beginning of art class I have my students draw with their opposite hand and sometimes even with their eyes closed! This was so amazing, Thank you Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 7:34 pm
Marge Gower
Intriguing idea. I love it.
January 8, 2021 at 7:39 pm
chardixon47
I’ve had the slime of my life! Thank you Ashley for this fun trip into your process for FRANKENSLIME! 🙂 Congrats to you and Joy!
January 8, 2021 at 7:46 pm
Jan Milusich
I’m getting my big piece of paper out now!
January 8, 2021 at 7:57 pm
Jessica Fries-Gaither
Definitely a fun exercise! Can’t wait to check out Frankenslime with my slime-obsessed students!
January 8, 2021 at 8:01 pm
sharonkdal
I’m afraid I’m one of those people who think art is impossible…but I’m going to think big and give this a try! I’m pretty sure I have a big roll of brown paper in the cupboard. I’ll rummage that out.
January 8, 2021 at 8:13 pm
Peggy Dobbs
I only know how to draw stick figures, but I love this idea and think I can make it work! Thanks!
January 8, 2021 at 8:14 pm
Rinda Beach
Interesting idea . . . I’ll never know unless I try.
January 8, 2021 at 8:31 pm
EmmieRWerner
My granddaughter loves to make slime!!!!!!❤️
January 8, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Debra Bartsch
Congrats Ashley on your slimey books! Ha! We have made many batches of slime and your books will be a huge hit with so many! I would love to share them with my slime obsessed grands.!
January 8, 2021 at 8:48 pm
Jill Friestad-Tate
I am sure you are fun for kids to see! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 8:51 pm
Katie Williams
This book sounds like it was made for my kids! Thanks for sharing your creative process : )
January 8, 2021 at 8:52 pm
DaNeil Olson
Can’t wait to read this book! Thank you for the inspirational ideas.
January 8, 2021 at 9:02 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the permission to have fun! I love the drawing exercise you presented.
January 8, 2021 at 9:03 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Ashley for the permission to have fun! I love the exercise you presented.
January 8, 2021 at 9:06 pm
Shawna J. C. Tenney
Brilliant idea! Thanks Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 9:06 pm
Laurel Santini
Got an idea! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 9:13 pm
Jennifer Blanck
What fun! Thanks for the creativity cross-training tip!
January 8, 2021 at 9:21 pm
tinefg
Yay, what fun to revisit something I loved doing as a kid but left behind sometime between college (yes I majored in illustration) and having kids. Thank you so much for reminding me, and for helping the creativity flow!
January 8, 2021 at 9:21 pm
Mel H.
Thank you for sharing such a fun activator activity for both writing and illustration.
January 8, 2021 at 9:24 pm
roberta abussi
I love this idea! I am a former PreK teacher and I miss those days where I would play along with the children and experiment new materials that kept my 5 senses sharp and receptive. Now, I don’t do it anymore but it’s definitely time to bring it back! 🙂
January 8, 2021 at 9:31 pm
tdjw
Love this! My goddaughter LOVES slime can’t believe I didn’t think of this.
January 8, 2021 at 9:39 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
This will be a challenge for me.
January 8, 2021 at 9:46 pm
tinamcho
What a fun book! Thank you for the creativity exercises!
January 8, 2021 at 9:48 pm
Megan M.
BRB. I’ll be busy searching the house for a giant piece of paper!
January 8, 2021 at 9:52 pm
Lisa Bratus
I love the idea of the large paper! The freedom to be creative! I will be creative and find a way to do this with my all virtual third grade class! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 9:52 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
ASHLEY: THANK YOU for the WONDERFUL reminder that we NEED to make the process of creation FUN!!! I LOVE the exercise you shared, and CAN’T WAIT to give it a try! Your illustrations are TRULY MAGICAL!!! THANK YOU!!!
January 8, 2021 at 9:56 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for the dose of inspiration Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 10:18 pm
carolynleillustrations
Slimetastic post and book cover!
January 8, 2021 at 10:26 pm
Kris H
I love slime. My kids have even brought it back from other countries for me. Thank you for the smile today.
January 8, 2021 at 10:37 pm
Eileen Mayo
What a fun exercise! I Love drawing on big butcher paper sheets. Thank you so much for sharing your tips and story.
January 8, 2021 at 10:42 pm
Joy Pitcairn
Thanks for sharing, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 10:53 pm
Kate Woodle
I love the idea of playing with slime!
January 8, 2021 at 10:55 pm
Natasha Garnett
I’d like to hear more about fluffy slime… Thanks for your enthusiasm, suggestions, and inspiration, Ashley.
January 8, 2021 at 10:59 pm
Buffy Silverman
Sounds like lots of fun–gonna find me a huge piece of paper and try this this weekend!
January 8, 2021 at 11:00 pm
Shaunda Wenger
I love the idea of loving slime. Thanks for the tips on finding inspiration from the less used side of life. Looking forward to see where drawing with my eyes closed leads me!
January 8, 2021 at 11:02 pm
Brinton Culp
This is one of my favorite ways to get inspired, but I’ve never tried using big paper before. I look forward to drawing big! Thanks!
January 8, 2021 at 11:12 pm
Tao
Love this subslime☺️ art of a story starter! I’m excited to check out your fun books.
January 8, 2021 at 11:22 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Frankenslime looks adorable! Congrats, and good luck w Valenslime too!
