8 Creative Projects to Level Up Your Summer

Discover your creative side this summer with fun projects like photography, coding, podcasting, and more!

June is right around the corner, and that means high school’s almost out for the summer! While you’re probably looking forward to having a break from the hustle and bustle of classes, that doesn’t mean your creativity has to take a break as well. As you make plans for your summer — whether you’ll be working, going on vacation, hanging out with your friends, or anything else — consider making time to discover your creative side.

There are many benefits to being creative this summer: build your skills, create a portfolio, add to your university or college applications, or even begin a side hustle! Here are some topics to get you started this summer:

1. Start a blog or journal

If you’ve always enjoyed writing, then consider starting a blog! Or, if you want it to be more private, consider journaling! Your blog or journal can explore all kinds of topics that you’re interested in or want to look back on. Check out some of these potential topics:

• Record your summer adventures
• Review books or movies
• Create a bucket list and check them off
• Hobbies that you’ve tried (and why you liked / didn’t like them)
• The best songs for different occasions and moods

You can use free tools like Wordpress to create your blog, or head down to your local bookshop or stationary store to find your new favourite journal.

2. Explore your photography or videography skills

You don’t need a fancy camera to start learning about photography — but if you have one, then great! You can use a digital camera, film, or even your phone to get involved with photography. Play around with your camera and phone settings to find a style you like, and start shooting!

You could start a project that documents a day or week in your life through pictures. Then, you can choose to share your fav photos on Instagram or create an online portfolio — or print them out and create a photo album for yourself or loved ones! A photo album makes a great gift!

If you want to give yourself a project this summer, then consider scripting, shooting, and editing a short video! What kind of style will you try? Documentary? Drama? Mystery? Let your creative juices flow, and you can even make this a fun project with your friends by getting them involved.

If a short film is too daunting, but you love making TikToks, then consider making a few themed TikToks. You could record dancing, OOTDs, story times, or show your summer adventures.

Or, you could also combine your desire to journal with your video skills to create your own vlog! The self-reflection we associate with journaling can be just as good through video!

3. Create art

There are so many mediums of art, you’re sure to find one that fits your style! Consider creating digital art like posters, collages, drawings, animations, etc. You can use platforms like Canva or Procreate to make your designs come to life! You could even sell your work on platforms like Etsy to make a bit of money this summer.

Did you find yourself doodling during class this year? Take it further this summer and create paintings or more developed drawings! Creating art is a cheap way to explore your artistic side. All you need is a pencil and paper to start. Painting and drawing are a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, process your emotions, and reduce your screentime.

You’ll build skills like problem-solving, original thinking, patience, and focus. Plus, if you’re considering going to school for art, then what you create this summer you can add to your portfolio.

4. Start a podcast

Are you a big talker? Can you get lost in conversation? Try creating your own podcast! You could do this by yourself or with your friends. Talk about topics that you care about — music, sports, gaming, relationships, or your life. You can record your podcast with your phone and edit using apps like GarageBand or Audacity. Plus, platforms like Spotify and Acast make sharing your podcast easy!

5. Write a short story or novel

Do you enjoy writing or want to give it a shot? Get your ideas and stories down on paper and try writing a short story or novel! Remember, the hardest part is getting your idea down on paper. Once you’ve got a first draft, then you can go in and make as many edits as you want until you’ve got the story you want!

You can always draw inspiration from your dreams, life experiences, or genres of books you enjoy!

6. Experiment with web design and coding

Web development and coding are in-demand skills in this increasingly technological world, and even basic skills can lead to more opportunities. You could create websites, games, animations, and digital art with these skills.

Coding helps with skills like logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. You can use these skills for your university and college applications, your portfolio, and your future jobs! Try an online course to learn the basics of computer programming.

7. Learn to cook or bake

Learning to cook or bake this summer can help you build independence, save money, and impress your friends and family. Home-cooked meals are cheaper than eating out, and you’ll be setting yourself up with essential life skills while building your confidence. Plus, you may find a love for cooking or baking which could lead to a new career path or side hustle!

8. Explore your musical side

Consider picking up a new instrument or learning how to sing this summer! Music can increase your creativity, release stress, and even improve your memory and focus! Music is incredibly accessible, as your voice is always free, and you can even try virtual instruments like the piano with fun sites.

No matter what interests you have, any one of these creative projects can be a fun summer project that will also help you build skills for school and your future job. Pick one or two of these options that interest you and give it a shot! Make your summer count.