• Building Your Professional Network through a Mentorship Community

    Building Your Professional Network through a Mentorship Community

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    Connection That Transforms Your Art Career

    My friend, have you ever felt like you’re walking your artistic journey alone? Like you’re the only one who understands the unique challenges of being a Christian artist trying to make meaningful work in today’s world?

    I hear this from artists all the time—this sense of isolation, of trying to figure everything out on your own while longing for genuine connection with others who share your values and vision.

    The truth is, we were never meant to walk this path alone.

    “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

    God designed us for community, for relationships that challenge us, support us, and help us become all He’s called us to be. And nowhere is this more important than in your development as an artist.

    The Transformative Power of Artistic Community

    Inside the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, we’ve witnessed something remarkable: when Christian artists come together in purposeful community, something beautiful happens that goes far beyond just “networking.”

    True artistic community becomes:

    1. A Safe Harbor for Authentic Connection

    In today’s competitive art world, finding people you can truly trust—who want to see you succeed rather than viewing you as competition—can be challenging. Inside our mentorship community, you’ll discover:

    • A judgment-free zone where vulnerability is welcomed and honored
    • Relationships built on shared values and spiritual foundation
    • Connection with artists who genuinely celebrate your wins and support you through challenges

    As Toni Wesner, one of our members, shares: “Your mentoring group is the first real community I’ve experienced. I’m deeply humbled by it and realize the incredible amount of love and work you put into it.”

    2. A Living Network of Diverse Creative Wisdom

    In many networking scenarios, you might connect with one or two key people. But in a vibrant mentorship community like Created to Thrive, you tap into a living network of artists:

    • From diverse backgrounds, ages, and stages of artistic development
    • Working in various mediums, markets, and geographic locations
    • With complementary skills, knowledge, and experiences
    • Who bring unique perspectives to common challenges

    This diversity creates a rich ecosystem of wisdom far beyond what any single mentor—even myself—could provide alone.

    3. A Platform for Kingdom Collaboration

    Some of the most beautiful stories from our community involve artists who never imagined their work would expand through collaboration:

    • Members who’ve joined forces for gallery shows and exhibitions
    • Artists who’ve discovered complementary skills and launched joint projects
    • Creators who’ve found teaching opportunities through community connections
    • Experienced artists mentoring newer ones in specific techniques or markets

    These aren’t just business transactions—they’re Kingdom collaborations born from relationship and mutual respect.

    How Created to Thrive Cultivates Meaningful Connections

    Our mentorship program intentionally fosters relationship-building in multiple ways:

    1. Structured Community Touchpoints

    • Weekly Live Q&A Sessions: Connect face-to-face while learning together
    • Weekly Expert Hours: Get personal input in your business in art, marketing, websites, social media, email marketing and more.
    • Monthly BizChat: Focus on business development in a group setting
    • Monthly CommunityChat: Deepen relationships around shared artist experiences
    • Mastermind Weekend Events: Intensive in-person gatherings for deeper connection

    2. Digital Connection Platforms

    • Private Member Facebook Group: Daily interaction with fellow artists
    • Member Discussion Forum: Topic-specific conversations and support
    • BackStage Pass Interviews: Learn from the journeys of fellow members
    • Case Study Sessions: Deep-dive problem-solving with real community members

    3. Facilitated Relationship Building

    • Experienced Community Facilitation: Where we actively connect members with complementary needs and gifts
    • Small Group Formation: To nurture deeper relationships among artists with similar interests or challenges
    • Strategic Introductions: Between members who can benefit from knowing each other

    Real Stories of Network Transformation

    The power of community connection isn’t theoretical—it’s evidenced in countless stories from our members:

    • Robin Popp shares: “This group is a blessing on so many levels… we are growing into a community of artists encouraging one another to strive for excellence. I’m so glad to be a part of it!”
    • Marilee Gazelka discovered: “‘Created to Thrive’ helps you to stay connected to other artists who also desire to be skilled and filled… You will be encouraged to get rid of old patterns and embrace the new.”
    • Jennifer Spangler reflected: “The Created to Thrive Experience has opened up a whole world of possibilities I didn’t see before in my craft. I have gained a wealth of information about myself, the Father, and the art world from being part of this community.”
    • Jill Williams found: “Being a part of the Created to Thrive group has enabled me to gain wisdom and insight about the process of making and selling art that I’ve been unable to access on my own because of my limited experience.”

    Beyond Traditional Networking: A Kingdom Community

    What makes the networking within Created to Thrive unique is that it’s built on Kingdom principles—not just transactional relationships or “what can you do for me” thinking.

