Staying motivated as an artist is a tricky beast, isn’t it? We kick things off by diving into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to keep that creative fire burning, especially when life decides to throw us a curveball—hello, Netflix binge! I’ll spill some secrets on how to build a lasting relationship with your art, share personal stories (yes, even my artistic slumps), and toss in some gold nuggets of wisdom to help you find your rhythm and reconnect with why you started in the first place. Think of this as your friendly nudge to cultivate habits that stick...
Staying motivated as an artist is a tricky beast, isn’t it? We kick things off by diving into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to keep that creative fire burning, especially when life decides to throw us a curveball—hello, Netflix binge! I’ll spill some secrets on how to build a lasting relationship with your art, share personal stories (yes, even my artistic slumps), and toss in some gold nuggets of wisdom to help you find your rhythm and reconnect with why you started in the first place. Think of this as your friendly nudge to cultivate habits that stick, celebrate the little wins, and maybe even find a creative community that gets your vibe. So grab your sketchbook or whatever floats your artistic boat, and let’s get to it!
Starting a creative journey is exciting — but staying motivated for the long haul? That’s where many artists struggle. In this episode of The New Artist’s Compass on the Create Art Podcast, we dive into practical, proven ways to keep your creative fire burning even when inspiration runs low, life gets busy, or self-doubt creeps in.
Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you:
✅ Build habits that sustain creativity over months and years
✅ Break through slumps with small, intentional actions
✅ Find motivation when external validation is missing
✅ Learn how to celebrate progress (not just perfection)
✅ Reconnect with your original “why” when you feel stuck
🎧 Listen now and reignite your commitment to your craft. Your creativity deserves more than short bursts of inspiration — it deserves a sustainable, joyful practice.
1. Find Your "Why" and Keep It Visible
- Write down why you create art — post it in your workspace.
- Revisit your "why" during creative slumps to reset your focus.
- Share your "why" with your community for accountability.
2. Build Consistent Creative Habits
- Schedule art time like you would a doctor’s appointment — non-negotiable.
- Start small (15 minutes) and build up as it becomes part of your life.
- Use rituals — music, tea, candles — to cue your brain it’s "art time."
3. Celebrate Small Wins
- Track your progress — sketchbooks, photos, or a journal.
- Reward yourself for showing up, not just for finishing big projects.
- Reflect monthly on how far you’ve come — keeps motivation fresh.
4. Find Your Creative Community
- Join online or local artist groups for feedback and encouragement.
- Share works-in-progress — connection fuels motivation.
- Teach or mentor others — it reignites your own spark.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
- Rest isn’t quitting — it’s recharging.
- Take intentional breaks so you don’t burn out.
- Use downtime for passive inspiration — books, museums, conversations.
Topics covered in this series
Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time
Dealing With Criticism and Rejection
Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community
Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst
Staying Motivated Long-Term
Art Challenges & Social Media Trends
Mental Health & Creativity
Art Challenges & Social Media Trends
Setting Up a Creative Workspace
Creative Constraints & Prompts
Measuring Growth as an Artist
Why Do You Create?
When to Call Yourself an Artist
Lessons From a Year of Creating
Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy
Takeaways:
- Getting started with just one sketch can lead to a creative avalanche, trust me, I know the feels!
- Life happens, right? Between work deadlines and Netflix binges, we all lose touch with our art sometimes.
- Building a sustainable relationship with your creativity is crucial; it's not just about those bright bursts of inspiration.
- Finding your 'why' for creating art can keep you grounded and inspired through the ups and downs of your creative journey.
- Celebrate those small wins, whether it's tracking progress in a journal or treating yourself to ice cream after a productive session!
- Rest is not quitting! It's about recharging so you can come back even stronger and more inspired than ever.
Links referenced in this episode:
- createartpodcast.com
- findapodcastabout.xyz
- tkbpodcaststudio.com
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Reach Out To The Podcast
To reach out to me, email timothy@createartpodcast.com I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.
- Email: timothy@createartpodcast.com
- YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
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