Unlocking Your Creative Potential: Why It Matters and What Holds Us Back

It’s a new year, and like many of you, I’ve set some lofty goals. One of my goals is to convince people that they don’t have to be professional artists to create art. I hear it all the time at Art321 when I approach someone about submitting to an exhibit, hosting a pop-up, or teaching a workshop: “Oh, but I’m not an artist,” or “Why would you want me to teach that class?”

Here’s the thing: creativity isn’t reserved for professionals. It’s for everyone. And in a world where productivity often takes center stage, finding the courage to express yourself can feel both radical and transformative. So why does creativity matter, and what’s stopping us from embracing it?

Why Creativity Matters:
First off, creativity is good for your mental health. It helps you relax, process your thoughts, and just feel good. It’s like giving your brain a much-needed vacation—no packing required. And then there’s the problem-solving part. When you let yourself think creatively, you start seeing solutions you’d never noticed before. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with people. Sharing your creative work—whether it’s a painting, a story, or even a killer new recipe—lets others see who you are and what makes you tick. And let’s not forget the joy. There’s something about creating that just makes life feel a little brighter.

But more than that, creativity leads to more creativity. Where does that take you? Who knows! Years ago, I wandered into Girl in Air at the Sunrise Shopping Center and stumbled across metal stamping. I didn’t know it at the time, but that little step outside my comfort zone was about to change everything. Did I think it would lead to starting a wildly successful business? Nope. Did I think I’d meet people who would completely change my life for the better? Not a chance. The connections I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned from that one decision are unbelievable. And if we really want to dive into the butterfly effect—what if Michell hadn’t opened that shop in the first place? It’s crazy how one small creative choice can snowball into so much more.

Why We Hold Back:
So, if creativity is so great, why do we avoid it? The big one: fear of failure.
We’re scared it won’t be good enough, so we don’t even try. Showing our work to the world is BRAVE. It's VULNERABLE.

Then there’s the classic “I don’t have time” excuse. Life’s busy, I get it. But making space for creativity is worth it. And let’s not forget imposter syndrome—that feeling of “I’m not talented enough to do this.” Spoiler alert: you are.
Finally, society doesn’t always make it easy. We’re told to prioritize productivity over play, and creativity gets pushed to the back burner.

This month, let’s throw those excuses out the window. Creativity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, having fun, and letting yourself play. Whether it’s submitting a piece to a show (our entire 2025 season is posted on our website for Open Calls here), teaching a workshop (Are you interested? because we're looking), or just doodling on the back of a napkin, take that first step. You never know where it might lead. Let’s make 2024 the year we all embrace our creative sides and see where the adventure takes us.

 xoxo,

Laura