January 8, 2021 at 11:28 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Slime is such fun. Play is a great way to get those creative juices going. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 8, 2021 at 11:28 pm
Erika Suckow
This is a very creative way to spark inspiration. It reminds me of looking at the clouds and trying to see shapes. I will definitely try it.
January 8, 2021 at 11:33 pm
Lori Gibson
I love the idea of play to get creative ideas going!
January 8, 2021 at 11:36 pm
Shannon Howarth Nelsen
This is going to be so much fun! Thanks, Ashley!
January 8, 2021 at 11:41 pm
Erin Matzen
Love the creative ideas! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 11:42 pm
Erin Matzen
Love the creative ideas! I’m looking forward to reading Frankenslime!
January 8, 2021 at 11:43 pm
Marge Gower
I am artistically challenged, however this exercise seems like a fun way to get my imagination stoked. Thanks
January 8, 2021 at 11:46 pm
A Brewer
OMGsh! I love this art lesson because I love to teach nondominant hand tricks and creativity. I can’t wait to be a substitute teacher again when schools open so I can share this lesson and tell them about your books! Thank you!
January 8, 2021 at 11:56 pm
Renner Writes (@barbararenner)
What a unique idea! I’m going to try it.
January 8, 2021 at 11:56 pm
Mrs. Vandivier
I just really like the push to create freely and think or ponder over whatever comes to mind. As an adult, I think too much sometimes. Learning to let go and try new things is fun…and necessary
January 9, 2021 at 12:10 am
Zoraida Rivera
I’m not good with drawings, but it’s good to get out of my comfort zone so will try it and see. Liked the word play, too. Slimy!
January 9, 2021 at 12:15 am
Carrie Charley Brown
What a fun technique! Thank you!
January 9, 2021 at 12:19 am
Melissa Warren
Oh I love the drawing idea! When my son was little I would get out all of the art supplies I had and we would set up in the bathroom (for easy cleaning up), and just create. It is freeing and fun. Thank you!
January 9, 2021 at 12:25 am
betlw
I wish my kids were still living at home. They’d love this exercise. I’m going to try this tomorrow and have fun! I loved your slimy post with all the slime jokes. I’ll look forward to reading this book soon. What a fun post, Ashley!
January 9, 2021 at 12:29 am
Kaye Baillie
Thankyou, Ashley and I love the titles of your two new books!
January 9, 2021 at 12:29 am
topangamaria
Slimy FUN play liberation
January 9, 2021 at 12:33 am
Sherri
Your post made it seem so easy. I think I’ll try it.
January 9, 2021 at 1:07 am
Jen
I love those types of creative exercises but never think to do them. Thanks for the reminder!
January 9, 2021 at 1:16 am
angiecal76
LOVE your idea of using large paper and writing with non-dominant hand. I have to try it and see what it conjures up!
January 9, 2021 at 1:43 am
Jose Cruz
What an appropriate medium for today’s subject of seeing things from a different perspective and playing around like a mad scientist: good old Frankenstein. The book cover seems to speak directly to the theme you mention. Little Victoria is crafting her own inspiration, molding and shaping her amorphous creativity into a new idea. From the slime we came and to the slime we go again!
January 9, 2021 at 1:56 am
bookthreader
My daughter and her friend had a little slime business at their middle school a few years ago! I love these ideas! 😆
January 9, 2021 at 1:58 am
seschipper
Great post! Using a LARGE piece of drawing material is certainly a super way to get those creative juices flowing!! 🙂
January 9, 2021 at 2:10 am
Maria Marshall
What a slimetastic post! You are very punny and I really enjoyed your drawing activity. I suppose it’s too late to warn of the hazards of slimediciton. Looking forward to reading these books! Congrats!
January 9, 2021 at 2:16 am
Maria Powell
Slime and drawing? My Zoom K-2 kids would think you are the coolest (and then maybe by association I could earn much needed brownie points).
January 9, 2021 at 2:27 am
jeanne cherney
I love the slime idea!
January 9, 2021 at 2:39 am
Jennifer LHB
What imagination – and inspiration!! I love the idea of having fun, playing and immersing one’s self in the things about which one is writing! Your freeing drawing exercise is such a simple way to get creative juices flowing! Thank you, Ashley! – Jen 🙂
January 9, 2021 at 2:52 am
susanfilkins
Thank you for your blog post. I enjoyed reading it and the 5 steps!
January 9, 2021 at 2:55 am
Judith Snyder
Taking time to play and being totally immersed in the materials and process is such a wonderful adventure needed each and every day. Thanks for the reminder.
January 9, 2021 at 3:27 am
Terri Sabol
‘Find the fun in your inspiration and jumpstart your imagination going forward.’ Love this. Thank you, Ashley! And congratulations on all of your upcoming books.
January 9, 2021 at 3:56 am
Sarah Skolfield
Fun! Will have to try this.
January 9, 2021 at 3:58 am
marnijlo
I just love this exercise and can’t wait to do it with my boys. Thank you for sharing this!
January 9, 2021 at 4:41 am
8catpaws
Your idea reminds me of a TV show a long time ago where kids were invited to make a “squiggle” and the artist would make it into a picture–but how fun to be both squggler and artist!
