Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s not some rare talent you’re either born with or not—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be developed, strengthened, and nurtured. If you’ve ever looked at someone else and thought, “I wish I could be that creative,” I have good news for you: you can.

No matter where you’re starting from, you can teach yourself to become more creative through small, intentional habits. Whether you want to paint, write, design, or simply bring more creative thinking into your life, there are simple ways to grow your creative muscles.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I first started painting, I had no formal training. But by practicing consistently, experimenting with new ideas, and pushing past perfectionism, I found a new level of creativity I didn’t even know I had. And you can do the same.

Want a head start? Grab my Creativity Playbook with 90-days worth of practices to help you get started on your journey to become more creative. 

Now, let’s talk about how to become more creative.

1. Remember That Creativity Is a Skill You Can Build

Many people believe creativity is something you either have or don’t. But that’s simply not true! Creativity is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. As simple as it sounds, remembering this is the first step to become more creative.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or like you’re “just not creative,” I promise, you are. The trick is to practice creativity regularly, even when you don’t feel particularly inspired (because waiting for inspiration is a recipe for never creating). The more you engage with creativity, the more natural it becomes.

In the video below, I share more about how creativity actually works. Spoiler: it’s not about waiting for some magical burst of inspiration. It’s about building habits that make creativity part of your everyday life.

2. Set Aside Time for Creative Practice

Next, if you want to become more creative, you have to make time for it. Creativity doesn’t just show up when it’s convenient—it grows when you give it space.

The good news? You don’t need hours of free time to develop creativity. Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a huge difference (yes, really—set a timer and try it).

Try setting a small goal, like:

• Sketching in a notebook for 10 minutes (doodles absolutely count).
• Playing with watercolor swatches.
• Writing down five new creative ideas every morning.

It’s not about making perfect art—it’s about showing up consistently. Over time, these small moments add up, and before you know it, creativity becomes a natural part of your life.

3. Use Prompts and Challenges

Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start. That’s where prompts and challenges come in—they take the pressure off by giving you a creative starting point.

I created The Creativity Playbook for exactly this reason. It’s full of exercises designed to help you become more creative by pushing you out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re painting, journaling, or trying a new medium, prompts can help spark new ideas.

Some quick prompt ideas to try:

• Paint something using only three colors.
• Write a short story about an object in your room.
• Create something using only scraps or recycled materials.

By taking the pressure off and just having fun, you’ll find that creativity starts to flow naturally (eventually!).

4. Experiment with Different Mediums

Creativity thrives on exploration. If you feel stuck, try a new medium. Different materials and techniques activate different parts of your brain, leading to new ideas and breakthroughs (and sometimes a glorious, colorful mess—embrace it!).

Some ideas to help you become more creative through experimentation:

• Watercolor (my personal favorite—it teaches patience and flow).
• Gouache (a mix of watercolor and acrylic with a velvety finish).
• Digital art (great for experimenting with color and composition).
• Collage or mixed media (layering materials can lead to surprising results!).

Even if you’ve always considered yourself “just a painter” or “just a writer,” stepping outside your comfort zone can open up new creative pathways. The more you experiment, the more creative you’ll become.

5. Create a Space for Creativity

Your environment plays a big role in creativity. If your workspace is cluttered, distracting, or uninspiring, it’s harder to get into that creative flow (ever tried painting at a messy desk? It’s not fun).

Take some time to create a designated creativity space. It doesn’t have to be a full studio—just a small, organized area with your supplies can make a big difference.

I shared some of my favorite tips in Organizing Your Art Space: Tips from an Artist, but here are some quick ways to make your space more inspiring:

• Keep your most-used supplies within reach.
• Display artwork, quotes, or objects that inspire you.
• Remove clutter that distracts from creativity.

When your space is set up for creativity, it’s easier to dive in without hesitation (or make excuses).

6. Take a Course to Deepen Your Skills

Sometimes, the best way to become more creative is by learning something new. A great course can introduce you to new techniques, help you push past creative blocks, and give you a structured way to practice.

If you’re looking for guidance, my course The Art Within is designed to help you tap into your creativity and overcome self-doubt. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, it will help you find new creative possibilities.

7. Start with the Basics (and Build from There)

If you’re interested in watercolor but don’t know where to start, I created The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor as a FREE simple, step-by-step introduction to the fundamentals. Sometimes, all it takes is learning the right techniques to unlock a whole new level of creativity.

By starting with the basics and gradually building your skills, you’ll find that creativity becomes easier and more natural. It’s way easier to become more creative when you have a few of the fundamental skills.

8. Give Yourself Permission to Create Bad Art

Lastly, perfectionism is one of the biggest creativity killers. If you’re always focused on making something “good,” you’ll never allow yourself to take risks—and creativity thrives on risk-taking.

Give yourself permission to make messy, imperfect, experimental art. Some of my favorite paintings started as total disasters! The more you let go of the outcome, the more you’ll become more creative in the process.

Final Thoughts on Becoming More Creative

If there’s one thing I want you to know, it’s that creativity isn’t about making perfect art. It’s about exploration, curiosity, and showing up—even when you don’t feel inspired.. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

So start small. Set aside a few minutes a day, try a new medium, or challenge yourself with a prompt. Over time, you’ll build creative confidence and discover just how much you’re capable of. Now, go create something! And if you need a little help getting started, head here and grab my Creativity Playbook!