52 Creativity Affirmations for Burned-out Artists

However you're feeling as you arrive to this post, know that all your emotions are valid and welcome here. Try these gentle creativity affirmations the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, incapable, or frustrated with your momentum. As always, this post is 100% human-crafted, by a neurodivergent and highly sensitive artist who uses these same affirmations in their own practice.

It’s okay to enjoy other hobbies

Don’t feel guilty for the time you spend playing video games, watching TV, scrolling around on the internet, or doing whatever else you like to do with your free time. You’re allowed to have (and indulge in) hobbies that aren’t related to creativity.

It doesn’t make you any less of a creator. It doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy your craft. It just means you’re human and you need more than one hobby to stay mentally stimulated.

In fact, your other hobbies could even boost your creativity skills. For example, playing video games is a great way to learn how to create memorable characters, evocative settings, and plots that hook the reader. And watching TV can give you all sorts of ideas for your next sewing, sculpting, and painting projects.

Of course, there’s a fine line between getting inspired and procrastinating. But don’t let that stop you from taking a break and enjoying some downtime when you feel like you need it.

I choose to keep the faith in myself and my creative abilities

Hope is a choice. A damn difficult one to make at times, but a choice all the same.

Whenever you’re going through a creativity block or you’re overwhelmed with life in general, try to remember this one. Actively choose hope and self-confidence — even if you have to do it over and over again.

If it feels difficult, try remembering all those times your creative practice brought you joy and fulfillment. Reflect on your creative achievements and milestones. And, if you feel ready, try looking back at some of your old artworks to reaffirm your creative ability and growth.

I choose to fall in love with the process and not the end result

As creators who take our art seriously, it can be easy to obsess over the final product. We often feel the urge to get every teensy detail absolutely perfect.

And sure, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to produce something you’re proud of. But when we lose sight of the process, we’re doing ourselves a major disservice.

When you feel yourself starting to get frustrated, take a few deep, calming breaths. Then, ask yourself, “How can I make the process more fun?”

Any time I can devote to my creativity is a win, even if it’s just a few minutes

If creating is your hobby, you know how hard it can be to fit your art around your busy life. It’s difficult enough juggling work, school, kids, appointments, socializing, and everything else life throws at us. How can we make time for creativity regularly with all that going on?

The key is to make time — not to “find” time. But making time doesn’t have to involve carving out an hour out of a day that’s already filled to bursting. It doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your other hobbies or interests.

We can nurture our creativity in bite-sized moments. Any time you’re waiting around for something — the toaster, the microwave, the kettle — try getting creative. Daydream about how you might finish that short story you’re writing. Play around on the Google Arts & Culture app. Heck, check out some of our creativity prompts here at the Joyful Creators Club!

All time and energy you devote to your creativity counts. Yes, it does. No matter what you do or don’t get done.

I create because I enjoy it

Creating is fun and fulfilling! But when things get in the way, or we feel pressured to finish or perfect a piece, it can be easy to forget that.

Technical difficulties are a big one for me, especially when creating and editing video content. I love the challenge of video editing — but when Canva’s slow or a large file download fails, I can’t help but feel aggravated.

When you feel yourself starting to get frustrated, take a quick break if you need to. Do something else to get your mind off things. Try gently reminding yourself why you think creating is fun. Remember all the times you felt joy while creating. Then ask yourself how you can inject some of that joy into your current experience.

I can release the pressure of creating for money or growth

You’re a creator living in a capitalist society. You’ve no doubt felt the pressure to sell your art, monetize your hobbies, and get that #PassiveIncome.

And sure, passive income is great. But making money probably wasn’t the reason you got into creating. (And if it was, that’s cool, too — you do you! And you probably don’t need this affirmation anyway, in that case.)

But if you don’t want to sell your art, or you’re interested in monetizing but don’t feel ready, you don’t have to.

Thing is, we’re conditioned by capitalism to chase more — more sales, more customers, more money. But it’s perfectly okay to create simply because we want to.

I can support myself in small ways when I feel frustrated about my creative endeavors

Some of the affirmations we’ve covered above are all well and good — if you’re able to recognize that you need to use an affirmation. But trauma and health issues can affect our self-awareness and our ability to recognize when we need support.

Try to remember this one first when you’re feeling blocked or frustrated. Just acknowledging that you have the strength and power to support yourself in those moments will do more for your creativity than you might think.

