• Don’t Quit, Keep Making: 10 Timely Reminders for Artists from the Heart of God

    Don’t Quit, Keep Making: 10 Timely Reminders for Artists from the Heart of God

    , ,

    Every artist knows the battle that happens in the studio. One day the ideas flow like a river, the next day the canvas feels like a wall. We wrestle with fear, distraction, comparison, and doubt. And yet, in the middle of it all, God is speaking. He longs to remind His artists—His sons and daughters—that creativity isn’t just about producing pretty things; it’s about partnering with Him to reveal His glory on the earth.

    Recently, I asked my Mastery Program students to share what they felt God was saying to them in this season. What came out was a list so powerful that I knew it wasn’t just for them—it was for you too. These ten reminders are like mile markers for your journey as a Christian artist. They’ll help you stay grounded in truth, overcome obstacles, and keep pressing forward in your calling.

    So, let’s dive in:

    1. Don’t worry, just create

    Worry is one of the greatest creativity killers. It fills your mind with noise, making it nearly impossible to hear the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said plainly:

    “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25, NLT)

    When you worry about whether your art will sell, if people will like it, or if you’re even “good enough,” you’re carrying a burden that was never yours to carry. God hasn’t called you to figure out all the outcomes—He’s called you to show up and create. Your job is faithfulness in the studio. His job is fruitfulness in the Kingdom.

    2. Fully surrender

    True creativity flows from surrender. When you cling to your own plans, timelines, and definitions of success, you risk missing out on the greater story God wants to write through your life and art.

    Jesus modeled this for us in the Garden of Gethsemane:

    “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42, NIV)

    As artists, surrender means laying down your ego, your desire for recognition, and even your fear of failure. It’s saying, “Lord, this is Yours. Use it however You want.” When your art becomes an offering instead of a performance, you’ll find freedom you never knew was possible.

    3. Let go of people pleasing, shoulds, and ought-to’s

    People pleasing is exhausting. It keeps you creating from obligation instead of inspiration. Paul asked the Galatians a piercing question:

    “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV)

    When you live under the weight of “shoulds” and “ought-to’s,” you miss the joy of simply being who God made you to be. Letting go of people pleasing doesn’t mean ignoring feedback or community—it means refusing to let others’ expectations dictate your worth or direction. Your assignment comes from the Lord, not the crowd.

    4. Don’t quit, keep making

    Every artist faces the temptation to quit. Maybe the sales aren’t happening, the breakthrough feels delayed, or life’s distractions pull you away from the studio. But quitting cuts off the very process through which God shapes you and impacts others.

    Paul encouraged the Galatians with this timeless truth:

    “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)

    Every brushstroke, sketch, woven strand, or carved surface is a seed planted in faith. You may not see the harvest yet, but it’s growing under the surface. Keep making. Keep showing up. Your obedience in the studio matters more than you realize.

    5. Quit selling God short

    Sometimes we limit God by what we think is possible. We lower our expectations to avoid disappointment. But the truth is, God’s vision for your life and art is far greater than anything you could dream up on your own.

    “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)

    When you sell God short, you settle for scraps when He’s laid out a banquet. Your role is not to figure out how—it’s to believe that He can and will. Dare to dream with Him. Dare to step into opportunities that stretch you. He’s not finished writing your story.

    6. Master your skills in art

    Excellence honors God. Developing your artistic skill isn’t about pride or perfectionism—it’s about stewardship. God has entrusted you with a gift, and part of honoring Him is sharpening that gift to its fullest potential.

    “Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.” (Proverbs 22:29, NLT)

    When you invest in your craft—whether through practice, study, or mentorship—you’re preparing yourself to serve in greater ways. Skill and anointing go hand in hand. Your excellence becomes a testimony of the God who inspires and equips you.

    7. Face the fear

    Fear shows up in many disguises: procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, even tech overwhelm. But at its core, fear is always a liar. It tells you that you’re not enough, that failure is inevitable, or that God won’t show up.

    Paul wrote to Timothy:

    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

    The only way to conquer fear is to face it head-on with faith. Every time you step into the studio despite the butterflies, every time you try something new even when you’re not sure, you’re declaring that fear doesn’t get the final word.

    8. Commit to the vision God has shown you

    When God gives you a vision, it’s not a passing idea—it’s an assignment. He doesn’t dangle possibilities in front of you just to take them away. If He called you, He will equip you.

    “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3, NKJV)

    Committing to the vision means staying faithful even when results are slow. It means trusting His timing over your own. Write it down. Pray over it. Keep showing up. The vision will speak—it’s only a matter of time.

    9. Stay on God’s “bullseye”

    Life is full of distractions. Opportunities, responsibilities, and shiny new ideas can pull you in a dozen directions. But God has a bullseye for your life—a center point where your unique design and His purpose meet.

