Feeling like your artistic creations are just drifting in the void? Yeah, we’ve all been there, pouring our hearts into art that feels unseen and unheard. That’s why we’re diving into the essential topic of finding or building your own artistic community. Because, let’s face it, no one—absolutely no one—grows creatively in a vacuum. We’ll explore how to spot supportive spaces, brainstorm ways to create your own if the perfect tribe seems MIA, and keep that warm fuzzy sense of belonging alive, even when pesky imposter syndrome tries to crash the party. So grab a snack, kick back, and let’s find out how your creative community might be closer than you think!

1. Why You Need a Creative Community

• Isolation can dull your creative edge — you need others to spark new ideas.
• Accountability: showing up for others helps you show up for yourself.
• Emotional support: having people who get it keeps burnout at bay.

2. What a Healthy Artist Community Looks Like

• It’s collaborative, not competitive — people share, not compare.
• There’s room for vulnerability: sharing unfinished work or honest struggles.
• The best communities are built on curiosity, not ego.

3. Finding Your People (Online and Offline)

• Check out local art collectives, open mics, or gallery nights — anywhere creativity lives.
• Online spaces can be gold — look for small, active groups on Discord, Reddit, or Mastodon where folks actually talk.
• Don’t chase big numbers — quality over quantity in connections.

4. Building Your Own Community (When You Can’t Find One)

• Start small: invite a few creators to meet monthly or share works-in-progress.
• Consistency builds trust — even a casual “creative coffee” check-in helps.
• Use your podcast, art, or blog as a magnet for like-minded artists.

5. Keeping the Community Alive and Real

• Be intentional about giving as much as you get — share resources, feedback, and wins.
• Handle conflict or creative tension openly — it builds long-term respect.
• Celebrate milestones together, no matter how small.

Feeling like your art is echoing in a cavernous void? Yeah, we've all been there. In the latest episode of Create Art Podcast, we dive headfirst into the importance of finding your artistic tribe. Seriously, who wants to create in a bubble? I mean, it's like trying to enjoy a pizza without a slice of your favorite topping—totally unsatisfying! We’re chatting about how being part of a creative community can be a game-changer for your art. It's all about connection, folks! Whether it's online, local, or just a few friends who understand the struggle, finding your circle can give your creativity the jolt it desperately needs. We’ll explore how to discover supportive spaces, create your own if you’re stuck, and keep that sense of belonging alive, even when the dreaded imposter syndrome tries to sneak in. So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re pouring your heart into a black hole, come on over! Your creative community is waiting, and it might be closer than you think!

Takeaways:

• Creating art in isolation can feel like shouting into the void, and it dulls your creativity.
• A supportive creative community is essential for accountability, emotional support, and sparking new ideas.
• Finding or building your own artistic community is crucial because it fosters collaboration over competition.
• Healthy artistic communities are based on curiosity, vulnerability, and sharing honest struggles to help one another grow.

Topics covered in this series

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

How do I get such great guests?

How do you really know if you’re leveling up as an artist? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the number of likes on your latest post or how many pieces you’ve sold. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of measuring your creative growth in ways that matter, like boosting your confidence, honing your technique, and even how you bounce back from flops. It’s all about celebrating those sneaky little wins that often go unnoticed. So grab your favorite beverage and join me as we chat about tracking your skills, redefining what success looks like for you, and figuring out how to appreciate the journey of growth rather than just the destination. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

Why Measuring Growth Matters

Growth can be invisible if you don’t pause to look for it.

Without reflection, you risk feeling stuck even while you’re improving.

Skill-Based Growth

Compare old work with new work (use past sketches, recordings, drafts).

Notice improvements in speed, technique, or problem-solving.

Personal Growth as an Artist

Confidence in sharing or finishing projects.

Resilience when facing criticism or setbacks.

External vs. Internal Metrics

Likes, sales, and followers can be motivating—but they aren’t the whole story.

Personal satisfaction, creative risks taken, and consistency often matter more.

