Why Creativity Is a Form of Self-Care (And Why We Often Put It Last)
I’ve been reflecting on how many of us struggle with our relationship with creativity. We want to create. We’ve enjoyed it in the past and often say we value it as part of our lives. Yet, we struggle to prioritize it.
There are many reasons why this could be, but one stands out to me: Creativity as a form of self-care.
When we engage in creative acts, we give ourselves an outlet to express thoughts and feelings that we may not be able to articulate otherwise. Whether it’s through painting, writing, or any other creative outlet, we like the way it makes us feel—even when the result isn’t perfect. Yet, when creativity is approached as self-care, it often falls into the same trap as other self-care activities: we place it in the “should” category and shame ourselves when we don’t follow through. Our good intentions remain just that, and we never carve out the time.
The Overwhelmed Caretaker
Take, for example, the woman who juggles a career, household responsibilities, and possibly even caregiving. She knows creativity brings her joy—whether it’s journaling or crafting—but it’s always the first thing to go when time gets tight. She might say, “I’ll get to it when everything else is done,” but everything else is never done. Creativity becomes just another to-do on an already overwhelming list, and when it’s framed this way, it feels like more work rather than the act of self-care it truly is.
This isn’t just anecdotal. Research shows that women, in particular, often feel guilt when taking time for themselves, which can lead to burnout and a lack of personal fulfillment. According to the American Psychological Association, 70% of women report feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care activities like creative hobbies.
The Hustle Trap
Now let’s think about the entrepreneur or career-driven individual. This person may set aside time for creativity, but only if it serves a business goal. Their art becomes part of their "brand" or business growth strategy. Over time, the joy they once experienced from creativity may diminish as it becomes solely about achieving external results.
This happens a lot in hustle culture. A study from Harvard Business Review explains how turning a passion into work can strip the joy from those activities, leading to burnout and creative exhaustionSources: (Harvard Business School)(Harvard Business School).
While it might seem productive to transform your creativity into a side hustle or a content machine, this often removes the pure joy and curiosity that creative play can bring. When we only create for external validation or monetization, creativity shifts from self-care to yet another obligation, another item on the to-do list.
Managing Your Passion for Longevity
The truth is, creativity in its purest form should be an act of self-care. It’s not about the end result but the process of engaging with your own thoughts, emotions, and imagination. However, if we never prioritize this for ourselves—whether it’s because we’re busy caring for others or because we’re trying to produce results—we miss out on the deep restorative power creativity offers.
Writer Elizabeth Gilbert talks about this in Big Magic, suggesting that creative living isn’t about productivity, but about “choosing curiosity over fear.” It’s about giving yourself permission to create for the sake of creating, rather than for an audience or an outcome. This perspective allows creativity to become a tool for self-exploration and joy, not just something that delivers results.
Putting Creativity Back into Self-Care
If you’re wired for practicality and responsibility, it’s tempting to put everything—and everyone—else first. But if you don’t make time for creativity, you might end up feeling disconnected and burned out. It’s time to reframe how we see creative acts: not as a luxury, but as a necessity for mental and emotional well-being.
What would happen if you gave yourself permission to create without the pressure of a perfect outcome? If you took even 10 minutes a day to write, doodle, or play an instrument—just for you, not for Instagram or a portfolio? Imagine how much lighter, more refreshed, and more connected to yourself you might feel.
Reclaiming creativity as a form of self-care means shifting your perspective on what it’s for. It’s not a task to be completed, and it’s not always about the result. Creativity, at its best, is a way to care for your inner world, to let your imagination play, and to express parts of yourself that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s time to stop putting your creativity last and start making it part of your self-care practice.
What have your experiences been in regards to creativity as a form of self-care?
The Gift of Creativity: A Conversation with James Victore
Illustration: Mike Brennan. Hire me for editorial or portrait illustrations - www.MikeBrennanArt.com
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with James Victore, a creative dynamo whose work I’ve admired for ages (especially coming from graphic design). Our chat was a goldmine of insights on creativity—its ups, downs, and practical steps to foster your own authentic expression.
James kicked things off with a childhood memory that stuck with him—melted crayons. Yep, you heard that right. Those melted crayons left a vivid mark on his senses and inspired him to create work that sparks strong emotional responses. We agreed that creativity often digs its roots deep into personal experiences and sensory memories, making it uniquely ours.