January 9, 2021 at 4:45 am
58chilihed13
Love! Love! Love! THIS!!! Especially the part about the bigger the better! I live in an old house that is in constant “re-do” stage. I have saved an entire wall in my upstairs hall way for “art” I have accumulated end rolls from the local paper and they are perfect for taping up in the 10′ x 8′ space and just letting go! Thanks also Ashley for encouraging those of us with no gift for drawing to give it a chance and see…
January 9, 2021 at 4:57 am
cravevsworld
Not since being a Nickelodeon kid have I enjoyed being slimed this much. Thank you for oozing your coolness into our creative souls!
January 9, 2021 at 5:09 am
Aly Kenna
Thank you for the inspirational exercise. The large canvas is quite liberating – no room for that little internal editor that says it’s not perfect. I just let myself go and had a wonderful slime.
Good luck with the new books :-).
January 9, 2021 at 5:34 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Thank you!
January 9, 2021 at 5:46 am
rebeccacwoodall
Great idea to loosen up the imagination! Thank you.
January 9, 2021 at 6:27 am
Lorraine Dancer
I love this idea!
I used the back of an old roll of wallpaper to create my imaginative swirl, and I’m pleased with my space creation. I’ll use this method again.
Thank you 😊
January 9, 2021 at 7:25 am
Andrea Mack
I’m looking forward to looking for Frankenslime! It sounds like you had lots of fun with your research!
January 9, 2021 at 7:29 am
Rebster
This is an exercise I need to try! I’ve heard that drawing (or writing) with the opposite hand can bring different results. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 9, 2021 at 8:11 am
freda Lewkowicz
This sounds helpful. Thank you.
January 9, 2021 at 9:18 am
yangmommy
Your tips for opening up your muse to new ideas are fantastic, for all types of creatives! And although I’m very averse to touching slime (ewwww!!!), I think this book is already a winner because kids LOVE slime! Congrats on back to back launches this year!
January 9, 2021 at 9:25 am
Tanya Konerman
Oooh, I love slime too! What a fun way to brainstorm!
January 9, 2021 at 9:26 am
karamarsee8716
Thank you Ashley! This reminded me of an exercise we did at a conference with Denise Fleming- put a pen in each hand- different colors – and look at something to draw, but not your paper. Very freeing and fun! Thanks for the reminder to “loosen up!”
January 9, 2021 at 9:38 am
melissamiles1
It was brilliant to make all kinds of slime yourself! I have some big pieces of paper left over from a move that might work for the exercise. Thanks for the suggestion!
January 9, 2021 at 10:50 am
Susan Schade
I love the brainstorming suggestion-thank you for the post! Congratulations on your books!
January 9, 2021 at 11:11 am
David McMullin
Thanks, Ashley. This is going to be fun!
January 9, 2021 at 11:21 am
Catherine
This sounds like a really fun activity – a great one for the classroom too. Thanks Ashley :o)
January 9, 2021 at 11:28 am
Linda Schueler
The book really looks cool! Thanks for sharing the exercise.
January 9, 2021 at 11:29 am
Jennifer
My stepdaughter has always been a slime aficionado so she will be excited to see your book! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 9, 2021 at 11:34 am
Kimiko Wadriski
The inspiration art is a great activity. Especially for a rambunctious, artistic 4-year-old (my main source of idea inspiration). Today, we are going to be trying it out for our art time. Thank you, Ashley!
January 9, 2021 at 11:39 am
gattodesign
If you have a daughter, you can understand slime! She was given a gallon of elmers glue for Christmas and used it in a week making slime. I love that title and need to buy it. Thanks for the drawing inspiration. I am an illustrator and try to inspire my kids daily on the art or writing and drawing and hope one day they remember me like you do with your mom…what an inspiration! Thank You.
January 9, 2021 at 11:40 am
triciacandy
Oh, I love the idea of drawing BIG! So freeing! Thank you, Ashely!
January 9, 2021 at 11:46 am
triciacandy
*Ashley…sorry!
January 9, 2021 at 11:53 am
Nadine Poper
I need to find me some BIG paper! I cannot draw at all, but it sounds so fun to just lay on a big piece and go crazy.
January 9, 2021 at 11:58 am
Susan Jobsky
I failed a drawing and composition class in college, only to make an A when I took art for elementary teachers. I did go on to be a teacher, but at the collegiate level. I still doodle, and sometimes my doodles go from one page to the next, from picture to poem or short story. I have thousands of these doodle stories in my journal. I’ll have to revisit them and see where that journey leads!
January 9, 2021 at 12:13 pm
nrompella
I’m looking forward to doing this with my kids! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 9, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
I cannot draw at all, but I. Can. Do. This. It reminds me of looking at clouds and seeing what I can see. Yes! Your up-coming books sound like lots of fun, and this inspirational art spark will get me going. Thanks, Ashley!
January 9, 2021 at 12:16 pm
salfreckles
You sound like fun, and gave us very open and creative ideas…☺️
January 9, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Marie
What a wonderful way to immerse yourself into your main character’s experience! Thank you for sharing such fun ways to ignite creativity.
January 9, 2021 at 12:28 pm
Patricia J Holloway
Congratulations on your books! Thanks for the exercise in creativity. Using the non dominant hand will free up any concerns about perfection.
January 9, 2021 at 12:29 pm
aliciaminor
A slime-full of ideas and what a technique you have. Congrats and we’ll look forward to your books. I wish you more in the future.
January 9, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
This is so much fun! Thanks for encourage us to expand our creative outlets. I’m looking forward to letting my left hand take center stage and see what it comes up with. Your art in Frankenslime is fun, I can hardly wait to get the book.
