Nothing embodies the spirit of innovativeness and creativity as mixed media art, a technique that resides at the intersection of different mediums. While it might sound more complex than other traditional art forms, it really does not have to be that way. Making art is supposed to be fun and fulfilling, and there is no one right way to be creative. By mixing materials that do not normally go together, you can stumble upon unusual combinations that will open your mind to new artistic possibilities. If you are not quite sure where to begin, you are welcome to use these tips as a foundation for your unique journey.

Ideas for Your Next Mixed Media Art Project

• Use photos

There is always a way to incorporate your other passions into a mixed media art project. If you like taking pictures, you can print them out and try to imagine them in an alternative space. You can cut out parts of pictures and make collages or even try painting or drawing right over the photos. Using what you already have as a building block is always a great idea.

• Combine sensory stimuli

One of the most fun parts about creating art is that it can be incredibly stimulating, especially if the right materials are used. Try looking at the tools you have at hand and how you can utilize them to add new textures and volume to your piece. If you only have pastel-colored paint on your hands, you can use markers to brighten up your artwork. You also do not have to keep your painting 2-dimensional — make it stand out by stacking layers of material.

• Get inspired by others

This is a piece of advice that works for pretty much any art form. Before creating something solid, many beginners first learn from the masters who came before them. Mixed media art has been around for ages as a pivotal part of many artistic movements that existed through the decades (some examples are Cubism and Dadaism with their collage pieces). Geniuses like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp are often regarded as the founding fathers of mixed media art. It might also be beneficial to read about contemporary artists who find new exciting ways of mixing familiar materials.

In the end, when dealing with mixed media, the only limit is your imagination. Look around and observe the world — you never know when the inspiration will strike next.