We also tackled the frustrations many creatives face: not being appreciated or allowed to fully express themselves at work. James nailed it when he said everyone just wants to be seen, heard, and valued. In today’s attention economy, he insists, you’ve got to keep showing up, presenting your work, and engaging in those conversations.
James is all about creating motivational, inspirational, and educational posters like those for kids in schools. But, surprise surprise, sometimes he runs into gatekeepers who make reaching his audience tricky. Despite the hurdles, James sees his work as a gift, not a chore. Check out his website: YourWorkIsAGift.com
We dove into how our creative journeys evolve. James talked about his calling to be creative and the grit it takes to hang onto that creativity. He shared a time when his creativity was squashed, leading him to try a different career path before finding his way back to his true passion. Because, let’s face it, once a creative, always a creative.
These days, James coaches creative directors and professionals on embracing their true passions. He shared stories of folks torn between their interests, like a leather maker torn between trinkets and handbags. James helps them find joy in their work because, really, life’s too short to be stuck doing something you don’t love.
I also opened up about my own struggles with burnout and depression after stepping away from design. It was a tough period, but it led to deeper self-discovery.
James hosts retreats aim to break down barriers and help participants unearth their true selves, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
So, what can you take away from our Creative Chat? Here are some nuggets of wisdom:
1. Trust Your Creativity: Believe in your creative instincts and let yourself explore them. No holds barred.
2. Show Up Consistently: Keep putting in the effort. Present your work and start those conversations. No one’s going to do it for you.
3. See Work as a Gift: Change your perspective. View your work as a gift, and you’ll find it easier to push through obstacles.
4. Pursue Passion Projects: Find what excites you and weave it into your work. Less frustration, more satisfaction.
5. Seek Community: Surround yourself with like-minded folks who support your creative journey. It’s way easier to stay motivated that way.
Our conversation was a great reminder of the deep connection between personal experience and creative expression, and the importance of sticking with it on the road to authentic creativity.
Listen to Creative Chats episode 237 for more!
What does Nine Consecutive Years of Daily Art Look Like?
This is year nine! All 365 days.
Every year since I have embarked on this 365 day art making journey, I mark the passing of another year with a college of images, all created from that year.
If you’re not familiar with my story on how I came back to my art after a ten year absence and depression, you can catch up here.
Creating and sharing these images are a way for me to track my daily creative habit, and celebrate my wins.
I’ve also recorded a Creative Chats podcast episode of nine insights I have gained through my nine years of daily art making. You can take a listen here.
If you’re interested in establishing your own creative consistency, I’d love to have you join us in our free facebook group Daily Creative Habit!
And now…. Here’s what all 9 years together looks like!
I’ve been sharing my art for free everyday for the past 9 years and will continue to do so. If you’ve been enjoying it and feel like tossing in a few coins in the ol’ tip jar, you can do so below :)
Start with what’s in your hand
Start with what’s in your hand.
It just might be seeds of greatness, but to you, right now, it looks like something so small and useless.
Don’t be so enamored by huge dreams that you don’t use what is before you today. Remember what seeds are. They are beginnings. They are carriers of dreams, hopes, and our desires to make great things that can impact the world around us.
But if we never plant them, they won’t be able to do what they’re supposed to do. They won’t take root. They won’t grow.
They need to go into the dark, cold ground, where sometimes it seems like we’ve buried the dead. But they are waiting for the right time to burst forth with new life, and fruit.
Don’t give up. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t despise humble beginnings. Use what’s in your hand right now and plant it where you are.
Feeling like your creativity is insignificant?
Feeling invisible doesn’t mean being insignificant.
Our feelings lie and tell us if no one is noticing us, or our work, then we’re not significant, nor is our art.
Significance comes from who we are. Our identity.
When we create from a place of security in that, we have the freedom to be ourselves and release our work.
We all want to create work that makes an impact.
We want followers, likes and shares. But after we create our work and release it, it finds its own way.
Today, you are significant.
Start with that.
Then create and release.
Don't Create Alone
Being a creative can be a lonely path.
There’s no one keeping you showing up to create but yourself.