Making art is part of what makes us human

Creativity is a human act. It belongs to everyone. Regardless of whether or not the art you produce is considered “good” by contemporary standards. Regardless of whether or not you choose to monetize. Regardless of whatever limiting beliefs your brain might throw at you.

Keep this creativity affirmation in your back pocket for when imposter syndrome tries to creep in. I’ll say it again: Creating is a human act — it’s never been a question of whether you’re “allowed” to create. You’re allowed to make art for whatever reason you want to. And you’re allowed to call yourself a creator or an artist because you create. Everything you create deserves to be called art. (Yes, it really does.)

When creating, I choose to let go of perfection

All creators have come face-to-face with their inner critic. That toxic voice inside our heads that tells us we’re not good enough. That we’re not capable of doing our art justice. That we don’t deserve to call ourselves artists.

You can choose to let go of the urge to make “perfect” art. First of all, there’s no such thing as perfection. And if there was, wouldn’t our art get really boring, really fast?

To implement this creativity affirmation, you’ll first need to practice recognizing when you’re feeling the urge to create something perfect. This is simple, but it’s not easy. So start by staying vigilant for that inner critic. The more aware you are of those thoughts, the better able you’ll be to shut them down and get back to what’s important — creating!

Every step I take, no matter how small, moves me closer to my creative goals

We’ve said this already, but every single morsel of time you put into your craft counts. All of it. Yes, it does.

If you’re serious about your art and you’ve set creative goals, every moment you spend creating will move you closer to that goal. Standing still won’t get you there. So take a step forward. Even if it’s just a small, awkward li’l shuffle, it still counts. And small steps over time add up to big distances.

My loved ones support my art and creativity

This one might be a little contentious, I know. Especially for those of us who feel very much alone in our creative efforts. Whose loved ones may not actually support our creativity.

But it’s worth reminding yourself this anyway. Because guess what? You are one of your loved ones. And if you support your own art and creativity, that’s enough. It really is.

And if “loved ones” feels too strong, try, “The people in my life support my creativity. My peers support my creativity. My teachers support my creativity.” Try on different creativity affirmations to see what resonates most with you.

And remember, I support your creativity — all of us here at the club do. That’s what we’re here for! So if you’re feeling lonely, drop into the Discord chat, and we’ll cheer you on!

I release the urge to compare myself to other creators

Playing the comparison game is a surefire way to sabotage your creative efforts.

You never know what other folks have going on in their lives — even all those creators you admire and aspire to be like. They’re not perfect. No matter how famous or respected or talented they are, they all started out as beginners.

When you feel this urge, try turning your focus outward instead. Lift up other creators, even in just a small way. You never know how that kindness might find its way back to you and motivate you to continue your creative journey.

My art and creative style are one-of-a-kind

No one else can create the art you can.

Give 5 writers the same prompt, and they’ll all churn out a different story with different characters and writing styles. Give 5 musicians the same song idea, and they’ll all compose wildly different things. Give 5 handicrafters the same idea for a sculpture or knitting project, and each one will come out different. You get the picture.

Sure, your art might be similar in style and substance to other creators’, but no one else has your unique style or approach.

Other people benefit from me sharing my art

Fear is a vicegrip. If we let it get ahold of us, it will feel nearly impossible to shake it off.

Now, before we discuss how to implement this creativity affirmation, let’s get one thing straight: You don’t have to share your art if you don’t want to. For many of us, creativity is a private practice. It’s catharsis. And that’s perfectly valid.

But if you do want to share your art, you can start by practicing in small ways. Share an excerpt of your short story with your closest friends. Create a behind-the-scenes Instagram reel or TikTok video of your creative process. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel, and the less fear will grip you in the future. (Trust me on this one — I’m speaking from experience!)

I release the capitalistic urge to grow my sales purely for growth’s sake

If you sell your art, you’ve undoubtedly felt the pressure to grow, grow, grow. To want more, more, more. Just for the sake of it.

If you’re happy with how much you’re earning from your art, it’s okay to maintain your status quo. If growth for growth’s sake makes you feel uncomfortable or icky, you don’t have to chase it.

And if you do want to grow? Earn more? Win more customers? That’s okay, too. But don’t let capitalism convince you that you must always chase growth, even when you’re happy with where things are in your creative biz.

