Tips to Boost Creativity

When it comes to writing, making music, painting, or sketching we all sometimes run into artist's block. Our minds struggle as it searches for inspiration, but usually by this point the cause is lost. However after years of making art I have found that it is easy to over come this by practicing some easy guidelines.

Three things that help

• Come into your artwork focused, well fed, and rested
• Be comfortable in your work place
• Stay in the room!

Focus is key

Art is almost all mental, it's about taking your visions, emotions, and thoughts and turning them into a physical masterpiece. your mind and body should be focused on your art, not trying to tell you that you need sleep, water, or food.

Have a comfortable workplace

Make sure your workplace is a comfortable environment for you to work in. This place should be both physically as well as physiologically welcoming. Try to get it to the right temperature, the right lighting, etc... Many artists prefer to work alone, so if that's the case try to find a time when you can do that. You should feel free to turn on your favorite music which can help invoke rhythm and emotion.

(Stay in the room!)

Stay in the room!

When sitting down to start your work you should try to have as many things that you will need as possible around you. I like to bring all my brushes, paints, colors, pencils, computer, food, water, papers, and other materials with me into my crafts room before even starting. If you tell yourself “I'm not leaving till I come up with an idea” your mind is more likely to scramble for one. If you plan to look outside of the internet, your mind, or your room for inspiration that is fine. All I'm trying to say is that a little motivation is good for your imagination!

There are exceptions

No two artists are the same. We all have different styles, techniques, and systems for out unique art. For instance I'm an artist that thrives off of rebellion, so if I read an article telling me how to capture inspiration I would probably try the opposite. However artists like my friend Dustin thrive off of structure. As your artistic journey continues so will your knowledge for your own preferences. Good luck!

Guest Blog with Us

I am always interested in allowing people the opportunity to write posts for the Teen Survival Blog. It's a great way for you to reach a new audience and we always appreciate the extra content. If you have something interesting to write about and you believe it would fit into our content focus than please submit your article to us!

Guest post submissions can be sent either to Batnbug@gmail.com or Domayneblogs@gmail.com

I will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible, please include your information and a link to your site so I can include it in your post
Thanks!
-Teen Survival Blog

Teens Hike the Long Trail!

Our group descending the Green Mountains as we push
 towards Canada

From Massachusetts to the Canadian border the Long trail spans 272 miles of marked and maintained hikeable wilderness. Created by the Green Mountain Club between 1910 to 1930, the Long Trail was the first long distance hiking trail in the United States. The trail follows the Green Mountains of Vermont and passes over the states highest peaks. The Long Trail in fact inspired the creation of the Appalachian trail, the worlds longest hiking trail which spans an impressive 2,180 miles, the two trails even merge for a hundred miles in Vermont. The Long Trail is still in the care of the Green Mountain Club and home to hundreds of hikers every year.

After a challenging morning of climbing
 we near the top of Camels Hump (elevation 4,083 feet) 

We made the Long Trail our home for 36 days with two resupply drops, one every 12 days. Our group 

was made up of eight campers ages 15-17 and two guides. The trip was organized by Farm and Wilderness a collected group of Quaker based summer camps in Vermont. Many of us had a little hiking experience but I’m sure I can speak for everyone when I say we were thrown outside of our comfort zones and all learned skills and life lessons we will never forget. Hiking the Long trail is a beautiful and truly breathtaking experience and I would suggest looking into making the trek if hiking if something you enjoy. It’s a long hike but it’s a great hike to start with if you’re interested in long hiking adventures. 

 An impressively crafted stairway built into the side of the
 mountain

Enjoying a Vermont sunset before heading to to bed

Our group reluctantly stops for a group picture as we
 try and stay warm

Thought provoking trail note found in one of the
 trails many shelters

I’m a young adult blessed with very unique life experiences,

and the passion to write about them. I grew up on a 

Volkswagen microbus and sailboat traveling North America,

and spent from age 11-16 living in an Intentional community

called Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage. I enjoy working on my 

blogs and various passion projects and hope the creativity 

doesn’t fade. Thank you for taking the time out to read my

article I hope you enjoyed!

5 Easy Tips for Getting Along With Your Roommates

Part of being a young adult involves getting support from your fellow peers. As much as we might like to live by ourselves, that is not always possible. receiving help is a perfectly acceptable option when looking for housing, but its not always as easy as just finding a roommate. We all know we can't get along with everyone all the time, and that is especially true when you live with the person. I've personally had my fair share of roommates and have found that following some simple guidelines can go a long way for having a strong healthy relationship with your roommates.

 1. Pick the Right Roommate 

Not everyone is going to be a right pick. If you are someone who values quiet and your roommate uses your place for his band to practice at it may not be the best fit for you. When you meet your roommate discuss possible scenarios before and really get a feel if being roommates is a good idea.




2. COMMUNICATE!
I've had my fair share of roommates, and almost always the problems that arise are due to a lack of communication. It's important to have conversations with the people you live with where you can discuss upcoming events that may effect the both of you, catch up on what's been going on for you recently, maybe you need to let them know you won't have rent till the week after its due... Whatever it is, if it effects the both of you you should let your house mates be aware of it.

3. Set Boundaries
It's important to make your roommates aware of things that cross a line for you. Even if something as obvious to you as "I don't want anyone going into my room unannounced" is important to you you should let your roommate be aware of that. When your roommate does something that you don't appreciate just communicate that whatever they did upset you and you'd like if they didn't do it again.
Examples include: Personal food, belongings you don't want others using, personal space or quiet time, etc....




4. Respect Your Roommates Boundaries
When living with someone its too easy to slip up and accidentally make someone feel disrespected, but we can try our bests to not step on anyone's toes. If you roommate has told you they appreciate it when you wash the dishes you use, try and find some time in your day to wash the dishes or clean up any messes you made in the common space. Good Rules include: Knocking before entering a room, cleaning up messes you made in any communal space, letting your roommate know if your having new people over, if you feel like something you do may make your roommate uncomfortable its always good to just ask them.

5. Be a Good Roommate
This is honestly easier said than done, I know for me personally I don't usually clean up after myself till the mess is unbearable  to me, but of course not everyone shares my view on this. Find some time every day to help around the house, take out the trash if its full, unload the dish washer, change the roll of toilet paper when you finish it, etc...


having Roommates is a great way to save money and build strong friendships, but like everyone else worth while it takes work. I guarantee if you follow these tips you and your roommates will be much happier.