Unlocking Creativity: Reflections and Tips for Artists at Every Stage

by Valerie L Valentine

Creativity is one of those sacred things that lives quietly inside us, waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and invited to the surface. Whether you’ve been creating for decades or are just beginning to explore your artistic voice, tapping into that creative spark can feel like unlocking a treasure chest hidden deep within. But like most treasures, it reveals itself with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to begin—again and again.

For me, inspiration rarely arrives on command. It comes in whispers—a fleeting color in the sky, a song that stirs something old, or even the texture of a forgotten object in a drawer. Keeping a sketchbook or visual journal close by helps me catch these little sparks before they disappear. You never know when a scribble or a note might become the seed for something larger.

My current sketch book and three of my favorite drawing implements.

Sometimes, though, inspiration isn’t the problem—resistance is. That’s when I lean into experimentation. Trying something unfamiliar, even if it feels awkward at first, can be the thing that shifts the energy. A new brush. A different medium. An unexpected palette. Even play—especially play—has its place in serious creativity. Not everything has to become a masterpiece. In fact, some of my most meaningful breakthroughs came from work that didn’t “turn out” the way I imagined.

This is an oil painting I did for my mom after my dad passed away. It did not come out the way I imagined it. But for everyone who knew my parents, it speaks volumes. (The poem I painted in the sky was written by my dad.)

There are so many generous artists online who share their wisdom through tutorials, process videos, and step-by-step lessons. I’ve learned a lot this way—sometimes in five-minute bursts, sometimes by diving into longer courses. From traditional watercolor to digital portraiture to textured 3D mixed media, there’s always something new to try. And trying something new is often all it takes to get your creativity flowing again.

Experimenting with texture paste. December 2022.

Another helpful practice? Create a rhythm. A routine doesn’t have to be rigid—just consistent enough to keep you moving. Maybe it’s 20 minutes in the morning with your journal. Or a creative challenge once a week. Or joining an online artist community like the Paintable Tribe by Paintable.cc, Profitable Digital Artists VIP Group | by Happyfox Supply Co, or Procreate Classes by Freya.art , where encouragement and feedback flow freely. Creativity, after all, is like any muscle—it strengthens with use.

But more than anything, unlocking creativity means listening inward. Sometimes that voice is bold, and other times it’s barely audible. Honor it either way. Your creativity doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s not about perfection or performance—it’s about presence. About showing up. About allowing the process to change you.

So if you're in a rut, or if you're just beginning to dip your toes into the artistic waters, know this: your creativity is waiting for you. Pick up your brush, stylus, pencil, or clay—and see what unfolds.

What’s one small creative risk you can take today? Try a new medium, start a visual journal, or even just doodle without judgment. Let it be imperfect. Let it be yours. Your creativity is already within you—this is just the invitation to let it out.