Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, making art can have powerful benefits. Being creative can bring increased joy to your life, activates the brain in helpful ways, can release emotions, and allows for self-exploration and expression.
Making art and being creative can even help us to HEAL from the struggles and difficult life events that we have faced.
But all too often, self-doubt and the voice of our inner critic can get in the way of embracing the power of creativity.
You might start to worry that you’re art is not good enough…feel frustrated that you cannot achieve the results you want in your art…or wonder if maybe you’re just wasting your time.
I want to encourage you to put that voice aside for a while and try on a new mindset. The next time that you make art, have a mindset of non-judgmental acceptance for whatever happens on the page. Remind yourself that everyone can be creative…it doesn’t matter if you’re a “good artist” or not.
See what it feels like when you approach your art-making with this mindset and just let yourself PLAY.
Process art – art that is focused on the materials and the experience, not the outcome – can be a great way to embrace a new mindset and play through art. This approach can help you break through some of the creative blocks that you may be having and set aside your anxieties about the final product.
If you’d like to learn more about using process art to build your artistic confidence, download my PDF article: “Make Art Like a Child – Process Art for Self-Expression, Confidence, and Fun.”
I explain more about why process art can help you be more confident and creative, and I give 10 suggestions for art activities that you can try on your own.
Click below to open the PDF:
Make Art Like a Child – Process Art for Self-Expression, Confidence, & Fun
This blog is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health conditions. Art done on your own at home can be helpful, but may not be enough if you are struggling with significant emotional concerns or trauma. If you are suffering from depression, significant anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health concerns, please consult an Art Therapist or other mental health professional in your area. If you think you would benefit from Art Therapy, you can learn more here and get information on how to find an Art Therapist to work with: https://www.arttherapy.org/upload/whatisarttherapy.pdf
Carolyn Mehlomakulu, LMFT-S, ATR is an art therapist in Austin, Texas. For more information about art therapy services, please visit: www.therapywithcarolyn.com. Carolyn is available for in-person, office-based art therapy services and may be available for online, telehealth services if you reside in Texas.