How To Set Yourself Up For Creative Success
Let’s be honest—making time for creativity isn’t always easy. We want to paint, journal, collage, or write—but life gets loud, schedules fill up, and next thing you know, your art supplies are collecting dust.
But here’s the truth: your creativity isn’t optional. It’s part of how you were made. And making space for it isn’t selfish—it’s soul-care. It’s a way of checking in with yourself and with God.
So how do we actually make it work in real life? Here’s what I’ve learned from doing this imperfectly—but consistently—and from teaching other women how to build a creative life that fits them.
Define What Creative Success Means to YOU
Success doesn’t have to mean selling your art or posting something new every day. It might mean spending 15 quiet minutes painting in your journal. It might be finishing a project that’s been sitting on your desk for six months. Or simply carving out time to be still with God and your creativity once a week. Be realistic and use this as your goal!
Give yourself the freedom to define success in a way that fits your life and season. No comparison required.
Make the Time. Don’t Wait for It.
Waiting until everything settles down won’t work—because life always has something going on. Choose a time and claim it. Whether it’s 15 minutes in the morning, a couple evenings a week, or Sunday afternoons, treat your creative time like a sacred appointment. It matters.
Honor your time and set a timer! I did this for a few months, and it was fabulous! I could create non-stop until that alarm buzzed, without guilt or fear that I was spending more time than I should. I planned the time into my day and stuck to it. A month later, a habit was formed!
Bonus Idea: Let your family know. “Hey, I’m taking a little time this evening to do something creative. It helps me feel more like me.” You might be surprised how supportive they are when they know what it means to you.
Start Your Day with God & Creativity
Beginning the day with God’s Word and something creative doesn’t have to be a big production. Doodle a verse, collage while you pray, or even journal what’s on your heart.
For me, starting the day in God’s Word and with a little creativity reminds me who I am. It centers me. It gives me a focus I can carry through the rest of the day. When I take that time for God and for my creative self, it’s like setting my compass.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.
Lay the Groundwork: Prep Ahead
Creativity flows so much easier when you prep ahead. Think of it like meal prepping—but for art.
- Create background pages in your journal
- Sort your favorite bits into a tray
- Print quotes or verses you want to use
These small steps make a huge difference when it’s time to sit down and make. You’re not starting from scratch—you’re already halfway there. Plus, they’re an essential part of the creative process. Don’t be so focused on completed projects; instead, strive to see value in the parts and pieces too!
Work in Waves (It’s Okay to Leave Things Unfinished!)
You don’t have to finish every project in one sitting. In fact, I intentionally leave things unfinished—because it gives me something to come back to.
It’s a great motivator. Sometimes just having something “mid-process” waiting for me makes it easier to sit down and pick up where I left off. No pressure, just momentum.
Let yourself work in phases. Creativity often comes in waves—and that’s totally normal.
Have a Few Projects Going At Once
I like to have a couple projects I can bounce between depending on what I’m feeling. That way, I never get bored—and I never feel “stuck.” Maybe one day you want to collage. The next, you might feel like lettering a verse or just painting colors that make you happy. When you have options, you’re more likely to keep showing up.
Supplies: Use What You Have First
It’s easy to get caught in the “I just need one more supply” loop. Or the “I don’t have the right/enough supplies” lie. But let’s flip the goal: try to use up your favorite supplies so you actually need more. When you work with what you already love, you develop your style, learn what fits you, and cut down the overwhelm of having too many choices.
Limit your supplies and really get to know your mediums—what feels good in your hands, what brings joy, and what fits your vibe. (Spoiler: You do have a style. It’s already there—it just needs some space to grow.)
Bonus Idea: Donate the items that don’t work for you so someone else can have a chance to create with them instead of letting them dry up, take up space, make you feel guilty for not using them and overwhelm you.
Create a Space That Invites You In and is hard working
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A clear table corner, a supply basket by the couch, or a desk by a window—make it easy to start. Keep your tools visible and ready to grab. The easier it is to begin, the more likely you’ll actually do it.
I had a season where I worked out of a closet. Work with what you’ve got, and make what you’ve got work for you.
Bonus tip: Make a “Creativity Caddy or Bag” with your favorite tools, journal, glue stick, scissors, etc.—so you’re ready to roll at a moment’s notice.
Limit Inspiration Until You Create More
Pinterest and Instagram are great, but too much scrolling and saving can leave you creatively stuck. Inspiration overload is real—and often leads to overwhelm instead of action.
