Creativity takes courage and sometimes we all need reminders, nudges or, if you are like me, a REALLY HARD SHOVE to get back on track and put the fear of making creative things in the corner.
Below I share a little insight into my personal struggle with finding my creative courage.
FREE Creativity Takes Courage Printable Coloring Page
Creativity Takes Courage -Henri Matisse
If you are struggling with finding your creative courage, girl… YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The struggle between doing the thing your heart wants and what your mind tells you, that you SHOULD, COULD or NEED to be doing is very real.
Throw the fear of being judged by peers, self and/or loved ones in the mix and there we have it, a perfect recipe for allowing self-doubt to creep its way into your head.
I AM RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!
Even after chasing creative pursuits through my whole life, I struggle with bouts of self-doubt & creative ruts that bring me to tears, in fact, this new blogging journey was inspired by a rut just like that!
Unbelievably, though, it can be a good thing! Those creative ruts of mine have been catalysts for teaching me lessons I may otherwise not had the opportunity to understand or reasons for propelling forward even when I was resisting hard and didn't think I had it in me. I always seem to turn it around, find my courage and go for it.
A NEW CREATIVE JOURNEY.
So, here I am, dusting myself off and embracing this newfound courage to create something new and better than what I was doing before. I am looking FORWARD to breaking in this blog and using it as a tool to connect with those of you out there looking for some INSPIRATIONAL ZEST to help inspire your own creativity.
Join Me!
THERE IS ALWAYS A LIGHT AT THE END OF A DARK TUNNEL.
During the low times, when I feel like I can't muster another creative project there are things that help. serve as great reminders.
- Being inspired by my favorite artists.
- A peek back through my own art.
- Sharing in an experience of someone else stepping up, finding the courage to express themselves.
- Creating art with friends.
I truly appreciate those who share their struggles, inspiration, and creative insights, without those who have travelled before us, it would be more difficult to find those moments of clarity and see that light.
Goodness, like those guest dancers on Dancing with the Stars or the contestants singing original songs on American Idol, the courage that they must have to chase their creative dreams and make their art stand up to the judgment of a live audience, could you imagine how INTENSE that must be?
GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO EXPRESS CREATIVITY
Whether you are currently struggling with finding or maintaining the creative hobby that suits you, know that even if you allow yourself to get to the point that you feel so lost that you are willing to call it quits YOU CAN turn it around by digging deep, finding that courage and giving yourself permission to take the time to create your art a priority!
Do it even if you are scared!
Regardless of what your anyone says or thinks about your choice of creative pursuit, the only thing that truly matters is the moments YOU experience while in the throes of your personal creative process, creating your magic. Dig in deep and express yourself by learning new techniques, mixing colours, mixing mediums, writing on new topics or moving your body.
No, it won't be perfect, it won't be accepted by everyone, but know this for sure, creative expression isn't for the pleasure of other people, it is about the process of creating the expression and sometimes, the end result is pleasing to look at, sometimes it will just teach you a lesson you needed to learn.
FOCUS ON CREATING WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CREATE
- Art Journals
- Paper cutting
- Junk Journals
- Card Making
- Mixed media collages
- Coloring pages
- Fanfiction writing
- Song Writing
- Scrapbooks
- Sketchbooks
- Decorative Planners
- Tumblers
Whatever ‘your thing' happens to be, nurture, love and cherish your creative habit, watch it evolve and it will serve you well. Hey, before you know it, you may find the value in the processes of creating spreading through all areas of your life.
Ripping paper into tiny pieces for collage may come in handy after watching the news these days… BELIEVE ME!
CREATIVITY TAKES COURAGE ADULT COLORING PAGE
In celebration of my very first post on my new blog, I was inspired to draw this coloring page to thank-you for being here and hopefully serve as a reminder that YOU have that courage within you to be creative!
A fierce lioness, a symbol of feminine strength and empowerment. She fearlessly hunts for food and cares for her young while doing it. Just like the #girlboss she is!
Simply Print & Color this hand-drawn coloring page with your favorite-colored pencils, gel pens or markers.
If you have an iPad pro with a stylus, you may also enjoy the experience of coloring digitally! Import the JPG image onto your iPad, load into procreate or adobe fresco (now free!) and add color!
While coloring make sure you take a moment to think about what inspires you to want or be creative.
How does it feel when you are in the throes of your creative projects?
When you are finished coloring, hang this baby up over your creative space and remember to allow yourself to find the courage to just create and let it be!
You deserve to color, draw, write or whatever that creative journey looks like for you.
HEY, BEFORE YOU GO…
I plan to share so much more inspiration, positive encouragement, and creative printable activities. I have so much planned, so much to share, teach and say.
- Sign up to the Inspirational Zest Newsletter to gain access to the FREE RESOURCES LIBRARY – The ‘Creative Juice' Box!
- Want to see more of my hand-drawn coloring pages? Check out my Printables Shop!
- PIN this Coloring Page so you can find it again!
- Follow me on Instagram < after you color, this page, tag me so I can see it!! @carriestephens
I'm thankful you stopped by & hope to see you around again soon!
Hi Carrie, You have a pretty neat blog, I look forward to seeing more!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, Julie! <3
Beautiful
Thank you so much, Lauri!
-Carrie