January 9, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Julie Reich
Thanks for sharing this technique!
January 9, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Debra Katz
Great suggestion. I am not an artist, but I’m going to give this a try.
January 9, 2021 at 1:31 pm
andikate
Love this: “As adults, we tend to look at things analytically and can sometimes forget to have fun.” I try to remember this just in regular life, but it is especially helpful as a writer!
January 9, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Kari Gonzalez
As a stick figure artist, I love the concept of creating with this simple exercise. This is also something so fun I can do with my kiddos to help them spur their own creativity and storytelling. I can’t wait to read your slime books- how fun!
January 9, 2021 at 1:39 pm
Laurie Carmody
Slime is my muse! Thank you so much for sharing your process. I totally agree about the big paper, by the way! I bought some and my son couldn’t stop drawing for weeks!
January 9, 2021 at 1:59 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
What a fun idea. Thank you!!
January 9, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
I love how deeply you immersed yourself into experimenting with slime to inspire your illustrations!
January 9, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Michele Ziemke
What fun! Thanks for letting me a child~like artist for a moment!
January 9, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Nancy Ferguson
This is great! I’m going to do it right NOW! Thank you.
January 9, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Maria Oka
I LOVE this reminder to play! Perhaps it is more important than ever when the world feels more serious than ever. And your illustrations are gorgeous. Thank you!
January 9, 2021 at 3:12 pm
jeanjames926
Thank you for the inspiration. This was a fun post.
January 9, 2021 at 3:31 pm
donnacangelosi
Fun ideas! Thank you, Ashley! Looking forward to reading your book.
January 9, 2021 at 3:32 pm
donnacangelosi
Fun post! Thank you, Ashley! Looking forward to reading your book.
January 9, 2021 at 3:33 pm
jenfierjasinski
Thanks for these creative ideas!
January 9, 2021 at 3:45 pm
writeknit
Thanks for the fun post and tips 🙂
January 9, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Annelouise mahoney
Ashley, this is such a fun wonderful post with so many suggestions to get creative. Thank you.
January 9, 2021 at 3:49 pm
Cathleen Collins
Thank you! Today suddenly feels like a good day to make slime with the kids. 🙂
January 9, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Well, this sounds like a fabulous idea. Will definitely try it out this year. And if we can get this pandemic under control… I think this would be even better as a shared activity with my 3-year-old niece!
January 9, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Shannon Fossett
Great info! Thanks for sharing! This brought back memories of my 3rd grade classroom squiggle books! The teacher would start a squiggle and we’d have to turn into something and write a story about it. Time to start creating my adult squiggle book! 〰〰✍️❤️
January 9, 2021 at 4:02 pm
Kristin Sawyer
I love the art exercise and will definitely be trying it!
January 9, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Cheryl Keely
The exercise sounds fun. I have a whole roll of packing paper. Maybe I should unroll it, grab a crayon and create. Since I’d never keep the cat and dog off it, I guess I could make it a family project and dip their paws in paint. Ha ha. I actually took a class to teach my dog to paint before and she’s a better artist than me. 😜
January 9, 2021 at 5:11 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
So fun and creative. I’ll be on the look out for your books. Thank you, Ashley!
January 9, 2021 at 5:18 pm
Virginia Neil
Can’t wait to try the drawing exercise. Love you illustrations.
January 9, 2021 at 5:42 pm
colleendougherty
Frankenslime…love it! Thank you for your post!
January 9, 2021 at 5:45 pm
CHRISTINE GRAHAM
So fun! Now I’m brainstorming how to get some bigger paper.
January 9, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thanks for a great post!
January 9, 2021 at 6:14 pm
Harshita Jerath
‘Inspiration constantly exists around us.’ So true! Thank you for your fun and creative post.
January 9, 2021 at 6:20 pm
Ave Maria Cross
Great ideas. I am a writer but you have inspired me to create from another angle, i.e., visually first and so I think I’ll have a go at it! Slimes a-wasting… lol!
January 9, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
This art exercise is going to be a hoot!
January 9, 2021 at 6:43 pm
Angela De Groot
I’ll definitely have the slime of my life with this fun exercise.
January 9, 2021 at 6:48 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Fun is good!! Thanks for sharing!!
January 9, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Cinzia V.
Great post – I look forward to fun! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 9, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Betsy
Thank you, Ashley! Looking forward to trying the exercise!
January 9, 2021 at 7:03 pm
Kellie
This is fabulous! I could do this activity all day. Just tried it once and got 3 potential stories … one of them has legs I think. Thank you so much.
January 9, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Marlena Leach
I would love to illustrate my own manuscripts but don’t know how acceptable it is for a first time submitter. But, I keep pluggimg along, one day at a time. Thanks for the tips.
January 9, 2021 at 7:26 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
Interesting. This book sounds really good. I am looking forward to it and to see your work. I have absolutely no drawing skills, but you gave me some hope. Lol.
January 9, 2021 at 7:59 pm
deirdreprischmann
Very interesting!
January 9, 2021 at 8:05 pm
Julia A Mills
My kids and students LOVE slime! I think playing with it is so good for the brain. As a “serious” artist I sometimes have trouble playing. This is a good reminder to play!!
January 9, 2021 at 8:18 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Slime is a big hit with both my boys. I loved your drawing exercise idea!
January 9, 2021 at 9:09 pm
Trine Grillo
My grandkids LOVE slime. I must have these two books!
