Should we start this blog with a vulnerable share? When I started my business at 23, I had no clue what I was doing. I followed the advice of experts, which worked for a while, but eventually led to burnout and misalignment with my true purpose. If you’ve been following my journey on Instagram, you know I’m reeling back the business stuff and focusing more on helping people express themselves creatively (whether that’s through art, music, relationships, anything!). I believe that if you want more joy, beauty and flow in your life, I believe that having creative outlets is a must. If you’ve been feeling the nudge to bring more creativity into your life, I’m going to share some advice on the “how” today!

3 Creative Outlets Worth Pursuing for Peace and Presence

While I believe that creativity can manifest itself in so many different ways, I also know that especially when you are just getting started, some examples can be helpful. Below, I’m sharing three popular creative outlets that I’ve turned to time and time again. My hope is that this list makes it easier for you to start!

Art as a creative outlet

First, let’s talk about art. In my humble opinion, art is a fantastic creative outlet that offers endless possibilities for self-expression and exploration. As a watercolor artist for years, I've found immense joy and fulfillment in the delicate interplay of water and pigment, creating vibrant, fluid compositions.

While I love watercolor, my creative journey doesn't stop there (and I want to encourage you to explore beyond just one medium as well!). I also love sketching and experimenting with other mediums. Each medium brings its own unique challenges and rewards, allowing me to push the boundaries of my creativity and discover new techniques.

Whether I'm blending colors in a watercolor wash, capturing intricate details with a pencil, or exploring the textures of mixed media, art provides a rich, diverse playground for expressing my inner world and continually evolving as an artist. I find that painting with watercolor can be meditative for me, and I learn a little bit more about myself and my world every time I pick up a paintbrush. 

Music as a creative outlet

Want to know a secret? I’m probably more gifted musically than I am as an artist, despite the fact that I’ve spent over a decade growing my career as an artist. Music is an incredible creative outlet that allows for deep emotional expression and connection. 

Personally, I've always turned to singing as my go-to form of musical expression. There's something profoundly therapeutic about using my voice to convey emotions and tell stories, even if that’s just singing a cover from one of my favorite bands. Singing has been a source of comfort and healing during difficult times, offering words to feelings I couldn't otherwise express. It's also brought immense joy and a sense of flow, allowing me to be fully present in the moment. 

Writing as a creative outlet

Lastly, although I want to be clear that the list of ways to express yourself creatively do not stop here, we have writing. Writing is a wonderful creative outlet that provides a unique way to explore and process thoughts and emotions. While I don't necessarily write books or poetry (other than my watercolor books… yet!), I do incorporate daily journaling into my life.

Journaling allows me to capture the ebb and flow of my experiences, articulate my dreams, and work through challenges. It's a private, safe space where I can freely express myself without judgment. This daily practice helps me gain clarity, set intentions, and cultivate a deeper understanding of my inner world.

Writing, in any form, can be incredibly liberating and grounding, making it an essential part of my creative routine. I will always recommend journaling to everyone I meet, but if you choose writing as your creative outlet, there is no limit as to what you can write and create.

Making Space for a Creative Outlet in Your Life

I like to think of myself as a right-brain and left-brain creative, so I don’t want to tell you to pursue a creative outlet in your life without telling you exactly how to do just that. Here are a few tips to make incorporating your creative outlet of choice easier in your life.

1. Set Aside Dedicated Time

The truth that nobody wants to admit is that creativity thrives on structure. To get started, schedule specific times in your day or week for your creative practice. Treat this time as an important appointment with yourself that you cannot cancel. Here are a few things I recommend doing daily.

2. Create an Inviting Space

It’s hard to create in clutter. As you start making room for a creative outlet in your life, try to find a comfortable and inspiring area in your home to dedicate to it. If you can, fill it with tools, materials, and decor that spark your creativity and make you feel relaxed.

3. Start Small and Simple

If you’re just beginning, start with manageable projects or short time commitments. Not only will this reduce pressure, but it will also make it easier to build a consistent habit.

4. Eliminate Distractions

It’s so hard to unplug in 2024. Trust me, I know, I can be guilty of it too. As you aim to make creativity a larger part of your life, try to give yourself white space too. Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent, and create a quiet environment where you can focus solely on your creative activity without interruptions.

5. Seek Inspiration

Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, such as books, music, nature, or other artists' work. Inspiration can fuel your creativity and keep you motivated. Don’t overthink this, this can be as simple as getting outside and going for a walk.

6. Connect with a Community

I don’t believe us humans were designed to go through everything alone. If you can, join groups or communities of like-minded individuals who share your creative interests. This can provide support, encouragement, and new ideas, which can give you an extra boost of momentum (especially in the beginning!). I might be biased, but I believe the best art community is right here!

The Art Within: Art School Without the Cost (or Commitment!)

Want more where this came from? I created my course, The Art Within, to offer the experience of art school without the hefty cost or long-term commitment. Inside, we dive into a variety of foundational art techniques and mediums, allowing you to explore and expand your creative abilities (while enjoying the process too!). 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this course is designed to be a comprehensive guide to artistic expression. If you're seeking a creative outlet to bring peace and presence into your life, I would love for you to hop on the waitlist. The doors are opening this summer, and I can't wait to support you into this transformative journey.