Creator’s block is temporary, and I know it will pass

We’ve all been there. Staring at a blinking cursor on a blank page. Tapping our pencils against a blank sheet of music. Gazing abjectly at the pottery wheel. Twiddling our thumbs, trying to squeeze a content idea out of our brains. Completely lost for what to create.

But these blocks are temporary. Some blocked periods might feel long, agonizing. But they will pass. Very few creators have ever been blocked permanently.

It’s kinda funny — the more we try to push away the block, the stronger and longer it often becomes. So try doing something else to take your mind off it. Try filling your self-care cup as full as you can before going back to the drawing board. You might find that your block disappears quicker than you thought.

Remember, the universe offers us unlimited inspiration. We just have to keep our eyes, minds, and hearts open to receive it. And more importantly, we have to be willing to seek it out.

My creative output does not determine my worth as a person

Write this on a sticky note and paste it to your mirror, my friends. I’ll say it again: “Your creative output does not determine your worth as a person.”

It can be easy to forget this. Especially for those of us who make a living from our art.

If you don’t finish that painting when you said you would, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. If you didn’t work on your book this week because you’ve been swamped at work, it doesn’t mean you’re not a writer or that you’re a failure.

Your productivity has no bearing on your personhood. Period.

Constructive criticism makes me a better creator — it’s not a personal attack

Asking for feedback on your art is nerve-racking, to put it lightly. And when that feedback is anything less than praises on high, many of us instinctively go into defensive mode.

But constructive criticism is nothing to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about. Notice I said constructive criticism; not all feedback is created equal. There may be times when people are overly harsh or judging a piece based on their personal preferences. At times, it can be hard to know what’s constructive and what’s not.

I’ll tell y’all a story of one of the most humiliating pieces of feedback I’ve ever received. It was 2013, Poetry class. Each week, someone submitted a poem to be workshopped by the entire class.

When it was my turn to workshop, I submitted my poem, “Channeling Mother Nature”, inspired by a photo I saw of a rainbow lake. I thought it was the shit. I was so proud of it.

But the class tore it apart. The teacher, who I respected and got along well with, was especially brutal. Like, he straight up said it was bad.

I wanted to bury my head in my hands and run out the door crying. (I was feeling especially sensitive during this time because I was fresh out of the hospital from a mental breakdown and barely sleeping because of my new meds.)

But I didn’t. I chose to listen to their feedback, because I knew they weren’t giving it to be cruel. They were trying to help me become a better writer.

So I took the bits of feedback I thought were worthy of my attention, let the rest go, and revised the poem. And it turned into a piece that I really am proud of. (And that my teacher said had improved a lot from the first draft!)

We gotta develop thick skin to grow as artists. And one of the best ways to do that is to seek out feedback regularly from other artists you respect and vibe with.

And remember, you don’t have to take all feedback on board, either. If something doesn’t feel right to you, it’s totally okay to ignore it. (Within reason, of course.)

When I experience creative burnout, I can take space to care for myself until I’m ready to create again

Like anything, too much creativity can be a bad thing. Hyperfocusing on creativity can burn us out quickly and hinder our ability to care for ourselves.

If you’re feeling burned out on your art, it’s okay to do something else for a bit. Enjoy a different hobby. Go for a walk. Grab a bite to eat at your favorite cafe. Take a hot shower or bubble bath. Whatever feels comfy for you!

Even the world’s best artists were once beginners with no experience

Every single great artist started out at square one. Sure, some creators felt the urge to create from a very young age. Which means they may have gotten a head start and racked up more experience. But that doesn’t mean they’re more entitled to call themselves artists than you are.

This creativity affirmation was inspired by a friend of mine. A few years ago, when I first started playing banjo, he asked how it was going. I said I “only” knew a couple of songs and I was struggling with it.

He said, “Even Earl Scruggs started out knowing only two songs.”

That made me feel a lot better, because it’s true. Earl Scruggs is now considered the father of bluegrass banjo. But he started out as a beginner too. The difference is, he kept practicing. Kept refining his craft. Pushed through the creative blocks and the frustration. And eventually became one of the greatest banjo players in the world.

Devoting time and effort to my creativity makes me a better artist

Ya know how, when you’re trying to achieve a big goal like losing a certain amount of weight, you can’t tell how much progress you’ve made? Until one day, you look in the mirror, and you actually see the changes?

It’s the exact same with creativity. You can’t see the progress you’re making while you’re making it. But one day, you’ll look back and fully realize just how integral each creative session was to your development and growth.