    This community is founded on:

    • Abundance mindset rather than scarcity thinking
    • Generosity in sharing knowledge, opportunities, and resources
    • Honor for each person’s unique journey and calling
    • Authenticity in celebrating successes and navigating challenges
    • Prayer and spiritual support that goes deeper than business advice

    Your Place in the Community Is Waiting

    Imagine being part of a thriving network of Christian artists who:

    • Understand exactly what you’re going through
    • Celebrate your victories as their own
    • Offer wisdom when you face challenges
    • Connect you with opportunities you wouldn’t find alone
    • Walk alongside you in prayer and practical support
    • Inspire you to levels of excellence you hadn’t imagined

    This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the daily reality for members of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program.

    As Amy Kane Smith experienced: “Being a part of the Created to Thrive group has been a huge benefit to me in my art practice and business… I am taking myself and my art so much more seriously now. I know my work is good, I know what I am capable of and I am going for it.”

    The First Step to Connection

    My friend, your journey doesn’t have to be a solo one anymore. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been creating for years, there’s a place for you in this community of artists who share your values and understand your calling.

    The connections you’ll make, the relationships you’ll build, and the network you’ll develop can—and will—transform not just your art business, but your entire experience as a creative made in the image of God.

    Why wait another day to find your artistic home?

    [Get Started Today for Just $14!]

    I’m cheering you on as you step into the community you’ve been looking for!

    Matt Tommey

    Frequently Asked Questions About Artist Communities

    I’m an introvert – will I feel comfortable in this community? Absolutely! Many of our members identify as introverts who initially felt hesitant about community engagement. Our program is designed to accommodate various comfort levels with connection. You can start by simply observing live sessions, then gradually participate in discussions as you feel ready. Many introverted members share that this community feels different because it’s built on authentic connection rather than superficial networking. You’ll never be pressured to engage in ways that don’t feel right for you.

    What if I live in a remote area far from other artists? The Created to Thrive community is specifically valuable for artists in remote locations. Our global online community means geographical isolation no longer limits your ability to connect with like-minded artists. Many members report that this virtual community actually provides deeper connection than they’ve found locally, because it brings together artists who share both faith and creative passion. Through digital platforms, live video sessions, and optional in-person events, you’ll build meaningful relationships regardless of where you live.

    How is this different from just joining artist groups on social media? While social media groups can provide casual connection, Created to Thrive offers structured, intentional community-building guided by experienced facilitators. Unlike most social media groups, we provide regular live interaction opportunities, facilitated relationship-building, and a shared spiritual foundation. Our community also benefits from professional moderation and purposeful design that moves beyond surface-level interaction to create genuine relationships. Additionally, the focus on Kingdom values creates a uniquely supportive environment where members are genuinely invested in each other’s success.

    Do I need to be at a certain level as an artist to benefit from the community? Not at all. Our community includes artists at every stage of development—from those just beginning their creative journey to established professionals with decades of experience. This diversity is actually one of our greatest strengths, as it creates rich opportunities for multi-level learning and mentorship. Newer artists receive guidance from those further along, while experienced artists often share that teaching others brings fresh insights to their own practice. Whatever your current level, you’ll find both peers and mentors who understand your unique stage of development.

    Explore More About Artist Mentorship Benefits

  • How Artist Mentorship Accelerates Creative Growth and Skill Development

    How Artist Mentorship Accelerates Creative Growth and Skill Development

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    My friend, have you ever felt like there’s so much more inside you—so much untapped creative potential—but you just can’t seem to break through to that next level on your own?

    That feeling isn’t just your imagination. It’s a divine nudge, a holy whisper that you were created for more. And you’re right—solo journeys can only take us so far.

    “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14

    God designed us to grow together, to learn from one another, and to be sharpened like iron sharpens iron. That’s exactly why artist mentorship isn’t just helpful—it’s transformational for your creative growth.

    How Mentorship Fast-Tracks Your Artistic Development

    1. It Creates Sacred Focus for Your Creative Vision

    When you’re trying to develop as an artist on your own, it’s easy to get pulled in a dozen different directions. Today’s watercolor tutorial. Tomorrow’s acrylic workshop. Next week’s exploration into mixed media.

    While exploration certainly has its place, there’s tremendous power in focused development that comes through mentorship. Inside Created to Thrive, we help you:

    • Clarify your unique artistic voice and vision
    • Limit your artistic palette to develop mastery rather than scattered progress
    • Create a personalized developmental roadmap that builds on your strengths
    • Focus your creative energy where God is leading you specifically

    As Wendy, one of our Created to Thrive members, shares: “Through this mentoring program’s teachings, I’ve been able to refine my style and hone my skills while feeling deeply supported. It’s honestly ‘the best’ and has been a constant source of inspiration.”

