Embrace the Creative Stirring: Tips for Artists

The creative stirring starts. 

Sleep evades me, so I rise early to write. 

The Creative Stirring

This sense that something is missing. There’s more to come. God has other opportunities on the way.

My mind mulls over what I read on  https://janefriedman.com:
Is It a Book? 5 Ways to Test Your Nonfiction Book Idea by Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser .

A suggestion listed under ways to “differentiate your book from others like it” creates a stirring: A fresh form, i.e., adding photos to prose, etc.

This reminded me of a project I started years ago but never finished.  

I creating book collections that merged art and photography with inspirational writings. I started the project by collecting photographs of my paintings. I also included the inspirational writings that go with them into a book template.

But the template style didn’t fit. Years ago, a work colleague, Kristi, suggested I make table top books. At the time I’d never heard about InDesign.

I’ve thought about what it would take to do this. I would need to develop my InDesign skills to include interior and cover book design. The challenge excites and yet terrifies. But something inside urges me to embrace this challenge.

I envision the creative stirring like hot wax of creativity poured into candles that light the way. 

One of my recent reads does just that.

ALL THAT IS MADE
A Guide to Faith and the Creative Life by Alabaster

What a powerful message found in the book’s description:

“Our makings come from the larger backdrop of God’s creative canvas.”

Now that connects with the artist in me! Here’s another powerful excerpt:

“You have a part—let that sink in. Everything you create in the Spirit of the One who gives purpose is another building block in his glorious work to bring his peace, wholeness, love, and light to this world.” 

The Creative Stirring

It takes time to discern the creative stirring. To parse out those heavenly whispers from earthly ambitions. 

To open our minds to new possibilities.

To embrace creating in ways we never thought of before. Or have held in our hearts for years but never pursued because we…

feared the unknowndoubted the idea lacked the skills

But what if we dared to process the creative stirring through journal writing?

Discussed our idea with a trusted creative?

What if the creative stirring developed into a new direction?

What if who we were meant to be waits for us on the other side of the creative stirring?

What if what we were meant to do waits for us there as well?

Would we press in?

Would we dare?

Would we believe?

Would we try to pursue the creative stirring?

Overcoming similar challenges has led to personal growth and creativity: Learning how to create websites, painting portraits, photograph paintings, post on social media, and self-publish my own book:

Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics.

What about you?

Is something stirring inside of you?

If so, do you find yourself fearful?

Try these simple steps to overcome your obstacles so you can pursue the creative stirring:

Process the stirring through journal writing.Share your idea(s) with a trusted creative.Research to discover the skills you will need and where you can learn those skills.

I encourage you to share your own experiences and fears related to pursuing the creative stirring in a comment.

Let’s pray for each other as we embrace the creative stirring!

Inspiration and Resources for Creatives

If you’re a creative in search of support, check out Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. You can download editions from this page: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/.

Join my email list so you don’t miss an edition.

Subscribers also have access to free DIY arts and craft lessons. You get inspiration you can print and frame.