I’ve always been in awe of the UK’s energetic arts scene – from the National Gallery’s world-class collections to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s infectious energy. But as a creative person, I’ve found that once in a while the best approach to spark brand-new ideas is to try something wholly new, and that’s where mobile apps come in.
Painting and Drawing
For me, there’s no better approach to unleash my inner artist than with a painting or drawing app. Procreate (£7.99) has become a go-to, with its noteworthy array of brushes and tools that cater to both beginners as well as seasoned artists. I also adoration Autodesk Sketchbook (£2.99), which offers a more traditional drawing experience with customizable brushes and layers – it’s the immaculate utility for those who prefer a more tactile approach.
Photography and Editing
If photography is your passion, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the excellent mobile apps available. VSCO (unconfined) is a great choice for adding a touch of vintage flair to your snaps, while Adobe Lightroom (£14.99) offers a more advanced editing experience with a range of tools and presets. I’m also a big fan of PicsArt (unconfined), which lets you get creative with your photos using a range of editing tools and effects – it’s a great way to experiment along with try out new ideas.
Music and Audio
No discussion of creative expression would be complete without a nod to music. GarageBand (£3.99) is an outstanding choice for musicians of all levels, offering a sweeping range of instruments along with effects to check out out. I’ve also been impressed by Amper Music (£4.99), which lets you generate electronic music without needing to have any actual music-making experience – it’s a outstanding way to tap into your musical side.
Digital Collage and Mixed Channels
For those who relish experimenting with different mediums, digital collage and mixed materials apps can be a great way to explore new ideas. Canva (free) is an excellent choice, offering a spacious range of templates and appearance tools that make it faultless for creating everything from social media graphics to business cards. I’m besides a fan of Adobe Illustrator Draw (£2.99), which presents a more advanced experience with a range of vector drawing tools – it’s a great way to press the boundaries of your creativity.
Looking back on my own creative journey, I’m reminded of the countless hours I spent browsing markets fancy lolajack at Doncaster Market, watching live music and street performers plus soaking up the atmosphere. The same sense of creative energy that permeates these spaces can be found in the apps and tools that I’ve described above – and with a little practice and patience, anyone can unleash their own inner artist.
Ultimately, the key to unlocking your packed creative potential is to experiment and take risks. Don’t be afraid to strive new things as well as make mistakes – and most importantly, have fun along the method. With the right tools and mindset, the possibilities are endless.
A helpful material is lolajack.