January 9, 2021 at 9:21 pm
Brenda Whitehead (@BrendaW_Prof)
What a great exercise, I love it! My husband looked at me funny, but then he could actually make out what turned my scribble into, so I call that a success! Now to write the story…
January 9, 2021 at 9:32 pm
Maria
This is like a DIY Rorschach test for picture books! I loved this idea so much I did it today and came up with an awesome idea from what “drew”! Thank you so much!
January 9, 2021 at 9:50 pm
Amy Fae
Love your puns. And this sounds like a great exercise to try! Thanks you, Ashley!
January 9, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Love the inspiration for helping yourself find ideas.
January 9, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for your post!
January 9, 2021 at 10:29 pm
Anjali.amit@gmail.com
This is an exercise that frees up the mind, as much for a writer as an illustrator.
January 10, 2021 at 12:08 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you for your energy and inspiration!
January 10, 2021 at 12:10 am
writeremmcbride
Great post, Ashley! I love your methodology – and the wordplay! Thank you for encouraging us to find other ways to approach our creativity!
January 10, 2021 at 1:05 am
Judy Sobanski
Thanks for sharing this exercise to inspire ideas!
January 10, 2021 at 1:56 am
Cristin
Love the illustration with all the different types of slime!
January 10, 2021 at 7:54 am
Louann Brown
Ashley, Thanks for a great idea! Heading to my studio to grab some big paper right away. (This is my kind of inspiration!) Your slimey books look wonderful. Wishing you much success.
January 10, 2021 at 9:16 am
E D Stewart
Ashley, this is awesome! As an aspiring author/illustrator, I do lots of blind gestures that somehow magically turn into creatures… but I haven’t used this exercise as a means of writing brainstorming. Such a great way to thing simultaneously about words and pictures!
January 10, 2021 at 10:08 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the tips!
January 10, 2021 at 11:05 am
Arlene Schenker
I just did the drawing exercise. I can’t draw AT ALL, but it was fun, and gave me an idea. Thank you, Ashley!
January 10, 2021 at 11:18 am
James Smith
Thanks Ashley! This is a great exercise 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 12:17 pm
betlw
Terrific post, Ashley! I love your suggestion to play. I haven’t really played in a looong time. I also love your drawing activity, except I’m practically paralyzed with my left hand. It will come out looking like a blob. My right hand won’t like it at all.
January 10, 2021 at 12:42 pm
adavis6385
We are all artists!! Thanks for sharing, Ashley!
January 10, 2021 at 12:44 pm
adavis6385
We are all artists! Thanks for sharing, Ashley!
January 10, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I will try this and I have BIG paper! Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 2:21 pm
clairebobrow
It’s slime to say thank you for a great post! I love your ideas for staying creative, Ashley. Congrats on your books – can’t wait to read them!
January 10, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Patti Ranson
As a complete non-artist, I will assume that the only way is forward with this idea. Can’t wait to see what my left hand will come up with!
January 10, 2021 at 2:28 pm
Wendy
I’m not a writer/illustrator and my kiddos are too old for the school visit but I wanted to say how much fun it is to look for hidden gems in a scribble! I think I’m the only person who “sees” my objects but that’s the best part.
January 10, 2021 at 2:41 pm
pjaegly
Your exercise of closing your eyes and making sweeping movements brought back a memory of my sister hiding crayons. When we did not want to take our naps we used the crayons and made sweeping swirls on the wall above our bed (a huge design) and then we hunted for all the things the swirls created. Of course, our Mother was not happy with our art work. Cannot wait to try this with my non-dominant hand. . . but not on my wall.
January 10, 2021 at 2:43 pm
paulajbecker
Thanks for the advice & encouragement, Ashley!
January 10, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Heather Kelso
Congratulations on the slime books!
I am not an illustrator but I do have a large sketchbook I plan on getting out and drawing something with my left hand, this should be interesting, thanks for the advice.
January 10, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Dawn M.
Love the book cover! Can’t wait to try your fun technique. Thanks for sharing.
January 10, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Rona Shirdan
Thanks very much for the post!
January 10, 2021 at 5:46 pm
Meghan B
Thanks, Ashley!
January 10, 2021 at 6:02 pm
Monica A. Harris
Oh my! The play on words is fabulous with this title (and future one). Can’t wait to see it!
January 10, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Susan Cabael
The drawing exercise to mine ideas sounds so promising. Thanks for the idea!
January 10, 2021 at 6:29 pm
Babs Ostapina
Ashley, I had such a good slime reading your post! (You’re contagious.) “Slime flies” – that is beyond clever. And so is your non-dominant hand drawing exercise. Congrats on all your upcoming books!
January 10, 2021 at 7:22 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Art can provide the path to finding new ideas – no matter how well you can draw. Thank you for guiding us through this process and helping us brainstorm.
January 10, 2021 at 7:38 pm
claireannette1
“Don’t forget to have fun” is great advice, especially in these days that seem like fun is long gone. I have plenty of pinterest failures, too. I never thought of using them in a story until now Thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
I loved this idea. I have had large paper sitting around for decades. Literally. And I am going to pull them out to sketch scene pages for a HUGE storyboard where I am stuck in the digital small screen . THANKS FOR THIS!
January 10, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Carrie Boone (@PageDoor)
I kinda love how terrible I am at drawing – it makes it something I can do free of any inner critic. I love your advice to use this – thanks!