I can take small steps to overcome my fears

From figuring out whether an idea is worth pursuing to sharing a polished piece with the world, fear infiltrates every part of the creative process for many artists. And if we give in, all those “What if?”s buzzing around in our heads can stop us in our tracks and halt our creative progress.

Here’s the thing: Unless you have an ego the size of Mars, you’re not gonna wake up one day completely and permanently fearless. Like all other emotions, fear comes in waves. And you gotta learn how to ride those waves to achieve your unique version of creative success.

Taking small steps is a great place to start. For example, if you’re doubting whether an idea is worth pursuing but it’s something you’re super excited about, lean in to that excitement and just start somewhere. Let go of what other people might think, and trust yourself to create the things that inspire and motivate you most.

Consistency looks different for everyone

This is one of the most important affirmations for creativity because it’s so true. So many creative communities will tell you that you need to be creative every day. That if you miss a day, you’re a failure. That you’re not dedicated enough to your craft. That you’re not trying hard enough.

Well, I’m here to tell you that’s all bullshit, my creative compadre. Consistency means something different to everyone. And being consistent doesn’t always have to mean doing something every single day without fail.

Ya know how they say everyone has the same number of hours in a day as Beyonce, so they have no excuse for not crushing their goals? I’m callin’ bullshit on that one, too. Because guess what we plebs don’t have? The money, fame, influence, and ability to outsource that Beyonce has.

So ditch all the comparisons and decide what “consistency” means to you (and how important it is for your creative process).

I create for myself first — need ig post

This is a handy affirmation for when you feel pressured by a deadline or you’re scared of what others might think of your art.

Pressure and fear will crop up — it’s just a fact of the creativity life. But when they do, remember that you create for yourself first and foremost. Even if you’ve been commissioned to do a piece or you’re planning to share your art with others.

If you’re like most creators, you started doing this creativity thing because you wanted to. Because you’re interested in it. Because you’re excited by it. Because you like it.

And sure, maybe you also knew you wanted to make money from your art. That’s also totally valid. But keep those other, more emotional motivators at the forefront. Especially if you feel you’ve lost some self-confidence in your creative ability. Remember, you’re in control of your creativity and what you produce. So do it for yourself first.

I am an artist

If you create, you’re an artist. Simple as that.

As long as you put time and effort into your creativity — no matter how little — you are an artist. You’re not an “aspiring” artist. You’re not a “hopeful”. You’re an artist, point blank, period.

You can swap out “artist” for whatever describes you. I am a musician. I am a content creator. I am a sculptor. (You get the gist.)

When imposter syndrome creeps up, try this creativity affirmation on for size. And repeat it as often as you need to until you really start to believe it.

Ideas and inspiration are infinite and abundant — I choose to seek them out

Writer’s block, artist’s block — these are just a couple of different types of creative blocks that you may encounter.

But many creators, particularly writers, will have you believe that creative block doesn’t exist. That’s simply not true. Because creative block comes in all shapes and forms. It’s not just, “Oh, I have no idea what to write about.” Sometimes, it can come from extenuating circumstances or trauma.

Forcing ourselves to create through that may only backfire. Rather than beating ourselves up, we can choose to remind ourselves that inspiration is infinite. The universe is bursting at the seams with it. And more importantly, we have to be willing to go out and find it.

The process of creating excites me

This may not always feel true to you, especially when you run into technical difficulties or you’re working to a deadline.

If you feel crunched or overwhelmed by your creativity, take a moment to pause. Remind yourself that creativity is inherently fun. (Let go of any notions that creativity is “supposed” to be fun — these may only reinforce any frustration you’re feeling.)

When creativity starts to feel like work, I choose to reconnect with the joy I feel when making

This creativity affirmation piggybacks off the one above. If you monetize your art or create consistently, your creative process may begin to feel like work. It may feel difficult or uninspiring.

But this is true for most things in life, not just creativity. (Remember that old saying, “Too much of a good thing is a bad thing”?)

If creating starts to feel like a grind rather than a release, take a break for however long you need, and repeat this affirmation to yourself. If you’re not sure how to reconnect with the joy, ask yourself, “What small creative act would feel fun to me right now?” And then go do that thing! Even if it’s totally unrelated to whatever project you’re working on.

I am capable of creating things that make me feel happy and fulfilled

At the end of the day, your creativity is for you. Even if you sell your art. Even if you feel driven to create pieces that will resonate with others.

