Express yourself. Through brush strokes. Let the pigment of the paints plastered on your brush sink into the paper. Or feel the rhythm in your core traveling to your fingertips and onto an instrument. Or take your fingertips raging to create a masterpiece and create something out of paper.

Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. Typically, people take up different forms of art during their youth to occupy and entertain themselves and others. Though, I have taken up instruments and put them down as quick. I do enjoy listening to music more, however, thanks to my forays into playing music.

Now, I choose to take up my creativity and put it to use through origami or drawing. My drawings are mediocre. I started “drawing”’ in 6th grade and, honestly, if you plan on taking up drawing do it consistently if you would like to see improvement. Here are some quick tips I learned through my 3 years of producing a drawing or two every 12 months:

1. Don’t be afraid to try different styles.
2. Always practice your shading with pencil, color, or paints because that’s what makes a drawing more defined if you’re going for a realistic approach.
3. Focus on one feature at a time so you don’t keep moving from one thing to another because then it might become unbalanced.

Estefani Huizar, a freshman who has been drawing since she could hold a pencil, believes that, “There’s no correct way to express yourself, which is why so many different types of art exist. You can manipulate your work to create something powerful. It can be personal or universal and that’s why it is so beautiful.” She truly creates beauty through her work.

Music is also a form of art adapted by many. I admire those who are skilled in any instrument, especially string instruments because I know firsthand the hardships your fingertips must go through. But it’ll be worth it since you could create your own songs through lyrics or maybe a melody. You’ll meet people with the same interests as you.  Like drawing, making music relaxes you and helps you deal with stress.

“I like music the most because it’s pretty much the most expressive,” stated Carlos Contreras, sophomore. He is the bassist for his metal deathcore band “Moose Us”. His love for music began to take a turn in December of last year.

“At every metal show I’ve attended, everyone treats one another like family. You can easily feel the positive vibes going around the audience. From my experience, the people who attend are often encouraging and kind. Everyone is happy that they’re surrounded by people with whom they share a common interest,” continued Carlos.

As for another type of art, the art of paper folding to be more specific, do it if you have great creasing skills. My creases look like they’ve been handled by a toddler (probably because I have the strength of one).

It’s easy: this summer, take up a hobby that is involved with the arts to stimulate your mind and relax yourself.