January 10, 2021 at 8:44 pm
Amy M. Miller
Ooh, I love your palette! It’s so bright, fun, and energetic! A great cover. Can’t wait to read Frankenslime.
January 10, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Chelle Martin
Your billboard paper must have looked like a big drop cloth. How fun for an artist. Thanks for sharing.
January 10, 2021 at 8:52 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for sharing. Your billboard paper drawings reminds me of the end rolls of newspaper that my mom brought home for me to draw on.
January 10, 2021 at 9:41 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
This was so much fun! I had to stop reading several times to jot down ideas. Thanks so much, Ashley. 🙂
January 10, 2021 at 10:02 pm
TerriMichels
Ashley, I am getting my paper out NOW!
January 10, 2021 at 10:03 pm
jimchaize1
Fun post. I can’t wait to read your and Joy’s book in July. I will try your drawing exercise. Thanks, Ashley.
January 10, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Gabi Snyder
Oh, wow! Drawing on that giant piece of billboard paper sounds so fun. I love this exercise — thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 10:13 pm
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
Wow! I loved this so much! I accidentally drew a fancy hen and jotted down my idea. I’ll definitely be doing this more. Thank you SO much!
January 10, 2021 at 11:07 pm
KASteed
Looking for the biggest piece of paper I can find. Thank you!
January 10, 2021 at 11:15 pm
Virginia Law Manning
Thank you for reminding us to play! And taking us on a deep slime dive : )
January 11, 2021 at 12:29 am
Beth Charles
Thanks for the reminder to play. and I love your idea for the creative drawing exercise.
January 11, 2021 at 1:04 am
Dea Brayden
Love this reminder to play with art and look at it in various ways. So fun!
January 11, 2021 at 1:09 am
Lindsay Brayden Ellis
Eee, sounds fun!
January 11, 2021 at 2:20 am
Gaby
Ashley thanks for the technics you share with us, I like the one that use the left hand to draw, and then move the paper in different directions.
January 11, 2021 at 8:45 am
acottykid
Thank you for sharing.
January 11, 2021 at 8:58 am
Marzieh Abbas
Aww the book cover is adorable! loved the word play and this activity reminded me of a game we played when we were little-
January 11, 2021 at 10:18 am
Melanie Ellsworth
What a great way to start my creative day!
January 11, 2021 at 10:26 am
Jay
Such a fun post. Thank you for sharing ideas.
January 11, 2021 at 10:45 am
lanearnold
Presence is a present!
January 11, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Christina Dendy Gaspar
What a fun idea! I can’t wait to try this later today. Also, my kids are going to flip about Frankenslime. Congrats!
January 11, 2021 at 12:14 pm
boygirlparty
Ashley, this was such a fun prompt! As i was drawing on a huge piece of paper with my non-dominant hand (without looking!) i was thinking “what am i doing” — then as i turned the result around and around on my desk, had a wonderful idea for a story. THANK YOU!
January 11, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Michele Helsel
What a fun idea!
January 11, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Ashley, this is wonderful! I love the wordplay. And what fun to become a slime expert! Thank you for this post!!
January 11, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Anita Banks
How fun is that!
January 11, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Becky Shillington
Thank you for this creative, inspiring post, Ashley! I can’t wait to try this exercise again! 🙂 Congratulations on your upcoming books!!!
January 11, 2021 at 2:55 pm
Pam Jones-Nill
Especially good exercise for non-illustrators. This was fun. Thank you.
January 11, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Laura De La Cruz
How fun! Thanks for the inspiration, Ashley!
January 11, 2021 at 3:26 pm
syorkeviney
I am a professor who teaches Arts for the Developing Child and my dissertation is arts integration to foster learning and creativity! I have used some of your strategies in crafting my dissertation and have shared some of these approaches with my early childhood education undergrads!
January 11, 2021 at 3:36 pm
Aimee Isaac
I think I drew a very confused path! Thank you, this was fun!! Off to make sense of my line 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Jeannette Suhr
A rollercoaster comes to mind with my drawing. Or a large molar tooth, hurricane, volcano, or crashing waves. LOL. Thanks for the inspiration! I’m always encouraging my grandsons to sit and draw with me or color. And I started drawing with pastels last year. That creativity does help with my writing.
January 11, 2021 at 4:18 pm
Kathy Berman
Thanks for your suggestion. Fun. Now you’ve inspired me to do it with slime!
January 11, 2021 at 4:34 pm
Aimee Larke
This was such a fun exercise. My 7 year old son loved creating alongside me the other day. Thank you for inspiring a great afternoon! Still very clear that I should stick with writing and not drawing. Ha!
January 11, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Aimee Larke
This was such a fun exercise! My 7 year old loved creating alongside me the other day. Thank you for inspiring a fun afternoon. Still very clear that I should stick with writing instead of drawing. Ha!
January 11, 2021 at 5:24 pm
paulabpuckett
Fun, fun, fun! Let’s draw and dream BIG!
January 11, 2021 at 6:16 pm
Janet Sheets
This exercise will definitely be a challenge for me! But I always love hearing from an illustrator’s perspective. Thank you.
January 11, 2021 at 6:31 pm
ljh22o
Thanks for the inspiration
January 11, 2021 at 6:34 pm
kmajor2013
I enjoyed your post very much! I’m a fan of slime, having worked with middle school students making it in my tutoring job. FUN STUFF! Thanks.
