Staying Creative off the bike – MattieDrawsBikes

Riding bikes is great. For many of us, it’s a creative space that brings joy, peace and supports good mental health. But when you find yourself unable to ride, whatever the circumstances, do you have another creative outlet that delivers the same benefits of bike riding?

Drawing Bikes for the Fun of it

For me, my creative outlets have always revolved around writing. Poetry, journaling and as an adventure writer.

But recently I’ve rediscovered the joys of drawing, and what better subject to draw than adventure rigs, bikepacking bikes and the people that ride them.

My first drawings certainly weren’t amazing, But that didn’t matter. I was getting excited just by doing them, and sharing them in spite of their imperfections. The great benefit about doing what you love, is that you’re likely to improve. Small steps each time, but with repetition the improvements come naturally.

I’m still not claiming that my drawings are spectacular, but they’re bringing me joy and keeping vibes high when I’m unable to ride. And that’s really all that matters.

Creative Bike Friends – New and Old

Not only have these digital illustrations got my creative juices flowing, but it’s helped open discussions with the wider cycling community.

By sharing my joy of drawing, and drawing bikes for others, I’m opening conversations and meeting new people. The fact that these friendships are deepening online is particularly happy for these current times of global travel restrictions.

Why Am I Sharing?

I’m not just sharing these photos because I’m stoked on them, although I am stoked, but because I’d love for Desire Lines to help the Australian adventure cycling community to share its creativity.

As someone that battles with self-confidence, I know how hard it is to put yourself out there. But sometimes it’s best to do it anyway. I’m not sure that these drawings would have continued to deliver the same joy if I’d kept them to myself and never shared them.

So if you’ve got a creative endeavour you’d like to share, please reach out and we’ll see if we can provide a platform to help share and inspire.

Love Mattie

@mattiedrawsbikes