Embracing Creativity: I Am a Creative Being and My Ideas Are Valuable + An Art Journaling Prompt to Build Confidence in Your Creative Voice
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Have you ever had a great idea, only to quickly dismiss it with thoughts like, “It’s not worth pursuing”? That’s self-doubt, and it’s something many of us in creative fields experience. You get excited about a new concept, but then that nagging voice in your head starts questioning its value: “Is it really unique?” “Who would even care?” or “Maybe it’s just not the right time.” This kind of self-doubt can stifle your creativity before it even gets a chance to grow.
To help change our perspective and embrace our creative instincts, let's remember this positive affirmation: our ideas have value.
| Featured Positive Affirmation |
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I am a creative being. I have valuable ideas. |
In this post, I’m going to chat about how to stop second-guessing your ideas and start giving them the attention they deserve—because they definitely matter. Creativity is all about the journey, and your ideas should be embraced, not brushed aside. So, let’s dive into some ways you can start trusting your creative gut and recognizing the value of every little spark of inspiration that pops up.
💭 A Little Creative Confession
There was a time when I almost brushed off the idea of starting an art business centered around pigs. I’ve always had a soft spot for them—there’s just something about their quirky, lovable personalities that I can’t resist. But when I first thought about actually incorporating pigs into my art, I hesitated. Pigs aren’t exactly the most popular animals, and I worried if anyone would like them as much as I do. I even considered switching gears to something more mainstream or trendy.
But then I realized I just couldn’t ignore my deep connection to these cute little creatures. I love doodling pigs, and it seriously brings me so much joy. I figured if I kept pushing myself to create what I thought would be a hit with others, I’d be ignoring my true artistic voice. So, I decided to just go for it. I fully embraced my love for pigs, trusting that there are others out there who appreciate the charm in quirky things just like I do.
What It Really Means to "Embrace Creativity"
When we talk about creativity, it’s super easy to just think about making art—like drawing, painting, or designing cool stuff. But creativity is way more than that! At its heart, it’s all about how you think, solve problems, and express yourself. It’s having a mindset that spots opportunities and solutions when others might just see roadblocks. Creativity isn’t just for artists or designers. It’s something everyone can use, whether you’re in business, teaching, cooking, or even parenting.
Creativity isn’t the same for everyone. It’s super personal and unique to your own experiences, interests, and strengths. For some people, creativity might be all about writing, while others might express it through decorating their space or figuring out tough problems at work. How you show your creativity is totally up to you, and it can even change as your life goes on. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. It’s really just a reflection of who you are and how you connect with the world around you.
🌈 From My Creative Path:
There was a point in my creative journey where I realized I didn’t have to fit into any specific box to call myself an artist or a creative person—and it all clicked when I fully embraced my love for doodling pigs.
For ages, I felt like my art had to fit a certain standard to be seen as “real” or “legit.” I’d see folks drawing flowers, birds, or popular animals like cats and dogs—things that everyone loves and there I was drawing pigs. Pigs are quirky, fun, and definitely not the most popular animal choice out there. I held back for a while because I thought my pig obsession wasn’t “serious” enough. Like, how could I, as an artist, create stuff centered around an animal that not everyone adores? Would anyone even care?
You know, I eventually figured out that my creativity didn’t have to match anyone else’s to count. It’s not all about jumping on trends or creating what people expect. It’s really about doing what makes you happy and feels right for you. For me, that was doodling pigs! The more I leaned into this quirky side of my creativity, the more I realized my art didn’t have to fit into any box. Just being true to myself was totally enough.
I realized that my creativity goes way beyond just art. I’ve always thought of myself as a creative person, and it’s not just about drawing. For instance, when my family and I were crammed into a tiny one-bedroom apartment with four of us (2 adults, a toddler and a baby), I had to get super creative with the space. I figured out all sorts of clever ways to make our living situation work, turning every little nook into something functional. I had storage solutions hidden away in every corner. We lived like that until we could not anymore, but we were able to save up money to buy the home we currently live in. That whole experience really drove home the idea that creativity isn’t just about following a specific path. It’s about problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and having fun with it—whether you're decorating a room, making art, or trying to survive with too many people in a small living space.
The game changer for me was when I stopped comparing myself to other artists and started loving what makes my creative voice my own. My creativity is all mine—whether I’m doodling pigs or rearranging my room. I don’t need to be like anyone else to be creative. I just have to be me and trust that my perspective counts.
Now, I’m super proud to call myself an artist, not because I fit a certain mold, but because I embrace my quirks, my passions, and my unique creative journey. And honestly, that’s something I’m going to keep celebrating!
The Confidence Gap: Why We Dismiss Our Creative Ideas
One of the toughest things we deal with as creatives is that confidence gap—the stretch between when an idea hits us and when we actually do something about it. A lot of the time, we brush off our ideas before they even get a chance to grow. Why does that happen? Well, things like perfectionism, comparing ourselves to others, and the whole idea that “real artists” are always super confident can really mess with our heads and hold us back.