January 11, 2021 at 6:58 pm
muskoshe
Slime. I have never made it but reading this makes me want to try it! This also makes me want to take a try at drawing a bit. Not that I want anyone to see it but to just have fun with it. To remember that inner child and just draw without judgement. Thanks
January 11, 2021 at 8:18 pm
KRISTI BARTHOLOMEW
Great idea! We used to do the left-hand (or non-dominant hand) exercise in drawing 101 in my BFA program. I loved it- especially bc I was so rigid and trying to make everything so perfect and realistic. I loved this exercise as a way to think abstractly and loosen up!
January 11, 2021 at 9:11 pm
Helen Lysicatos
What a creative and fun idea! Congrats on your new books!
January 11, 2021 at 10:04 pm
nicolesalterbraun
What a fun idea! I admit, sometimes I forget to play and think like a kid. This may help….
January 12, 2021 at 1:25 am
Brenda Grant Lower
I love having ideas for artists as well as the writers. I also love the idea of using the non-dominant hand to create chaos, then find order in the chaos. Make us think!
January 12, 2021 at 10:23 am
Shell
Thank you!
January 12, 2021 at 11:30 am
Elizabeth Saba
Thanks so much! Love this post!
January 12, 2021 at 11:45 am
Daryl Gottier
I like the idea of changing up your habits/process, such as switching hands, to see where it leads. Thanks!
January 12, 2021 at 2:04 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Slime rhyme any time. Never mind.
January 12, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Thanks for the ideas. It’s fun to get the perspective of the illustrator!
January 12, 2021 at 2:47 pm
FrannyG
Can’t wait to try this — what fun, permission to play!
January 12, 2021 at 6:11 pm
Amy H
Love this idea!
January 12, 2021 at 7:27 pm
Robin Bailey
Looking forward to trying this with my family tonight! I’m going to line the table in giant sheets of butcher paper! Thanks for the inspiration. -Robin
January 12, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Christine M Irvin
Sounds like great fun!
January 12, 2021 at 9:10 pm
Diane O'Neill
I loved this exercise! I am one of those people who can’t draw stick figures properly, grin, but I was able to somehow draw a creature (I think it’s an animal) that intrigues me. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
January 13, 2021 at 9:06 am
doreenrobinson
I think you hit it on the head saying, “As adults, we tend to look at things analytically and can sometimes forget to have fun.” Writing should be about having fun and that is what I will be focusing on!
January 13, 2021 at 12:44 pm
amyrsinn
I love this, Ashley! I’m not much of a drawer, but have made it a goal to try more often this year. This sounds like something I can do! Oh, and I’m in NC, so maybe I’ll meet you some day, with SCBWI. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 13, 2021 at 8:37 pm
Karen Greenwald
What a fun way to find your next idea! Thank you!
January 13, 2021 at 11:35 pm
Debi Novotny
I love this idea! It’s fun and a great way to free up those creative ideas. Even if nothing immediate comes to mind, it’ll be fun to draw with no limitations!
January 14, 2021 at 10:16 am
moviemommie
Thank you! So much fun! -jenna feldman
January 14, 2021 at 10:20 am
kristindudish
I’m a big fan of play, puns, and non-dominant hand drawings! I obviously loved this post… So fun!!
January 14, 2021 at 11:53 am
Kelly Conroy
Coloring on a huge piece of paper does sound fun! Thanks for the idea and congratulations on your books!
January 14, 2021 at 1:18 pm
dlapmandi
Love the idea of nondominant hand drawing for 3 secs. Then shaping it into something concrete. Thanks for the post.
January 14, 2021 at 5:07 pm
ptnozell
I can only imagine what will appear when I draw with my left (non-dominant) hand. Can’t wait to see it! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 14, 2021 at 7:56 pm
jennyb_writes
Wow, thank you so much for this! I absolutely loved doing this exercise and will do it more often going forward. My scribbles brought to life a little girl sleeping on a sailboat and a blue whale… I think there’s a story there for sure.
January 14, 2021 at 10:11 pm
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
Hi Ashley- What a creative idea! And your story makes me want to go and play with slime!
January 14, 2021 at 10:32 pm
setwiggs
Ashley,
I made slime with my grands and it was a failure but we had loads of fun! i’ll try drawing with my nondominant hand.
Sue
January 15, 2021 at 12:11 am
Karan Greene
So much fun!! Thanks!!
January 15, 2021 at 12:22 am
Diane
Thanks for sliming us with a great idea to generate ideas!
January 15, 2021 at 7:05 am
Misty Morris
A slime fest! I think it sounds like a good way to spend a pandemic afternoon.
January 15, 2021 at 9:39 am
Lauri Meyers
Slime is satisfying and so it this drawing prompt! I drew what was obviously a very surprised frog:)
January 15, 2021 at 7:47 pm
ingridboydston
What a fun suggestion, and post! Than you!
January 15, 2021 at 10:27 pm
kathydoherty1
This was a deliciously wonderful post!
January 15, 2021 at 10:38 pm
rhumba20
Thank you Ashley! That sounds like a super fun way to get ideas:)
January 16, 2021 at 2:47 am
Michelle Kashinsky
This post was a lot of fun! I really like the draw something with your non dominant hand! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 3:15 pm
kirsten218
Can’t wait to see Frankenslime!
