Umbra Penn’s Seven Tips for the Grey Artist

    Being an artist isn’t easy, and being Grey isn’t any easier. The two traits, combined, create somewhat of a challenge. We artists flourish off of inspiration, and when you’re Grey, *sniff* it’s as if you’re allergic to the very thing you need to thrive. How can inspiration strike when your entire perspective is devoid of all flavor, colour, and joy?

    Given how frantic these past few months have been, fulfilling Styling orders non-stop, I’ve had to buckle down and figure out how to bring my A-game every single day. Thus, I’d like to share with you a few helpful items and tricks that can help fuel even the Grey-est of artists. *welp* Here we go!

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    UC Grey Mynci CD of Sad Songs

    Whenever I’m feeling creatively blocked, one of the quickest ways to get in the groove is by listening to music. For me, listening to a good song is able to silence the voice in the back of my head that is holding me back. Some of my favorite bands to listen to while painting include the Neopian Philharmonic, Jazzmosis, and, when I’m feeling extra gothy, Twisted Roses.

    It’s funny, really. I actually (figuratively) hit a wall while creating the Grey collection of Nostalgic Styles. I know that it sounds unbelievable, but yes, me, a GREY Lutari, really had trouble capturing the utter despair of the older Grey artwork. However, listening to the UC Grey Mynci CD of Sad Songs really put me in the right headspace to truly capture their depressive mental state.

    Earl Grey Tea

    One of the first things I do, when I wake up in the morning, is brew some Earl Grey Tea. Not only does it make me more alert, but it also serves as liquid inspiration. The most tranquil moment of my day is when I sit on my studio’s stoop and watch the sun rise over Neopia Central, with a piping hot teacup in hand. It really helps free my mind of all concerns and worries before I start my work.

    If you’re wondering how I brew my tea, the instructions are simple. Use one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup of water. Put the kettle on the stove, and just before it reaches a boil, let the tea steep for three to five minutes. I don’t add sugar, but I do like to add a touch of Kay Farm Half & Half. Just a personal preference! Lastly, please make sure not to burn yourself!

    Functional Grey Chair

    You aren’t going to be able to produce good work if you’re not feeling one hundred percent. One aspect of my health that I neglected for years was my posture. When I was younger, I could care less as to whether I sat on a stool or even hunched over a table to paint. However, as I grew older, I learned about back pain the hard way. Sometimes it would hurt so bad that I would lie in bed, and when that happened, the whole day would get away from me.

    Nowadays, I always make sure I work while seated in a Functional Grey Chair. While they might not be the prettiest of chairs, they certainly are functional! The tall backing provides the perfect lumbar support for my back. Now I can sit in front of my easel and paint for hours on end, without taking a break.

    While we’re on the subject of bad backs, care for a corny joke? No. Well, here it goes anyway: everyone knows that I’m not the most outgoing; in fact, I’m more of an intro-vertebrae. Heh. Ok, we’ll move on.

    Greyed Expectations (Book)

    Another great way to find inspiration is by reading. Fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction. You name it! Taking some time to curl up and read a good book helps awaken our imaginations. And, trust me, inspiration follows closely behind.

    Recently, I’ve been reading the book "Greyed Expectations". While it may be lengthy, there’s just something about a rags-to-riches story that I find so interesting. Chomby Dickens was such a talented author!

    Grey Kneaded Eraser

    Ironically, most of the time, the source of my creative blocks is myself. Sometimes I won’t allow myself to put brush to canvas (or pen to paper) because I’m worried that my ideas aren’t any good. However, most of the time, charging ahead and creating a rough sketch or outline is what allows inspiration to strike.

    This is why I always make sure to keep a wealth of Grey Kneaded Erasers in my studio. In my opinion, they possess the perfect tacky quality to wipe away any flaws or mistakes during my early creative process.

    The Grey Faerie Diaries

    Have you ever journaled? As I previously mentioned, I like to start my mornings with a cup of fresh tea. Afterwards, I usually grab my journal and make sure to jot down any lingering anxieties clouding my mind. It might sound crazy, but writing them on paper really helps drain them from my mind for much of the day.

If you’re unsure of how to begin journaling, then I recommend picking up a copy of the Grey Faerie Diaries, because, quite frankly, Grey Faeries know how to journal best!

    Grey Paint Brush

    The single most important item that I can’t live without is the Grey Paint Brush. No, it’s not because I need to change my colour. It’s the fact that I have come to realize that my Grey-ness does not hold me back as an artist. When short of inspiration, I have learned not to view my colour as an impediment but rather as a source of boundless inspiration that enriches my body of work. Therefore, I keep a Grey Paint Brush with me as a reminder that Grey is my greatest inspiration. It might not be easy being Grey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.