Perfectionism can really mess with our heads, making us think that our ideas need to be spot-on from the get-go, and anything less isn't worth our time. It tricks us into believing that if we don’t nail it right away, we might as well throw in the towel. But being creative isn’t about being perfect— it’s all about expressing ourselves, making mistakes, and figuring things out as we go. Every artist, no matter how seasoned, has those moments of doubt and uncertainty. Perfection is just an illusion—and if we let it take the reins, it can hold back our creativity.
So, let’s talk about comparison. It’s super easy to scroll through and think everyone else has better ideas or their stuff just looks way cooler. It can really mess with your head and make you feel like you’re not good enough. But here’s the deal: everyone’s creative journey is totally different. What looks like success for someone else is just one way of doing things, and we all have our own unique paths. When you compare yourself to others, you’re just missing out on what makes your voice and ideas special.
Let’s chat about that myth that “real artists” are always super confident. We often think you have to be totally sure of yourself to make anything worthwhile, right? But confidence actually comes from doing stuff. It doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere before we get started. It develops as we tackle our doubts and keep showing up for our creative side, even when we’re feeling a bit doubtful.
Feeling a bit lost is totally normal. You don’t need to have everything sorted out right away. The trick is to just keep creating. The more you put stuff out there, even when you’re feeling unsure, the more you’ll build your confidence. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment or having everything figured out—it’s about believing in yourself and pushing through, even when things are a bit unclear.
Next time you get that burst of inspiration but aren’t sure how to jump in, just keep this in mind: it’s not about being perfect, comparing yourself to others, or waiting for the “perfect” moment. It’s all about just creating! That’s what builds your confidence and helps you grow.
🧠 What Was on My Mind
When I first started Hamletta Studios, I was super nervous about showing my art to the world. It all kicked off when I opened my Etsy shop for the first time. I was just starting to put my artwork out there, and honestly, it felt pretty overwhelming. Sharing something so personal, something I put my heart into, was a bit scary. But at the same time, there was this exciting spark inside me. I realized that if I wanted to pursue my art dreams, I had to just go for it and let others see it.
I finally decided to start sharing my art on social media—pretty slowly and a bit nervously, not really sure what would happen. I’d post something and then just sit there, waiting and kinda holding my breath. I had no clue if anyone would like it, or if anyone would actually want to buy it. Each time I hit “share,” it felt like I was taking a little leap into the unknown, and I couldn’t shake that feeling of vulnerability. What if no one connected with it? What if nobody cared?
I just kept posting and sharing my stuff, believing that if I stuck with it, someone would eventually notice. And bit by bit, people actually started to find me! It wasn't an overnight success or anything, but with every new follower, like, and comment, I felt my confidence getting a boost. Eventually, people started buying my art, and that's when it hit me—putting myself out there, even with all the nerves and doubts, was totally worth it.
In the beginning, when I started posting and just waiting to see what would happen, I picked up on something pretty valuable: you won't always see results right away, but sticking with it, being genuine, and taking a chance can really help you grow. Now, after all these years, sharing my art doesn't freak me out as much. I've come to realize that there’s always a bit of vulnerability when you put something personal out there, but that's what makes it special.
So, I’m on a mission to tap back into that magic I once had. After taking some time off to dive into motherhood, I’m jumping back into my art business and trying to get it up and running again. I’ve also got a new challenge on my hands: getting into a solid blogging routine. Honestly, just like when I first started sharing my art, I’m a little nervous about putting my thoughts out there. But I’m hopeful that this whole blogging thing and rebuilding my business will help me grow, both personally and professionally. Even though it feels a bit scary to open up about my journey again, I know that being vulnerable will lead to growth and progress.
5 Ways to Be More Confident in Your Creativity
Boosting your creative confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but there are some simple things you can try to kick self-doubt to the curb and start owning your creativity. Here are five easy tips to help you feel more confident in your creativity:
Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can really put a damper on your creativity. Always trying to make everything perfect can stop you from making anything at all. Instead, try to focus on just making progress, not being perfect. Remember, mistakes and little flaws are all part of the journey and can actually spark your best ideas. So, don’t sweat it if what you create isn’t flawless!
Create Without a Purpose
You know, sometimes we get so caught up in what we want to achieve that we miss out on the fun of just being creative. So, give yourself a break and create just for the heck of it with no pressure and no specific goal. Whether it’s sketching for fun, messing around with new materials, or just playing with colors, letting go of expectations can really spark your creativity and help you enjoy the whole process way more!
Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Your surroundings really impact your creativity. So, fill your space with stuff that gets your juices flowing—like art from other creators, nature, music, or just a comfy corner where you can relax. Inspiration can pop up from all kinds of places, so keep your mind open to new ideas. The more different things you check out, the more confident you’ll feel about putting your own creative spin on things.
Share Before You Feel Ready
A great way to boost your confidence is to show off your work before you think you’re “ready.” It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about it, but holding out for that perfect moment or the perfect piece usually just ends up making you procrastinate. So, why not share what you’re working on? Whether it’s on social media, with friends, or in a creative group, putting your progress out there—even if it’s not flawless—can really help you feel more confident in your creative voice.