Wouldn’t you like to be able to consistently show up to create your art? (Instead of flirting with it)
That’s why I created the Daily Creative Habit community.
The Daily Creative Habit is a private Facebook group where Artists, Makers, and Creatives interested in creating more consistently, and growing in their creative practice gather and share.
I’ve learned a lot after returning to my art after a 10 year hiatus, via embarking on a 365 day daily art making journey that has lasted 8+ years and is still going. (Never missed a day!) When you show up daily, over time you come to discover your voice, style, passion, and unlock key principles for your creative journey.
The goal here is equipping you with ideas, methods and community that help you establish a daily creative habit, so you can gain traction in your creative projects. It’s important for others to celebrate your success, to help others, and to ask questions in the group setting so everyone can gain some clarification and validation.
This community consists of visual artists, writers, performers, makers, hobbyists and professionals, and anyone “creating.” This space was created as a safe place to share thoughts, exchange and explore ideas, and get some encouragement when ya wanna share something exciting in your creative journey. Comment, share your wins, ask questions, learn, and take action! By sharing what’s working for you in your creative practice, you will undoubtedly inspire a fellow creative to take action in their lives.
Simply visit www.DailyCreativeHabit.com where you’ll be forwarded to the Facebook group page. Just answer the 3 questions, and request to join.
I hope to see you there!
When I was a kid, Halloween stressed me out!
I spent this past Saturday at the Dog Walk of The Dead event (think Halloween family event complete with dogs and people in costume). There was the Weiner dog who was a hot dog, a corgi who was a Game of Thrones dragon, skeleton dogs...
Who wouldn't want to dress their dog up as a Bantha complete with Tuscan Raider? (If you're not a Star Wars nerd, this might be over your head...)
I’ve spent time the past few years at the Dog Walk of The Dead event (think Halloween family event complete with dogs and people in costume). One year, there was the Weiner dog who was a hot dog, a corgi who was a Game of Thrones dragon, skeleton dogs... you get the idea.
When I was a kid, choosing the right Halloween costume for myself was stressful (yes, there was an embarrassing homemade clown, and a box covered with tin foil, otherwise known as a robot- and hidden photo evidence).
These days, you gotta have the right costume for your pet too!! (and Instagram worthy I might add.)
If you dress your pets up for Halloween (or more likely, they let you…) check out these creative costumes!
What costume would you choose for your pet?
Leave me a comment. Bonus points for photos! (even embarrassing ones)
Looking for some pet art or a custom pet portrait?
Check out my shop!
Live and Virtual Drawing Opportunities for Artists During Covid-19 Quarantine
Recently, I found myself in the place where due to being in lockdown because of the current Covid-19 situation, I had a bit more available time that I wanted to spend drawing, but found it hard to locate resources.
Art centers near and far were hosting online events for figure drawing, but some weren’t at optimal times, and others I found out about after the event due to the algorithm. (Darn you AL…)
I love that so many new opportunities to draw, and join in communities far away have been brought close, and become available.
So I decided to compile the opportunities I have come across, from art centers and schools, to art models who are offering their own opportunities directly either via zoom, Instagram lives, or like one model (Whitney Masters) figure modeling via 4K recording for on demand.
I “met” Whitney through Instagram. Like today.
She saw that I was an artist, so she reached out. Coincidentally, I was compiling this list of resources, so I asked is she might be interested in sharing how she’s been leaning into opportunities (and creating new ones) to help solve problems. She needs more gigs and income, artists are looking for ways to attend figure drawing sessions with live models.
So we jumped on a zoom call, and had a quick chat about how all this started. Watch our chat.
Whitney Masters (model)
http://www.whitneymasters.com/
For hour long video, please email me at whitney.masters.model@gmail.com
The following is a list of drawing opportunities for Artists (figure and otherwise).
Some are live, timed events on zoom, some evergreen resources, some figure drawing with models (clothed and / or nude), while other aren’t figure based at all.