For many artists, sharing our art and getting positive reactions from it is a major goal. But don’t prioritize engagement from others over your own fulfillment. Create things that make you feel happy, joyful, and fulfilled first.

Feelings of frustration and inadequacy will pass if I let them

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned as a neurodivergent creator is that all feelings are temporary, and they will pass — if I let them.

“Let” is the key word here. It’s hard to let go of intense feelings, especially those that tell us we’re not good enough. Many of us try to distract ourselves or push the feeling away. Of course, this only tends to reinforce it.

Practice accepting your feelings fully, without judgment — even the “negative” ones. Your feelings may be trying tell you something. Maybe you’re not doing enough of what nourishes your soul. Or maybe you’re not getting enough rest or self-care.

Try your best not to cling to negative self-talk or accept it as infallible truth. Open your heart, listen to what the feeling is trying to tell you, and gently let it go.

I am constantly evolving and improving as an artist

Every creative act has something to teach you. Every tiny thing you do to hone your creativity helps you grow, improve, and evolve.

Checking out other artists’ work to get inspired. Brainstorming for new ideas. Looking out for tidbits of inspiration as you go through your daily life. All these actions make you a better artist.

You are constantly growing. Even if you don’t devote as much time to your creativity as you feel you “need” to. Even if you’re not where you want to be yet. Learn to love the journey, not the destination.

I am leaning in to joy, hope, and excitement

This is a good creativity affirmation to keep in your back pocket for those stormy mental health days. And this one applies to every area of your life, not just creativity.

It can be so easy to get caught up in doomscrolling through the daily news cycle. With so much shit going on in the world, it can be easy to lose hope about life in general.

But in every moment, we have a choice. We can choose to identify things in our life, no matter how small, that make us feel joyful, hopeful, and excited.

If you need this affirmation today, try making a list of all those things that make you feel hopeful. Refer back to it as often as you need to. You might be surprised at how quickly and effectively it can boost your outlook.

I am so much more than my creative setbacks

Any setbacks or roadblocks you’ve experienced in your creative life do not determine your worth as a person.

Let’s say it again: Your creative setbacks do not determine your worth as a person.

To quote Walt Whitman, you contain multitudes. You’re made up of all sorts of identities. Your family identity. Your place in society. The work you do. Your beliefs. Your values. Your personality. Your quirks.

Your creativity is only one part of you. Maybe a small part, maybe a huge part. Either way, any “failures” you experience in your creative life don’t cancel out achievements in other areas of your life. And besides, you’re not just a list of achievements and failures anyway — you’re a human being.

I am thankful for the ability and space to create

Creativity is a gift in more ways than one. It can be all too easy to lose sight of that when we’re struggling.

Look around the physical space where you do most of your creating. What do you see?

Maybe you see a laptop. A cup of your favorite beverage. The tools you use to create — fancy pens and notebooks, paintbrushes and canvases, your sewing machine, a musical instrument.

Now take a look at the room around you. What do you see? Maybe some photos of your loved ones. A tapestry that a friend gave you. A comfy bed. A corkboard with all sorts of ideas and sketches pinned to it. A bookshelf containing infinite knowledge and wisdom.

Give thanks for each of these things that give you the ability to create. Keep looking for them, and you might be surprised at just how long your list turns out to be!

I create art that is meaningful to me

The definition of “meaningful” is unique to you. It doesn’t always have to be this deep, grandiose, thought-provoking thing. Maybe “meaningful” art means doodling something you think is cute, unique, or interesting. Whatever “meaningful” means to you, lean into it, and don’t be afraid to stick to your guns no matter what others think about it.

I am willing to let go of the limiting beliefs that keep me stuck as a creator

When our inner critic rears its ugly head, our instinct tells us to run from those feelings or distract ourselves immediately. Funnily enough, attempting to run from our limiting beliefs only tends to reinforce them.

And sometimes, it’s easy to believe the negative narratives our brains create. The kinds of thoughts that tell us we’re not good enough and that we don’t deserve to call ourselves artists.

If you feel like these beliefs are stuck on a loop, remind yourself that you’re willing to let them go so you can grow. Your limiting beliefs will only hinder your creative efforts.

I share my art because I want to

This is a really good affirmation to have on those days when you feel pressured to share your art so you can make money or earn validation and engagement from others.