Try this: pause the intake. Create more than you consume. Then, when you do browse, you’ll know what you’re actually looking for. Output first. Input second.
I took a month-long break from scrolling and dedicated it to creating. Result? I filled a journal!!!! Not only does scrolling hinder output it sucks up precious time.
Only Collect What You Love
Stop buying or saving supplies “just in case” or “because it was on sale.” Only collect what makes you excited to create. If it’s not your style, don’t bring it into your space. This idea has changed my creative space for the better: I stopped buying things I thought I should like and only started collecting things I do like.
If it doesn’t feel like you—the colors, the vibe, the style—leave it behind. When you surround yourself with things you love, everything starts to coordinate naturally. Your style will shine through without you even trying.
Trust your instincts. You already have a creative voice—it’s just waiting to be expressed. It’s not about being trendy; it’s about being true to you.
Take Notes—Your Brain Will Thank You
Our best ideas don’t always show up when we’re sitting at the art table. For me, it’s usually in the shower, during church, or while driving. I use the notes app on my phone constantly— I just talk into it when something pops into my head. If I don’t capture it, it’s gone! I keep separate notes for different projects and ideas. It’s my brain-dump spot—where I can store inspiration until I’m ready to use it.
This frees up so much mental space, and when I finally have time to sit down and create, I’ve got a whole list of ideas waiting for me. Plus, my wheels can stop turning!
Create a few different notes for different projects or themes. That way, when you do have creative time, you’re not starting from a blank slate. You’ve already captured the spark—you just need to fan the flame.
Track the Time You Show Up (Not Just Finished Projects)
Forget finished-product pressure. Instead, jot down moments when you showed up:
- “Painted for 20 min after dinner”
- “Added one verse to journal”
- “Prepped three backgrounds”
This kind of tracking builds momentum and reminds you: you’re doing it. A month from now, you’ll look back and be surprised at the time you’ve put in by making creating a priority!
Keep a List of “Creative Snacks”
Don’t have a full hour? No problem. Keep a running list of low-pressure ideas you can do in 10 minutes or less (I keep my list in my notes app, so everything is in one spot):
- Add a quote or verse to a page
- Make a mini collage with scraps
- Swatch some colors
- Tear out a magazine image that inspires you
- Do a quick gratitude or prayer journaling entry
These little moments keep you connected to your creativity, even on the busiest days.
Be a Lifelong Learner (Even/Especially if You’re a Teacher)
Yes, I teach—but I also learn. I sign up for classes and workshops regularly. Not because I don’t know how to create—but because it keeps me inspired and growing.
Even the simplest course can spark a new direction or rekindle an old idea. Let yourself be a beginner sometimes. Stay curious. And fill your cup from time to time!
Create with God, Not Just for Him
You don’t need a formal prayer to start. Just breathe and invite Him in. A simple “God, I’m here, meet me in this” is enough. Your creativity isn’t separate from your faith—it’s an extension of it.
God’s not grading your work. He just wants to meet you in the making. When you change your mindset and realize this creating thing can be a form of worship, guilt recedes, creativity flourishes, and taking the time to create faithfully becomes food for your soul.
Ask Hard Questions
I had to ask myself a hard question a while back. Was I interested in actually creating, or just preparing to create? I was collecting all the supplies and filling up my Pinterest boards but I wasn’t actually doing the work. Maybe you are stuck in that spot too.
Ask the question – who am I preparing to be, and who do I really want to be? Then stop the prep and move to action. You’ll never be ready enough, have all the perfect supplies, have the perfect craft room, have hours magically pop into your daily schedule. There are a million things that will never line up. You just have to start.
This list has a ton of helpful tips to unlock the door to creative success, but the truth is, you hold the key! Unlock that door sister – I’m cheering for you!
Build a Creative Life That Feels Like Peace
This isn’t about pressure. It’s not about performance. This is about building a creative rhythm that supports your life and your faith. That brings you peace. That gives you joy.
Because when you take that time—to reflect, to create, to be still—you’re not just making art. You’re making room to breathe. You’re making space to hear from God. And you’re showing up for yourself in a way that’s powerful and healing.
You don’t need more time, more supplies, or more training. You just need to start showing up. Be consistent. Be kind to yourself. And let your creativity be a reminder of God’s nearness, your identity, and the joy you were meant to live out.
You were created to create. Let it be messy, let it be holy, let it be yours.