Celebrate Every Idea, Even the “Weird” Ones
Not every idea you have has to be a stroke of genius and that’s totally fine! Celebrate every single idea that pops into your head, even the quirky ones. Creativity is about expressing your true self. So go ahead and embrace those unique ideas. They often turn out to be the ones that break boundaries and spark unexpected creativity.
💡 A Spark from My Journey
One of the most liberating moments in my creative journey was when I decided to just create for the fun of it, without any expectations! I used to overthink every little detail, feeling like my art had to serve a specific purpose, whether it was for my shop or social media. But then one day, I grabbed my sketchbook, doodled in my sketchbook, and let go of any worries about the outcome. At first, it felt a bit strange to not have a clear goal, but as I released that pressure, my creativity really started to flow. These days, you can’t stop my hand from drawing at the breakfast table!
These doodles from my impromptu drawing sessions ended up becoming some of my favorite pieces! What I thought was just a carefree exercise transformed into authentic designs that I felt proud of. I learned that sometimes the best ideas come when you stop trying to control everything and just create for the sheer joy of it. I personally like to capitalize on the momentum of the inspiration and take it as far as I can while my creative brain is turned on.
Now, I’ve made it a regular habit to carve out time for creating without stressing over the final result. It’s been a wonderful way to produce work that truly reflects who I am and what I want to create.
Practical Tips for Embracing Your Creativity Every Day
We all have busy lives, and it can be hard to find time to nurture your creativity. But there are simple ways to incorporate creative practices into your routine. Here are a few practical tips that will help you honor your creativity and start embracing your value as a creative being:
Set Aside 10 Minutes for Creative Exploration
Creativity doesn’t need a lot of time to spark. Set aside just 10 minutes each day to doodle, journal, or brainstorm. This dedicated time is a space where your ideas can flow freely without pressure. Even if you only get a few sketches or notes down, it’s a step toward nurturing your creative self.
Carry a Pocket-Sized Journal
Carry a small notebook or sketchbook with you wherever you go. Whether it’s a cute idea that pops into your head or a moment of inspiration during your commute, jot it down. The more you capture your creative thoughts in the moment, the more you’ll start to value your ideas.
Reflect on What Inspires You, Not What You “Should” Be Doing
Take a moment each week to reflect on the things that inspire you, not the things you feel you “should” create. Whether it’s nature, books, a song, or a group of colors, leaning into your personal inspirations will remind you that your creative process is unique, and your ideas are worth exploring.
Art Journal Prompt: Creative Identity Map
It's important to take a moment to recognize our own creativity. This week's art journal prompt focuses on appreciating your individual creative style. Grab your journal and some markers, and let's dive into the different ways your imagination comes to life. Whether you enjoy painting, planning, cooking, or telling stories, there are countless ways to express yourself. Let’s chart your creative path together!
| 🎨 Art Journal Prompt: Creative Identity Map | |
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| 1 | Turn to a fresh journal page and draw a big circle in the center. Inside it, write “Creative Me” — this is your starting point, your core. |
| 2 | Begin branching out from the center with lines like a colorful mind map. At the end of each branch, jot down a word, draw a symbol, or add a small doodle that represents a way you express creativity. |
I decided to simply list the different ways I use my creativity.
| 3 | Think beyond just drawing or painting! Include the way you decorate your space, style your clothes, solve problems, write, cook, plan, or even daydream. |
From doodling for Hamletta Studios to how I dress every day. I even included how I creatively whip up a quick dinner for four people every night. We use our creativity in so many aspects of our lives!
| 4 | Add as many branches as you like and don’t be afraid to get playful. Use vibrant colors, washi tape, stickers, or layered textures to make this map truly YOU. |
| 5 | When you're done, look at your map and notice all the ways creativity shows up in your life. You are an artist — even in the everyday moments. 🌈 |
As we wrap up today’s exploration of creativity, here is a friendly reminder that you don’t need anyone’s permission to get your creative juices flowing. Your ideas are inherently valuable. Your voice should be heard, and your art is absolutely worth sharing. You’re a creative person, and you’ve got the power to bring your ideas to life, no matter how big or small they are.
So let’s say this together one more time:
| “ | I am a creative being. I have valuable ideas. |
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Shout it out. Jot it down. Let it really sink in.
One of the toughest challenges can simply be showing up and allowing yourself to create without worrying about making mistakes. You're doing better than you realize, and the more you embrace your creative journey, the more you'll recognize the value of your ideas. So go ahead—download the freebies, tackle today’s prompt, and take a moment to jot down your thoughts. Let your creativity flow onto the page.
If you decide to decorate your journal with today’s prompt, I'd love to see what you create! Feel free to tag me @HamlettaStudios on Instagram and share your pages with me. Let's celebrate our creativity together.
I'd really like to hear from you! How are you feeling about your creative journey? Feel free to share your thoughts, any challenges you're facing, or what you enjoyed most about today's prompt in the comments below. I'm here to help you through it all!