Creativity can sometimes feel like a mysterious gift that only a few lucky people are born with. Trust me, I hear it all the time, “I wish I was as creative as you.” But I’m here to tell you a little secret—creativity isn’t some magical talent that you either have or don’t have. It’s more like a muscle, and like any muscle, it can be trained, stretched, and strengthened over time.

As someone who started out as a self-taught artist and turned my love for creating into a full-blown career, I’m living proof that anyone can become more creative if they put their mind to it. You don’t need to try to master every art form or turn into a creative genius overnight. Instead, today I want to talk to you about embracing small habits, being open to new ideas, and giving yourself permission to play and explore.

So, if you’re wondering how to become more creative and really tap into that inner creative voice of yours, I’ve got some practical tips for you. And guess what? With a little dedication, you can do it all in just 90 days! Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Becoming More Creative

I’m the kind of person who will always tell you the why before the how. So before we jump into the how-to’s, let’s talk about why it’s worth the effort to become more creative. Sure, we all know that creativity is fun and a great outlet, but did you know that boosting your creativity also has some seriously amazing benefits for your brain and overall well-being?

• Boosts Your Problem-Solving Skills: Engaging in creative activities trains your brain to think outside the box and find solutions where others see obstacles. The more I play with different ideas in my art, the easier it becomes to tackle challenges in my business and everyday life!
• Reduces Stress and Increases Happiness: Creativity has a magical way of grounding you in the present moment. When I’m painting, everything else fades away—it’s like a mental vacation. This isn’t just me either, studies show that creative activities reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and release dopamine, the brain's happy chemical! Learn more about the connection between art and mental health here.
• Improves Cognitive Function: Lastly, practicing creativity actually boosts your brainpower! It activates different areas of your brain, strengthens neural connections, and enhances cognitive functions like memory and analytical skills. You can read more about how our brains function when we’re being creative here.

The Myth: “I’m Just Not a Creative Person”

One of the biggest myths out there is that creativity is this all-or-nothing trait—you either have it, or you don’t. But, let’s address that little voice in your head that might be saying, “But I’m just not a creative person!” I get it—this is something I hear all the time from people who think they missed the creativity gene. Here’s the truth: Creativity isn’t some mystical gift; it’s a skill that anyone can develop.

As I mentioned earlier, creativity is like a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. If you believe you’re not creative, it’s probably because you haven’t exercised that muscle enough. And that’s okay! It doesn’t mean you can’t start flexing those creative muscles now and make them stronger over time.

And the best part is, there are so many ways to nurture that potential! Now, let’s get into the how!

How to Become More Creative in Just 90 Days

Alright, so how do you actually become more creative in just 90 days? The key is to break it down into simple steps and commit to practicing them consistently. Here’s how you can turn that “I’m not creative” mindset into “Wow, look at what I just made!”

1. Put Time on Your Calendar

First things first, if you want to become more creative, you have to make time for it. This is one of those non-negotiables. I know life gets busy, and it’s easy to let creative activities fall to the bottom of your to-do list, but trust me on this—schedule it! Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, put it in your calendar like you would an important meeting or a workout.

Think of it like building a habit. The more you show up for your creativity, the more it’ll show up for you. Whether you’re painting, doodling, writing, or even brainstorming new ideas, setting aside time for these activities is the best way to train that creative muscle!

2. Experiment and Play

The biggest breakthroughs in creativity come when you give yourself permission to play. I know, it sounds a little silly, but hear me out! Sometimes, we put so much pressure on ourselves to make something perfect that we forget how to just have fun with the process. Try setting a goal to create without judgment (more on that here!) for a few minutes every day.

I often tell my students to try different mediums—maybe a little watercolor one day, some sketching the next, or even a bit of writing or poetry. The goal isn’t to make a masterpiece; it’s to explore and see what sparks your imagination.

3. Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Surrounding yourself with inspiration is like giving your creativity the spark it needs to thrive! This might mean following other artists or creatives on Instagram, reading books that fuel your imagination, or simply spending time in nature. For me, being out in nature, listening to music and traveling brings a rush of new ideas and colors that I can’t wait to bring to life on paper.

If you’re feeling a little stuck, head to my Instagram for a dose of inspiration! And for even more insight, check out this blog on how to be inspired by an artist without copying—it’s full of ideas to help you stay true to your own style!

4. Keep a Creativity Journal

I’m a huge fan of journaling. Try starting a creativity journal where you can scribble down your thoughts, doodles, color palettes, and ideas. Over time, it becomes a true treasure trove you can turn to whenever you need a spark or a fresh perspective. If you’re looking for a great place to start, you can find the journals I love to use in my Amazon shop.

Need Some Accountability? Grab the Creativity Playbook!

If you’re serious about boosting your creativity and you want a little help with the accountability piece (plus a ton of ideas from me to get you started), grab my Creativity Playbook! It’s packed with exercises, hacks, and tips to help you build your creative habit day by day, and keep you inspired even when life gets busy.

Go Forth and Become More Creative!

Becoming more creative isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about discovering the creative potential that's already within you. It’s about letting go of the fear that you’re not good enough or talented enough, and just allowing yourself to play and explore.

In just 90 days, with a little bit of practice and a whole lot of curiosity, you’ll be amazed at how much your creativity can grow. So, grab your calendar, set that creative time, and let’s get started on this journey together. I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

And if you're ready to take your creativity to the next level, I’d love to invite you to join me and over 1,000 students in The Art Within course. It’s designed to guide you through the basics of watercolor painting, help you develop your unique style, and give you the tools to bring your creative ideas to life.