Practical Tools for Tracking Growth

Keep a “progress portfolio” or sketchbook timeline.

Journaling about creative sessions.

Set small measurable goals (finishing one piece per week, learning a new technique)

Takeaways:

• Growth as an artist isn't just about the spotlight; it's often the invisible gains that matter most.
• Measuring your creative growth helps you appreciate your progress and avoid feeling stuck in a rut.
• Instead of focusing on likes and followers, prioritize your personal satisfaction and enjoyment in creating art.
• Take a trip down memory lane and compare your old work to your latest creations for a solid confidence boost.

Links referenced in this episode:

Ever freeze up when someone casually asks you what you do, like you just spotted a ghost? Yeah, we’ve all been there! Today, we're diving into that pivotal moment when you finally give yourself the green light to call yourself an artist. Spoiler alert: it’s time to mean it! I’m here to chat about breaking down those pesky barriers that keep you from owning that title and embracing your creative self. So, whether you’re painting toenail clippings or sculpting with spaghetti, let’s tackle the fears and societal expectations that make this journey feel like an episode of a reality show gone wrong. Grab your coffee, your paintbrush, or whatever fuels your creative fire, and let’s get this artistic party started!

When Do You Get to Call Yourself an Artist?

Are you an artist yet — or are you still “just dabbling”? This episode of Create Art Podcast: The New Artist’s Compass dives deep into one of the most common questions new creators face: when do you finally call yourself an artist? Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or any kind of creative, this conversation will help you overcome imposter syndrome, step into your identity, and confidently share your work with the world.

We’ll explore what it really means to be an artist, why so many creatives wait too long to claim the title, and how saying “I’m an artist” can transform your confidence, your work, and how others see you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering if you’re “good enough” or “ready,” this episode is for you.

1. The Power of Naming Yourself

• Saying “I am an artist” changes how you view your work.
• Your brain takes identity seriously — claiming it can motivate action.

2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Why many creatives wait for external validation before using the word “artist.”
• Tools to challenge the inner critic and redefine success.

3. External Milestones vs. Internal Decision

• Selling art, getting published, or winning awards are great — but not prerequisites.
• Deciding you are an artist is often the first step to reaching those milestones.

4. The Social Side of Calling Yourself an Artist

• How sharing your identity invites collaboration and community.
• Dealing with skepticism from others (and why that’s about them, not you).

5. Building Confidence Through Consistency

• Daily or weekly practice as proof to yourself that you are an artist.
• Why action — not titles — ultimately builds belief.

Topics covered in this series

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

How do I get such great guests?

Staying motivated as an artist is a tricky beast, isn’t it? We kick things off by diving into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to keep that creative fire burning, especially when life decides to throw us a curveball—hello, Netflix binge! I’ll spill some secrets on how to build a lasting relationship with your art, share personal stories (yes, even my artistic slumps), and toss in some gold nuggets of wisdom to help you find your rhythm and reconnect with why you started in the first place. Think of this as your friendly nudge to cultivate habits that stick, celebrate the little wins, and maybe even find a creative community that gets your vibe. So grab your sketchbook or whatever floats your artistic boat, and let’s get to it!

Starting a creative journey is exciting — but staying motivated for the long haul? That’s where many artists struggle. In this episode of The New Artist’s Compass on the Create Art Podcast, we dive into practical, proven ways to keep your creative fire burning even when inspiration runs low, life gets busy, or self-doubt creeps in.

Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you:

✅ Build habits that sustain creativity over months and years

✅ Break through slumps with small, intentional actions

✅ Find motivation when external validation is missing

✅ Learn how to celebrate progress (not just perfection)

✅ Reconnect with your original “why” when you feel stuck

🎧 Listen now and reignite your commitment to your craft. Your creativity deserves more than short bursts of inspiration — it deserves a sustainable, joyful practice.

1. Find Your "Why" and Keep It Visible

• Write down why you create art — post it in your workspace.
• Revisit your "why" during creative slumps to reset your focus.
• Share your "why" with your community for accountability.

