Issue #004
Hey there, my friend! One of the greatest gifts you’ll ever embrace as an artist is the freedom to simply be who God created you to be—without apology, without striving, and without comparison.
Yet if we’re honest, comparison is something that can sneak in so easily, especially in today’s world of endless scrolling and highlight reels. It’s subtle at first: admiring someone else’s work, seeing their success, questioning your own progress. But if left unchecked, it can quietly erode your confidence and steal the joy that should define your creative process.
This week, we’re diving deep into what it means to fully own your identity as an artist without falling into the trap of comparison. We’ll anchor ourselves in truth from Galatians 6:4-5 and take practical steps toward a healthier, joy-filled creative journey. Plus, I’ve got a super simple tech tip to help you get organized, a special podcast episode I think you’ll love, and encouragement across every part of your Core4 journey. Let’s get started!
Keep creating, keep trusting, and remember–your story matters, your art matters, and most of all, you matter.
I’m cheering you on always!
In His love and creativity,
Matt Tommey
The Thriving Christian Artist
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CONNECT
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” — Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)
When God designed you, He wasn’t working off a template or trying to recreate something He already made. He formed you as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, with a creative calling that only you can fulfill. Comparison whispers lies that what you have to offer isn’t enough. But the truth is, God’s blueprint for your life is not only enough—it’s extraordinary.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me uniquely and with great intention. Forgive me for the times I’ve compared myself to others instead of celebrating the life You’ve designed for me. Help me walk boldly and joyfully in the path You’ve set before me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Action Step:
Each morning this week, take one minute to thank God for a specific part of your creative journey—whether it’s your skill, your passion, your progress, or simply your willingness to keep showing up.
CLARIFY
Comparison often muddies the waters of clarity. When you’re focused on someone else’s race, it’s easy to lose sight of your own. Galatians 6 reminds us to “carry our own load.” Your goals, your dreams, your assignment—they are yours, handcrafted by the Father.
Reflection:
Where have you been looking sideways instead of forward? What is one goal you know God has put on your heart that deserves your focused attention this week?
Action Step:
Choose one creative or business goal for this week that aligns with your calling—not influenced by what others are doing. Write it down and take one clear action toward it today.
CREATE
Comparison is creativity’s kryptonite. When you start measuring your work against others, you lose the raw, authentic flow that makes your art come alive. Remember, God isn’t asking you to create like anyone else—He’s inviting you to create from the wellspring He placed inside you.
Motivation:
Your artistic voice has value because it carries the fingerprints of your Creator. Staying true to that voice isn’t just good practice—it’s worship.
Action Step:
Set aside 30 minutes this week for a “comparison-free” creative session. No social media, no outside inspiration—just you, God, and the blank page, canvas, clay, or whatever medium you love.
CULTIVATE
One of the healthiest ways to break free from comparison is to celebrate the victories of others genuinely. In the Kingdom, someone else’s success never diminishes your own. It only proves that God is moving—and He’s more than big enough to bless you too!
Biblical Encouragement:
Romans 12:15 reminds us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.”
Action Step:
The same principle applies to cultivating your audience. Celebrate your collectors, your followers, your fellow artists. As you bless others, you’ll build authentic, life-giving connections. Choose one artist or client this week and publicly celebrate their work or success—either by sharing their work, commenting meaningfully, or sending them a personal note of encouragement.
TECH TIP FOR THRIVING
If you’re feeling a little buried under paper scraps and scattered information, it’s time to bring some order to the chaos! Google Sheets is a free, easy-to-use tool that can help you stay organized without getting overwhelmed.
Start an “Artwork Inventory” spreadsheet. Create columns for:
- Title
- Size
- Medium
- Price
- Sold/Available
Fill in at least 5 pieces of your work. You’ll be amazed how empowering it feels to have your inventory at your fingertips! ? Get started here: Google Sheets
LISTEN
Comparison is one of the most pervasive—and paralyzing—challenges artists face today. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a deep, honest look at how comparison steals our joy, stunts our creativity, and sidelines our assignment from God.
We’ll root ourselves in Galatians 6:4-5 and unpack four practical, Spirit-led strategies to help you break free from the comparison trap:
- Practice daily gratitude
- Limit your social media consumption
- Celebrate others’ successes
- Stay laser-focused on your God-given assignment
Plus, I’ll share some of my own struggles and lessons learned from the journey. I pray this episode releases fresh freedom and confidence in your creative life!
Featured Artist: Katie Gigliotti
As an elementary art teacher, Katie always loved exploring different mediums. But it wasn’t until 2020 that her true artistic voice emerged. “Illustrating children’s stories allows me to combine my never-ending need to try new mediums with my passion for writing,” she shares. Since then, Katie has illustrated two books with traditional watercolor, one using painted paper collage, and three more digitally using Procreate—each one a unique adventure in creativity.
What Katie loves most about being an artist is the freedom it offers. “It allows me to experiment with different mediums and share my ideas with the world in a new and fun way,” she says. And in that freedom, she’s found a beautiful way to share her faith as well.
Although she describes herself as someone who isn’t very vocal about her relationship with God, Katie felt stirred to find a way to express her faith. That’s when the idea for her first faith-based children’s story was born. “I decided to put my gift to use and create a children’s book, which has allowed me to reach others around the world!”
At vendor events, Katie makes it a point to support other authors and illustrators, using those moments of connection as opportunities to bless others and share her faith story. “Chatting with them and listening to their stories opens the door for me to share my faith and bless them by purchasing their work.”
Her creative process is rooted in prayer and trust. Before starting a new project, Katie always asks for God’s guidance and blessing. “I often question if what I’m working on aligns with God’s plan for my life. Praying beforehand opens new doors and gives me permission to create without worry.”
Her encouragement to other artists?
If you allow God into your art process, beautiful things will happen!
Katie is also embracing a new season of bravery. “I am finally trying to reach out and network, which is a scary thing for me to do. Even though I am fearful, it has provided me with many more opportunities, and I’m excited to continue learning and stepping out in faith!”
Through her vibrant illustrations and faith-filled storytelling, Katie Gigliotti is shining a light—one page, one painting, and one child’s heart at a time.
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Resources for Christian Artists
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