    2. It Provides Expert Eyes on Your Creative Journey

    One of the greatest challenges for developing artists is the inability to accurately see ourselves and our work. We’re either too critical or not critical enough. We miss both our greatest strengths and our blind spots.

    A mentor provides the invaluable gift of experienced perspective—eyes that have traveled the road before you and can see what you cannot:

    • Identifying your unique creative strengths that you might be overlooking
    • Spotting technical issues before they become habitual
    • Recognizing when you’re playing it safe versus taking inspired risks
    • Guiding you to push beyond your comfort zone at the right pace

    In our weekly Live Q&A sessions and Expert Hours, we provide personalized feedback that accelerates your growth far beyond what tutorials alone could ever accomplish.

    3. It Aligns Your Creativity with Your Divine Design

    This is where secular mentorship and Kingdom-minded mentorship dramatically diverge. True creative acceleration happens when your artistic growth aligns with who God created you to be.

    Inside Created to Thrive, we help you:

    • Discover how your unique spiritual gifts manifest in your creative expression
    • Learn to create from a place of Spirit-led connection rather than striving
    • Overcome the mindsets and lies that have limited your creative capacity
    • Embrace your authentic voice rather than imitating others

    As Maria from Texas experienced: “Within months I got out of debt, created passive income, stopped self-sabotaging. A year later I have a great monthly membership course and a cool gallery representing me.”

    4. It Provides Proven Frameworks for Creative Mastery

    Rather than the randomness of YouTube tutorials or the overwhelm of conflicting advice, quality mentorship offers clear, tested frameworks for development.

    In the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, we’ve organized over 240 video and written resources into 5 strategic modules covering:

    • Heart & Mind: Renewing your thinking and aligning with God’s truth
    • Art: Developing technical skills and your unique creative voice
    • Brand: Crafting your authentic artistic identity and message
    • Business: Building sustainable systems for thriving financially
    • Life: Creating harmony between your art, faith, and daily living

    These frameworks provide the structure and sequence that turns sporadic improvement into consistent mastery.

    5. It Accelerates Learning Through Community Wisdom

    There’s a special kind of acceleration that happens when you’re surrounded by other artists on similar journeys. The collective wisdom, shared experiences, and mutual encouragement create an environment where growth happens naturally.

    Inside Created to Thrive, you’ll experience:

    • Case studies from artists who’ve overcome the same challenges you face
    • Backstage Pass interviews that pull back the curtain on success stories
    • Monthly BizChats and CommunityChats for peer learning and support
    • A private community forum where questions get answered quickly

    This community aspect isn’t just encouraging—it’s exponentially growth-producing, as you learn not only from your own journey but from dozens of others simultaneously.

    The Transformation Available to You

    Picture yourself one year from now—creating work with greater technical skill, deeper spiritual connection, and authentic expression that truly reflects who God made you to be.

    Imagine looking back and seeing how far you’ve come, not through random efforts, but through intentional, guided growth alongside a community that cheers you on.

    As Rachel, one of our members who was previously rejected from art school shares: “My growth accelerated and my life transformed through the mentoring program.”

    My friend, this kind of accelerated creative development isn’t just for “special” artists. It’s available to anyone willing to invest in their growth. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. In fact, you weren’t designed to.

    Are you ready to experience the difference that Kingdom-minded mentorship can make in your creative development? The Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program is ready to welcome you into a journey of transformation.

    [Get Started Today for Just $14!]

    Frequently Asked Questions About Artist Mentorship

    How quickly will I see improvement in my creative skills? Many artists begin to notice shifts in their creativity within the first few weeks of joining the program. This often starts with mindset changes that unlock new creative possibilities, followed by technical improvements as you apply the frameworks and feedback. As testimonials show, some members experience significant breakthroughs within just 2-3 months of consistent engagement.

    What if I work in an unusual medium or my artistic style is different? Created to Thrive welcomes artists of all mediums—painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, mixed media artists, and more. The principles of artistic development apply across disciplines, and our diverse community means you’ll likely connect with others working in similar mediums. The focus is on helping you develop YOUR unique artistic voice, not conforming to any particular style.

    How does spiritual growth connect to artistic development? In the Kingdom, your spiritual growth and artistic development aren’t separate journeys—they’re intimately connected. As you align your identity with God’s truth and learn to create from a place of rest rather than striving, you’ll discover new creative freedom. Many artists find that healing from past wounds and renewing their minds according to Scripture removes blocks that were limiting their artistic expression.

    I’m not a full-time artist. Is this program still for me? Absolutely! Many of our members are part-time artists balancing their creative calling with other responsibilities. The program is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow from that point—whether you’re creating a few hours a week or working toward full-time art making. The structure allows you to progress at your own pace while still implementing transformational principles.

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