Remind yourself that you share your art because you want to, full stop, first and foremost. If the pressure of success — even your own unique definition of it — feels too heavy to carry, remind yourself why you like sharing your art. Maybe it’s so you can positively impact your community, bring a bit of beauty to someone’s day, or connect with other creators.

I release the fear of what other people will think of my art

As artists, we’ve all been afraid to share our work at some point. We might be scared of being criticized, ridiculed, or mocked.

And those are perfectly valid emotions. But we must be careful not to let them overtake us and stop us from creating. It’s one thing to create for yourself because your art is very personal to you. But it’s another thing to let fear of what other people think stop you from creating altogether.

If you choose to share your art, know that’s a courageous decision. And remember, the more you share your art, the more comfortable you’ll get with putting yourself out there. So keep practicing, and you’ll find that the fear diminishes on its own.

I believe in my ability to create beautiful things

Feel free to swap “beautiful” for whatever adjective feels right to you.

And if “believing in yourself” feels too lofty or strong, try honoring or recognizing your ability first. “I recognize that I have the ability to create beautiful things” may feel like an easier reminder to swallow if you’re feeling especially down.

I can create moments of joy in my life and creative practice

This is one of my favorite tried and tested creativity affirmations. Joy is a choice that we can make in every moment. Sure, it sounds somewhat cliche and perhaps even a little too good to be true.

But when we’re having an awful day and the whole world seems to be against us, it’s important to recognize that we do have the ability to turn things around. That we can create slivers of fun and joy for ourselves.

Ask yourself, “What are the smallest possible steps I can take to make life and creativity more fun?” Then, pick something from the list and go do that thing!

I celebrate my creativity

All humans have the capacity for creativity, but not everyone feels in tune with that capacity or wants to nurture it. And that’s totally okay.

But creative people are amazing, and their creativity is worth celebrating. Think about how empty the world would feel if we had no music, no art, no sculpture, no stories. Creativity adds color and flavor to our world, and it makes life worth living.

The people who make that possible deserve to be celebrated — and that includes you! So take a moment to celebrate your creativity and all the ways in which it’s nurtured you (and others, if that applies).

I honor my unique style and artistic approach

No one’s creations will ever be quite like yours. Sure, you might use the same or similar tools as other creators in your preferred artform. You might take inspiration from their style and approach.

But even if you’re not where you want to be yet in terms of artistic skill, your creations are uniquely yours. So take a minute to acknowledge that your art is 100% unique and always will be.

I choose to fully participate in my creative practice

From social media to intrusive thoughts, there are all sorts of distractions out there just waiting to pull you away from your creative endeavors.

It can be really easy to give in, especially when we’re feeling tired or burned out. We’re hard-wired to take the path of least resistance. To conserve our energy in case we need it. That’s part of why you might feel more tempted to scroll social media than practice your instrument or write your story.

But you have a choice. You can devote your full time and attention to your creativity, even if it’s just for a few moments. It all counts! So the next time your mind starts to wander or you feel the temptation to do something else, remind yourself that you can make a choice. And besides, your phone (and your busy brain) will still be there waiting for you after you’ve finished your creative session.

I let go of others’ thoughts on what I “should” be creating

This is a big one, especially for artists who feel like their peers or loved ones disapprove of their art.

As a creative writer, I can’t tell you how many times well-meaning people have tried to control what I’m working on. “You should write a story about XYZ!” (Yeah, okay Sheila, I can’t even finish the story I’ve been working on for 3 years, but I’ll get right on that!)

You are the only one who gets to decide what you want to create. If someone suggests a project or idea that doesn’t gel with you, you don’t have to listen to it or follow it. Gently release other people’s notions of what you “should” be working on, and joyfully do your own thing instead.

I choose to uplift other creators in the ways I would like to be uplifted

Getting complimented on our creations is one of the best feelings in the world. And when we feel that kind of support is missing from our creative lives, it can be easy to fall into a pit of self-doubt and limiting beliefs.

If you want to feel more uplifted in your creative life, try uplifting others first. My mama used to always say, “Whatever you give will always come back to you.” So if you give support, you’ll receive it. Maybe not immediately. And maybe not in the way you necessarily wanted or expected. But keep the faith, and you’ll eventually reap the fruits of all the seeds of support you sow!

When I start to beat myself up, I choose to speak to myself the way I would a friend in the same situation

Here’s a nugget of free therapy for y’all: Pretend that your thoughts and emotions don’t belong to you, but instead to a friend or someone you love dearly.