January 16, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Lisa Kingsford
Great twist on inkblots! I think I’ll grab a non-newtonian peanut butter and honey sandwich and start creating. 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 6:12 pm
Anna Brooks
Thank you! This was a fantastic exercise. Even before I started drawing in the details of what I was “seeing,” an idea popped into my head. No matter how I turned the page, I could see the same inspiring image from all directions.
January 16, 2021 at 9:12 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
I did this with my kids and it was SO FUN! We loved coming up with stories based on the drawings!
January 17, 2021 at 5:06 pm
Laura W.
Great post Ashley! Thank you for the ideas!
January 18, 2021 at 5:18 am
Amy Harding
Love the ideas…especially the “big” ones!
January 18, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Susie Sawyer
Thank you, Ashley! For about two solid years, one end of our dining room table was covered with slime and slime making supplies – I can relate! I love the idea of drawing freely and letting the shapes guide you!
January 18, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank for sharing these great ideas. Absolutely slimed!
January 18, 2021 at 4:10 pm
Val McC
Hilarity rules in this exercise — thanks for the inspiration, Ashley!
January 18, 2021 at 10:04 pm
Janet Halfmann
I need to put some of that packing paper I’m always getting to creative use. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 19, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
Such creative ideas, Ashley! I’ve always loved slime, and even though I’m not an illustrator, I love your ideas around using art as a way of tapping into my next story.
January 19, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Vera Lisa Smetzer
Okay, BIG paper turned out to be a foam board for me 🙂 Steps Three through Five were fun – full of head-scratching, what the heck, oh wait, moments. 🙂 Creativity rules in this exercise you shared!
January 19, 2021 at 8:58 pm
kelliejanebyrnes
I love this drawing prompt. Sounds incredibly helpful, thank you!
January 21, 2021 at 1:13 am
Toni Weeks
I’m a former chemist, so I love how you jumped right into research—and made tons of slime!
January 21, 2021 at 11:46 pm
Dina Ticas
My best memory is taking out banner paper and drawing with my kids when they were little. I may have some laying around here somewhere. Thank you!
January 22, 2021 at 1:06 am
AlisonMarcotte
Thank you for the inspiration (and the puns)!
January 22, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Karen Pickrell
What a fun illustrator exercise for coming up with story ideas! I can’t wait to try it!
January 22, 2021 at 4:53 pm
Judy Bryan
FUN! I loved this. Hilarious (for me, anyway) to see where my mind went once I opened my eyes and saw what I drew. Congratulations on your books!
January 23, 2021 at 12:59 pm
erintsiska
Love your illustrations, Ashley! This is a great idea for getting the creative juices flowing. Thank you.
January 23, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
I used to play a game with my nephew that was your drawing exercise exactly! We each made doodles, exchanged them, and then had a time limit to complete a drawing from it. Passed a lot of time and it’s always amazing to see what you can dream up from a simple line, curve, shape. Thanks for bringing back that happy memory. 🙂
January 24, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love this technique. Used it and have an idea from it. Thanks!
January 24, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Debbie Meyer
Congratulations on your books, Ashley! Very exciting. I love drawing on big paper too. Thanks for the tips!
January 25, 2021 at 4:22 am
sylviaichen
So slime-tastic, thank you, will need to give it a try!
January 27, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Bill Canterbury
Helpful advice here!
January 28, 2021 at 11:05 pm
Karen L Ledbetter
Slime is cathartic!!
January 29, 2021 at 7:56 am
Lisa L Furness
Creative moms are the best! Frankenslime sounds fun. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 30, 2021 at 10:38 am
Kimberly Wilson
This is such a fun exercise to get the creative juices flowing! Looking forward to the launch of these slime-tastic books later this year!
January 30, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Mary Worley
This exercise reminds me of the Happy Little Accidents “game.” It’s fun and makes everyone feel like an artist. 🙂
January 30, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Colleen Kosinski
Good advice!
January 31, 2021 at 7:08 am
Naana Amissah
What a fun exercise!!
January 31, 2021 at 9:53 pm
Jen Wright
Great post Ashley, love the “Once upon a slime!”Word-play and how you found inspiration in analyzing your subject in a very hands-on way (also identified with the Pinterest fails because who hasn’t had those! Haha) Also truly appreciated your suggestion of using a giant sheet of paper. I filled one this quarantine with all adorable robot drawings and I would agree it was magical! I didn’t know I could do that! Thanks for sharing your insight!
January 31, 2021 at 11:54 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
I did this blind scribble technique with my girls, for homeschool art, and they found it so freeing! I love it as a technique for story creators, because there are endless possibilities- no limits, here! It even gave me an idea for a new MS, so I really appreciate your sharing ideas with us. Thanks so much!
February 1, 2021 at 7:08 am
kaleegwarjanski
Putting a huge piece of paper on the floor sounds fun! I want to do this with my kids this week. My father in law sometimes brings home old blueprints from job sites for my kids to go crazy on.
February 1, 2021 at 2:14 pm
Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated)
Huge paper is BRILLIANT for inspiration!
February 1, 2021 at 11:05 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for a great post!
February 2, 2021 at 6:28 pm
bg32bg
I love how you physically immerse yourself in your creativity. Nothing feels more real than using our senses to create and explore. What a great post and fab news about your publications.
February 4, 2021 at 11:45 am
Kelly Vavala
I love this fun post! Frankenslime sounds like a great book that I would love to read! Thank you for sharing this inspirational post!