2. Build Consistent Creative Habits

• Schedule art time like you would a doctor’s appointment — non-negotiable.
• Start small (15 minutes) and build up as it becomes part of your life.
• Use rituals — music, tea, candles — to cue your brain it’s "art time."

3. Celebrate Small Wins

• Track your progress — sketchbooks, photos, or a journal.
• Reward yourself for showing up, not just for finishing big projects.
• Reflect monthly on how far you’ve come — keeps motivation fresh.

4. Find Your Creative Community

• Join online or local artist groups for feedback and encouragement.
• Share works-in-progress — connection fuels motivation.
• Teach or mentor others — it reignites your own spark.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

• Rest isn’t quitting — it’s recharging.
• Take intentional breaks so you don’t burn out.
• Use downtime for passive inspiration — books, museums, conversations.

Topics covered in this series

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

Takeaways:

• Getting started with just one sketch can lead to a creative avalanche, trust me, I know the feels!
• Life happens, right? Between work deadlines and Netflix binges, we all lose touch with our art sometimes.
• Building a sustainable relationship with your creativity is crucial; it's not just about those bright bursts of inspiration.
• Finding your 'why' for creating art can keep you grounded and inspired through the ups and downs of your creative journey.
• Celebrate those small wins, whether it's tracking progress in a journal or treating yourself to ice cream after a productive session!
• Rest is not quitting! It's about recharging so you can come back even stronger and more inspired than ever.

Links referenced in this episode:

Criticism and rejection in art can feel a lot like passing a kidney stone—sharp, painful, and definitely not something you want to experience. In this episode, we're diving deep into this rather unique analogy, exploring how those pesky critiques can actually help us grow stronger, just like surviving a kidney stone ordeal. I'll share my personal adventures with these little buggers and how they’ve surprisingly mirrored my creative journey. We’ll also chat about the importance of separating ourselves from our work, because let’s be honest, nobody wants to be called ugly—especially not our artistic babies! So grab a comfy seat, maybe a glass of water (hydration is key, folks!), and let’s tackle the ups and downs of artistic rejection together.

Dealing with Criticism and Rejection

Welcome back to The New Artist’s Compass. Today we’re

getting real about criticism and rejection. Both are as natural in the creative

process as kidney stones are in life—painful, unwelcome, but sometimes

unavoidable. And just like I recently had to pass one of those tiny nightmares,

dealing with rejection can leave you doubled over, questioning your choices,

and wondering why the universe insists on testing your endurance.

Here’s the thing: rejection isn’t a verdict on your worth as

an artist. It’s a kidney stone—sharp, unexpected, and it feels huge in the

moment, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s tiny. Painful, yes.

Life-ending? Not even close.

The Kidney Stone Metaphor

• Criticism can feel sharp and painful, but like a kidney stone, it eventually passes.
• You’re not defined by the pain, but by how you handle it.

Separating Self from Work

• Rejection of your art isn’t rejection of you.
• Learning to detach helps keep creativity flowing.

Constructive vs. Destructive Feedback

• Not all criticism is created equal.
• How to spot the difference and use what actually helps.

Resilience as a Creative Muscle

• Every “no” or negative review is a rep in building creative strength.
• Over time, rejection becomes less personal and more fuel

Finding Humor in the Hurt

• Using levity (like the kidney stone tie-in) to diffuse the sting.
• Humor makes space for growth and healing.

Topics covered in this series

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

Takeaways:

• Criticism and rejection are like kidney stones: painful, sharp, and inevitable, but they pass!
• Just like dealing with a kidney stone, facing criticism helps us emerge stronger and wiser in our creative journey.
• It's crucial to separate yourself from your work; the critique is about your piece, not you as a person.
• Analyzing feedback can be beneficial; it’s like examining a kidney stone to prevent future ones from forming!
• Embrace criticism with humor, because getting through it only makes your future work even better!
• When faced with rejection, remember: it's not about you, it's about the art you create, so keep creating!

Links referenced in this episode: