Creativity Is Contagious. Catch the Bug!

The holidays are an ideal time to pick up a nasty bug and the winter flu season is very much in full swing. We all try to keep from catching it by washing our hands and getting a flu shot. Well, just so you know, there’s also another contagious bug going around that we, at Cheap Joe’s, hope you do catch!
The Creativity Bug!
It shouldn’t take a genius to figure this out, but Albert Einstein did say it first!

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.”― Albert Einstein

For me, this quote from Einstein is very inspiring, as art is my passion. I am always thinking about an art project, in the middle of one, or contemplating the next big idea.  As an artist, I guess, I tend to assume that everyone I meet is just like me. While that is the furthest thing from being true, it is probably a good thing!

The Inspiration

At Cheap Joe’s, many of our employees are artists, like me, however, some are not. I’ve learned, throughout the many years at Cheap Joe’s, that planning group activities are a great way to educate, bring everyone closer, and develop a more family-like atmosphere than ever. The holidays are the perfect time for such a family activity. It is also a perfect opportunity to sneak in some new product information! Sometimes, however, getting a non-artist to participate in a group art activity can be next to impossible! But with the right kind of encouragement, the passion for art and creativity can be passed on to those who, otherwise, would not think of themselves as artists.

The Art Swap

As with any Art Swap, the promise of receiving a unique original work of art is just the ticket to encourage one to participate. Call Center Manager, Web Alexander, recently organized the Cheap Joe’s 1st Annual 8×8 Art Swap. We were all given a Joe’s Prime 3/4″ Profile Cradled Painting Panel with no specific direction as to what we would create. There were no limits imposed about the type of material, the medium, or the subject matter, so the sky was the limit! Many employees are well experienced in art, either with college art degrees or having a profound talent with years of experience. However, there are those whose daily lives seem absent from the desire of making art. These are the ones that needed just a little bit of encouragement and support.
The one thing we all had in common was the question of what to paint. However, as you observe the results, you will see everyone had a completely different idea of the assignment.

The Stuff

ART STUFF- MATERIALS

 

Joe’s Prime 3/4″ Profile Cradled Painting Panel

Various mediums:
Acrylic
Watercolor
Pastels
Collage
Colored pencil
Technical pen
Marker

and much more!

LOOK! Just in time for the 2014 Holiday Sales Event, introducing the American Journey Artists’ Acrylic Sets which include paints, brushes, and the Joe’s Prime 3/4″ Profile Cradled Painting Panel Everything you need to get started! A great gift idea for the artist in your life!

Cheap Joe’s Cheap Joe’s Kilimanjaro Watercolor Paintbook Set makes the perfect gift this season for any watercolor painter or sketch artist!

 

Get a Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Set of 24 with FREE Accessory Set when you purchase the 24 piece set of Prismacolor Colored Pencils! While Supplies Last.

The Art

Now, enjoy a look at all of the great entries!

GREAT JOB, CHEAP JOE’S!

These are just a few and they all were wonderful and creative!

 

 The Swap

The morning of the swap, we all had a chance to review everyone’s incredible efforts. The panels were lined up along the wall in the workshop studio. Everyone gathered together with the anticipation of the new work of art they would take home!

Each work of art was identified by a single playing card.

One by one, each participant’s name was called and they chose a random card that would coordinate with the artwork they would claim as their own.

The entire event was a complete success! Everyone had a great time creating and receiving these unique masterpieces! This type of activity brings out the creativity and artist abilities in everyone who participates. The variety was outstanding and the efforts were celebrated. It also allows employees to get to know one another, and try out some of the cool art stuff that we see every day! It is certainly the kind of company event that is Joe Miller Approved, as Joe, himself, was proud to be a part of it!

 

So, if you are an artist, spread the creativity bug! If you are not an artist, watch out! Creativity is contagious and you never know when you might be standing too close to an infected artist!

Happy “Catch the Creativity Bug” Day!

and Keep Your Brushes Moving and Pass on Your Passion!