If you’ve been following me on Instagram lately, you know I’ve been making some changes to the kind of content I want to create. One of the things I want to share more about? The importance of creative expression. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting to explore your creative side, engaging in a creative practice can transform your life in so many wonderful ways. In this post, I’ll share five reasons why nurturing your creativity is so important, so grab a beverage and get comfy – I’m giving you permission to play again.

First, What Is Creative Expression?

Before we get into why creative expression is so important, let me explain what I mean by it. For me, creative expression is all about sharing your thoughts, emotions, and ideas through different art forms. This can be anything from painting, writing, and music to dance, sculpture, and even digital art. It’s about using your imagination and skills to create something that's uniquely yours, reflecting who you are and how you see the world. Creative expression goes beyond just making art—it's a way to communicate your inner self, explore your creativity, and find joy and purpose in bringing your visions to life. 

After many years as an artist, I've seen firsthand how powerful creative expression can be for self-discovery and personal growth, and that’s why I want to talk about it today.

1. A Creative Practice Can Help You Become a Better Problem Solver

This one might be my favorite benefit of creative expression. When you're creating, you often encounter situations where things don't go as planned. Maybe the colors you've chosen aren't working together the way you imagined, or you’ve overworked the paint on your watercolor brush. These moments require you to think on your feet, to experiment and iterate, which ultimately is the essence of problem-solving. 

And these problem-solving skills? They aren’t just limited to the art you create! For instance, at work, when you're faced with a project hiccup, you can use the same problem-solving skills (and mental flexibility you’ve achieved) to find more innovative solutions than your colleagues who might not have the same creative practice. Our art forces us to embrace the uncertainty and experiment with different solutions, which I believe ultimately makes us better human beings in all areas of our life. 

2. Creative Expression Enhances Your Overall Well-Being

I know this might sound a little vague but keep reading. Engaging in creative expression offers significant psychological and emotional benefits that can enhance your overall well-being. When you immerse yourself in a creative activity, whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or any other form of art, you tap into a powerful outlet for your emotions. This process can help you process complex feelings, reduce stress, and find a sense of inner peace. Creative expression allows you to explore and articulate your thoughts and emotions in a way that words alone often cannot, providing a therapeutic release that can improve your mental health AND physical health (because let’s be honest – stress is one of the worst things we can do to our bodies).

3. Creativity Can Lead You Down a Path to Self-Discovery, and Help You Find Your Purpose

I know a lot of these things might feel intangible now, but trust me, as you get more and more comfortable expressing yourself, you’ll see just how tangible (and life-changing) this really can be. The process of creation can become like a mirror, reflecting aspects of your inner world that you may not have acknowledged before. I’m often surprised at what I can learn about myself after painting for hours, or looking at an old art project with new eyes.

On top of that, in the throes of artistic creation, my biggest wish for you is that you will find a powerful sense of fulfillment and joy that points you towards your life’s calling. For some, this might mean pursuing art as a career, but it doesn’t need to make you money in order to be a meaningful part of your life. Creativity is a tool for personal growth and creative expression is how we sharpen it. 

4. Creative Expression Builds Your Confidence

Lastly, when you create something, you're telling the world, “This is me, and this is how I see things.” This is true whether you ever “showcase” your work publicly or not. Over time, this constant affirmation helps build a strong sense of self-worth. You start to believe in your own vision, and that belief translates into confidence in other areas of your life too. 

Another great thing about creative expression is that it teaches you resilience. Not every project turns out the way you want it to, and that's okay. It's all part of the learning process. Each mistake is a stepping stone, and every “failure” is just another chance to grow and improve. 

Let's not forget the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful or meaningful. Whether you're sharing your work with others or keeping it just for yourself, there's a profound sense of accomplishment in bringing your ideas to life. That sense of pride you feel after declaring something “finished” is incredibly empowering.

Wondering Where to Start? Start with a Daily Practice.

I get it—thinking about creative expression can feel a bit overwhelming or abstract, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. But here's the good news: you don't have to dive into a massive project right away. You don’t need to head into the forest for three days with nothing but a paint brush and hope to find yourself. Start small, and make creativity a part of your daily routine. Whether it's doodling for a few minutes, jotting down your thoughts in a journal, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, every little bit counts. Creativity is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

By committing to a daily creative practice, you'll gradually build your confidence and discover more about yourself along the way. So, give yourself permission to play and explore. You might be surprised at how much joy and fulfillment it brings to your life.

Want to Try Watercolor?

It’s no secret that around here, watercolor is my preferred medium for creative expression (although I do give myself permission to play, too!). If you know you want to start an art practice, and have been curious about watercolor, check out my free e-book that gives you a COMPLETE beginner’s guide to watercolor. From the supplies I use to some fundamental techniques you need to learn, I cover it all so you can go from blank canvas to “I love what I created!” as fast as possible. Grab your copy here!