(Note: if you or those around you are sensitive to nude figure drawing, click cautiously)
IF YOU HAVE MORR RESOURCES YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD, DROP THEM IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
The Drawing Center - DrawNow! Online
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-drawing-center-12021710001
Brooklyn Figure Drawing
https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-MYOCNSPt/
Drawing America
Gallery Girls
LIVE LIFE DRAWING going Global with TONY
Dynamic Figure Drawing Live!
https://www.meetup.com/Dynamic-Figure-Drawing-in-Brooklyn/
NYC Urban Sketchers
http://nyc.urbansketchers.org/
The Jolly Sketcher
https://bookwhen.com/thejollysketcher#focus=ev-se6s-20200418110000
Sketchbook Skool
Platform Studios
https://www.platformchicago.com/figure-drawing-sessions
New Masters Academy
Youtube example (contains nudity):
All The Young Nudes - Life Drawing Online
https://www.atyn.co.uk/
Croquis Cafe
Video example (contains nudity):
https://bit.ly/3bCgbNu
Pose Maniacs
Line of Action
Quickposes
Bodies in Motion
https://www.bodiesinmotion.photo/
Proko
Pinterest Collection
https://www.pinterest.com/bjim35_1/nude-art-poses/
ArtModelTips.com
Draw Juice
Anna Catherine - direct model offering
https://www.instagram.com/annacatherinemuse/
3 of My Current Favorite Creative Podcasts – Have You Listened to Any of These?
Everyone needs companions for the journey. But when you are starting a new business or venture (“solopreneur”) it can be pretty lonely.
That’s why I’ve found it so valuable to constantly surround myself with voices that can speak into my journey. We need to hear how others have or are dealing with a lot of the same issues we find ourselves faced with. We need the encouragement that comes with truly being understood, and the inspiration of those who have gone ahead of us.
Hearing these voices can be crucial, especially on days where we feel like giving up (We all have those days!).
In light of that, here are some of my recent favorite podcasts – so whether you’re looking for a fresh source of inspiration, education, or just plain entertainment, consider checking these out. There are tons of great podcasts out there, but these have been really meaningful to me:
Podcast 1: CREATIVE PEP TALK
Andy J Pizza
Episode number #234 9 MARKETING TACTICS TO GAIN THE TRUE FANS YOU NEED TO THRIVE NOW
Andy J Pizza is a super creative with a style all his own. He’s been in the trenches as an illustrator and creative for years. And you can glean some wisdom and insights on his podcast the Creative Pep Talk.
If you make super great creative work, the word will spread. The problem is this: will it spread as fast as you need it to, to keep the lights on? Will you run out of steam before your time has come? The solution is good marketing. In this episode I want to share the 9 pieces of advice I'd give any artist whose work isn't catching on at the rate they want it to.
If you’d like to listen here’s the link.
Podcast 2: DON'T KEEP YOUR DAY JOB
Cathy Heller
Episode #47, Season 3 - How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome
How do you build confidence to take action when you constantly feel like a fraud? Cathy shares how she's dealt with that pesky impostor syndrome, how you can feed yourself with reminders of self worth, and how to replace the unattainable goal of providing "expertise" and "perfection" with empathy and authenticity - so you can start serving the world by being your true self. If you’d like to give a listen, here’s the link.
Podcast 3: The Brand You Podcast
Mike Kim
Episode #173: How I Deal With Rejection, Every Single Day
Ah, rejection. It's inevitable that we'll face it, yet we'll do anything possible to avoid it In this episode, Mike shares a little bit about how he deals with rejection. See, we often take failure as a personal rejection. It's not. If people don't know the real you, it's not possible for them to reject the real you.
Whether you're looking to start a side-hustle, grow your own business, or just enter into a new phase of your relationships or career -- rejection is something you can not only deal with, but overcome.
Give a listen to the episode- here’s the link.
What are some of your favorite podcasts? I’d love to hear them — especially ones you’ve been creatively challenged by. Leave a comment below!
When I was a kid, my art always involved other people.
When I was a kid, my art always involved other people. Greeting cards, drawings, gifts. It all included others. As I grew up, it turned more inward to being about me. What I wanted to create, what I liked. It wasn’t until embarking on a daily art making practice that i returned to creating art that included others. That’s why I do these daily drawings and surprise others with them. It’s the best way for me to use my talents and passion to bless others. How do you (or can you) use your gifts, talents and abilities to bless others? | art inspired by @victoria.arvizu #yoga #yogi #yogaart #yogaartist #fitness