Really imagine them sitting across from you, saying all the things you’re thinking and feeling right now. How would you respond if it was them in that situation and not you? I’m willing to be you’d respond with kind, gentle words. As you formulate your response, really lean into it, and direct that kindness and compassion toward yourself.

I know this creativity affirmation works because I use it often! The next time you’re feeling self-critical, try it out and see how you get on.

I can adjust my creative practice according to my energy levels and the season of life I’m in

Here’s the thing: You’re not gonna feel creative all the time. You’re not gonna feel that spark of inspiration every time you sit down to make something. And sometimes, nurturing a creative practice at the expense of your own mental health can actually be counterproductive.

If you’re struggling with a mental health condition, or you’re navigating a challenging circumstance that takes up significant time and energy, it’s okay to take a break from your creative practice. It’s okay to devote less time to your creativity. Pushing yourself to create during challenging times could only make you feel worse about yourself and your circumstances.

So if you feel like creating because it might help take your mind off things, go for it. But if you feel like creating will only add to your stress, then step away for as long as you need to. It’s okay. Yes, it really is. Run your own race at your own pace.

I choose to focus on what I can control

How many views your posts get, how many sales you make, what your audience will think about your art — a lot of your creative success is completely out of your hands.

The more time you spend fixating on things that are beyond your control, the less time and energy you’ll have to devote to your creativity. And that’s what really matters.

Remember, you can’t control the outcome, but you can always control your actions. So if you find yourself fretting about things that you can’t change, ask yourself, “What can I do instead to get closer to where I want to be?” Identify those actions, break them down into the smallest steps manageable, list them in order of easiest to hardest, and get movin’!

I look back fondly on my past artistic works because they made me the artist I am today

Most artists have looked back on at least one of their works and gone, “OMG. Cringe. Kill it with fire.” before promptly hiding it away, never to see the light of day again.

Well, I’m here to tell you that those wince-inducing past pieces of yours are nuggets of gold. They have important lessons to teach you. Actually, they’ve already taught you so much! The fact that you look back and think they’re “worse” or “bad” means you’ve grown. And that means a hell of a lot for your creativity.

So be proud of those “bad” pieces you produced in the past. And if you’re really up for an enlightening creative exercise, dissect those works to discover what you think makes them “bad” or “unworthy” of attention. By doing so, you’ll figure out what you’d like to avoid in the future when creating.

I am grateful that I kept creating through tough times

Oh, man. This is one I really need to hear myself, so I know y’all need to hear it too.

As human beings, we have highs and lows. Peaks and valleys. And when we’re stuck or lost in the valleys, creativity can be the life-preserver that helps pull us out.

That doesn’t mean we should force or pressure ourselves to create if we’re experiencing trauma, health problems, or other difficult things. At the same time, we should try to keep our hearts and minds open — getting stuck in to a good creative project can make the whole world fall away and provide some well-deserved respite.

I am lucky to have unlimited access to creativity resources and educational materials

Imagine how different the Mona Lisa might look if Leonardo DaVinci was alive today.

He might’ve drawn her on his iPad in Procreate. He might’ve made her a character in his animated TV show. Or kept her as a painting — a wall decoration in the video game he’s programming. Who knows? Maybe he would’ve asked an AI tool to generate her.

We have access to tools and resources beyond our ancestors’ wildest dreams. But it can be easy to forget that when we’re in a slump.

Simply acknowledging the wealth of creative education, resources, tools, and strategies available to us can help uplift our spirits. At any moment, we can start learning new skills, styles, approaches, and techniques — instantly and for free. How blessed are we?

I release the urge to seek others’ approval or validation of my art

Of course, as artists, we want to create things that evoke an emotional reaction in others. Maybe we want to write stories that make people tear up because they feel heard or understood. Maybe we want to create art that stops people in their tracks and enraptures them for a moment. Or maybe we want to shock people with something unexpected or different.

But that desire for other people’s approval or admiration shouldn’t hold us back from creating. And it shouldn’t be the sole driving force behind our creativity, either. Create for yourself first and foremost.

Hopefully you found tons of artistic goodness in here to help you stay afloat on those bad days! What are your fave affirmations from this list?

Creativity affirmations for writers, artists, and creators — wrapping up

Hopefully you found tons of artistic goodness in here to help you stay afloat on those bad days! What are your fave affirmations from this list?