We all remember playing with Play-Doh as kids, creating all sorts of objects that we envisioned in our heads and got a version of it when we were done with our sculpture. 

We also remember the mess that would be left behind. 

Parents, take these projects and turn them mess-free by making them digital. Equipping your child with digital sculpting tools can create the same experience by allowing them to push and pull, add and subtract form, and even create beyond the limitations of Play-Doh. They can present their 3D work and even 3D print it as a real object. Free introductory tools such as the ZBrush Core Mini are a great way to do this.

This can open your child’s imagination into what’s possible in the digital world and help them spend their summer vacation productively creating art and expanding their skills.

To inspire your children, show a genuine interest that can help fuel their flame. 

Go beyond asking “What is it?” and “How’d you do that?” by showing curiosity about your child’s creative process that demonstrates an interest in their art journey and supports their identity as a creative. 

This can also be done by giving your child art supplies. Even if you aren’t sure of their favorite form of art, give them a few different types of supplies and see what happens. I remember as a kid receiving art supplies from my aunt and having an abundance of ideas and the ability to create anything I wanted using paper, crayons, paint — even digital tools such as a Wacom Intuos tablet or Wacom One.

Making time for new experiences is crucial to filling a child’s mind with new things to be excited about and providing them with the tools to be creative. 

Children are always soaking up things in their environments, experiences and interactions. Oftentimes, those images end up on a page, in a craft, sculpture or a post on social media—really any form of expression. 

Help kids explore new places and try new activities through food, sports and hobbies, and see how they express those experiences through their art.

Music can often help kids get into a creative mood and groove. 

Put together a playlist of your kids’ favorite songs that can excite them to have fun and create. 

It can also be beneficial to join them in their art endeavors. Creativity loves company, and art can make for great bonding that your kids will look back on with love. Join them when it comes to drawing and creating to show them that art is fun.

Stick with your own style because your version of the world is valuable. 

Try re-creating your favorite toy or character from a movie, cartoon or game in your own style. 

Let your imagination take the wheel and design that character how you think they should’ve been made. 

Maybe you think the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would be better as cats, dogs, snapping turtles — whatever! Nothing is off limits

Don’t be afraid to reference other art. Grab your comics, toys, books and whatever else you can! 

Reference is all around you, so use it. Draw what you love and don’t ever stop. If you’re drawing what you love, you’ll enjoy it much more — and by drawing what you know, you can develop your own style much faster.

From creative arts and action-packed sports to hands-on STEM adventures, Horizon West Magazine has rounded up the best local summer camps for your kids!

Find your perfect camp experience right here in our own backyard!