As an artist, your mindset can either fuel your creativity or stifle it. The way you think about your work, your progress, and yourself plays a significant role in how you approach your art. A mindset grounded in judgment, self-criticism, or perfectionism can become a barrier, turning a process that should feel liberating into something stressful and constrained. But the good news is that your mindset isn’t fixed—it can be shifted and reframed to support a more positive, compassionate, and joyful creative practice.
We’ll explore ways to shift your mindset through mindfulness, reframing negative thought patterns, and rediscovering the joy of art as play. By embracing these mental shifts, you can create an environment where your creativity is nurtured rather than judged.
Practice Mindfulness in Art
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to shift your mindset is through mindfulness; staying present in the creative process without letting your mind spiral into judgment or worry. When you're immersed in the act of creating, it's easy to let thoughts like "This isn’t turning out how I want" or "What if this doesn’t look right?" distract you from the joy of making. These thoughts can create a barrier between you and the flow of your work, turning what should be a fulfilling experience into something frustrating.
Mindfulness is about noticing those judgments without attaching to them. Instead of getting caught up in thoughts about the outcome, you can bring your attention back to the present moment; the feel of the brush on the canvas, the sound of the pencil on paper, or the colours mixing in front of you. This practice allows you to stay grounded in the experience of creating, which can reduce stress and enhance the pleasure you find in your work.
Being mindful in your art is also a way to let go of the need for everything to be "perfect". When you're focused on the process, rather than the outcome, there's less room for judgment and more room for exploration. It’s about letting your hands create without your mind trying to control the result.
Rewriting Negative Thought Patterns
Most of us have an inner voice that’s quick to criticise. Thoughts like “This isn’t good enough,” or “I’m never going to get better at this,” can pop up frequently, especially when you're working on something that feels challenging. These negative thought patterns can become deeply ingrained, but with practice, they can be rewritten into something more compassionate and constructive.
When you notice a harsh thought creeping in, pause and question it. Ask yourself if this criticism is truly helpful or if it’s just fuelling self-doubt. Instead of saying “This is terrible,” try asking, “What can I learn from this piece?”Shifting from judgment to curiosity opens up space for growth, allowing you to reflect on your work in a way that’s both honest and kind.
You can also practice reframing your inner dialogue. For instance, if your mind says, “I’m not talented enough,”counter it with, “I’m learning and growing every time I create.” It’s not about ignoring the challenges or difficulties you face, but about responding to them with self-compassion rather than harshness. This shift can make a profound difference in how you feel about your work and your progress as an artist.
Art as Play
Somewhere along the way, many artists forget the simple joy of creating. What often starts as a playful exploration of colour, form, and texture can, over time, become weighed down by expectations, deadlines, and self-imposed pressure. But what if you could reconnect with that initial sense of curiosity and play that brought you to art in the first place?
Treating art as play means allowing yourself the freedom to experiment without worrying about the outcome. It’s about trying new things, making messes, and embracing the unknown with a lighthearted attitude. When you approach your work with playfulness, you create a space where mistakes aren’t failures but opportunities for discovery.
Remember that not everything you create has to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, the best work comes from the times when you let go of seriousness and allow yourself to play. Whether it’s doodling, mixing strange colours, or using unconventional materials, the act of play can reignite your passion and open up new pathways for creativity.
By seeing art as play, you take the pressure off yourself to constantly produce "perfect" work. Instead, you can focus on enjoying the process, discovering new techniques, and allowing your creativity to flow naturally.
Practical Exercises and Tips
1. Practicing Mindfulness: The "Creative Breath"
Before you begin your next creative session, take a few moments to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. As you begin your work, try to maintain this calm, steady breathing, bringing your focus to the present moment. Whenever you notice your mind wandering into judgment, gently bring it back to the sensations of creating; the texture of the materials, the colours, the shapes emerging.
How it Helps: This practice helps you stay present, reducing the influence of judgmental thoughts that can disrupt your creative flow.
Tip: If you find yourself getting frustrated, pause and take three deep breaths before continuing. This can help reset your focus on the process rather than the outcome.
2. Rewriting Negative Thought Patterns: The "Thought Reframe Journal"
Keep a journal specifically for tracking your thoughts while you create. Whenever a negative or self-critical thought arises, write it down. Then, take a moment to rewrite that thought in a more constructive and compassionate way. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’m terrible at this,” reframe it as, “I’m learning and every mistake is helping me improve.”
How it Helps: This exercise allows you to become more aware of your inner dialogue and gives you the tools to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion.
Tip: Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in your thinking, which can help you address recurring themes of self-judgment and develop a more positive mindset.
3. Reconnecting with Art as Play: The "15-Minute Playtime"
Set a timer for 15 minutes and dedicate this time purely to play. Use materials you wouldn’t normally use, experiment with new techniques, or create without any plan in mind. The goal is not to produce a finished piece, but to enjoy the act of making without any pressure or expectations.
How it Helps: This exercise helps you reconnect with the joy of creating and can spark new ideas or directions for your work.
Tip: Do this exercise regularly, especially when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired. The playful approach can break through creative blocks and bring back a sense of fun to your work.
Next we'll look at Nurturing Self Care as an Artist
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