    Jesus said:

    “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

    Staying on the bullseye means keeping your focus on His Kingdom first. Everything else flows from that place of alignment. Ask the Holy Spirit daily: “What’s on Your heart today?” That simple prayer will keep you centered on what matters most.

    10. You never outgrow renewing your mind

    Transformation is a lifelong process. No matter how mature you become as an artist or believer, you’ll always need to bring your thoughts into alignment with God’s truth.

    “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

    Renewing your mind means replacing lies with truth. It means refusing to let past failures or present circumstances define you. As you keep soaking in God’s Word and declaring His promises, you’ll find that your art—and your life—overflow with Kingdom transformation.

    Final Thoughts

    This list isn’t just encouragement—it’s a battle plan. When the enemy whispers lies or your own doubts rise up, come back to these truths. Print them out. Tape them to your studio wall. Pray through them before you create.

    Remember: God hasn’t called you just to survive as an artist. He’s called you to thrive. He’s with you in every brushstroke, every woven fiber, every line of poetry, every creative risk. His Spirit within you is the ultimate source of inspiration, courage, and breakthrough.

    So today, hear His voice afresh: Don’t worry. Surrender. Keep making. Stay on target. Renew your mind. And most of all, trust Me—I am with you.

    Ready to Go Deeper?

    If you’ve ever felt like giving up on your art, you’re not alone. Every artist wrestles with doubt, fear, and the temptation to quit. The difference between those who thrive and those who stall isn’t talent—it’s having the right foundation in place.

    That’s why I created The Foundations Course™. It’s a step-by-step journey designed to help Christian artists like you overcome fear, renew your mind, and align your creativity with God’s purpose. Through practical teaching, biblical truth, and real-world strategies, you’ll learn how to:

    • Break free from self-doubt, fear, and overwhelm.
    • Develop confidence in your identity as a Kingdom artist.
    • Establish rhythms that keep you creating with consistency.
    • Build momentum in your art so you don’t quit halfway through.

    Hundreds of artists have gone through this course and discovered the clarity, confidence, and courage they needed to keep making and step fully into God’s calling.

    👉 If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, wondering if you should even keep going, The Foundations Course™ is your lifeline. Start today and give yourself the gift of a solid foundation for the artist life God designed you to live.

    Learn more and start The Foundations Course™ today »

  • Grace-Paced Creativity: Why Slowing Down Might Be Your Secret to Success as an Artist

    Grace-Paced Creativity: Why Slowing Down Might Be Your Secret to Success as an Artist

    ,

    Issue #021

    If you’ve ever felt like the art world pushes you to go faster, produce more, and keep up with an exhausting pace—you’re not alone. The truth is, hustle culture isn’t just stressful; it’s completely opposite to the way God designed us to thrive. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28-30 MSG to walk with Him and “learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” That means our creativity doesn’t have to be driven by anxiety or comparison. Instead, it can flow naturally from a place of peace and partnership with Him.

    This week’s focus on grace-paced creativity is a reminder that slowing down isn’t failure—it’s wisdom. Just like nature operates in seasons, our creative lives have rhythms of rest, growth, and harvest. By embracing the pace God sets, you’ll not only avoid burnout, but you’ll find deeper joy, peace, and longevity in your creative calling.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

    Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 

    Special Feature: The Core4 Focus Planner

    One of the most powerful ways to embrace grace-paced creativity is by building a rhythm that helps you Connect with God, Clarify your goals, Create consistently, and Cultivate relationships. That’s exactly why I designed the Core4 Focus Planner—a tool to keep you aligned, inspired, and on track without the overwhelm.

    If you’re ready to organize your life and art practice around God’s priorities instead of culture’s pressures, this planner will be a game-changer.

    GET YOUR PLANNER

    CONNECT

    Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

    God’s invitation is simple: come to Him. Creativity born from striving drains us, but creativity born from His presence renews us. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s the fertile ground where inspiration flourishes and peace reigns.

    Prayer:
    Lord, thank You for inviting me to walk at Your pace. Teach me to release the weight of striving and receive the gift of rest in You. Let my creativity flow from Your rhythms of grace, not my own pressure. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step: Begin each studio session this week by reading Matthew 11:28-30 aloud, inviting Jesus to set the pace of your day.

    CLARIFY

    Slowing down gives us space to discern what really matters. Without clarity, it’s easy to run hard in the wrong direction, exhausting yourself on projects and commitments that don’t align with God’s call. Grace-paced creativity means you stop measuring success by speed and start measuring it by alignment.

    Practical Action Step: Write down your top three creative priorities for this season. Ask yourself: Which of these is God truly highlighting right now? Give yourself permission to focus on that one priority this week.

    CREATE

    Your studio doesn’t need to be a place of constant output. It can be a sanctuary where joy and peace flow freely. When you slow down, you’ll notice textures, colors, and techniques that might have gone unnoticed in the rush. This presence-centered creativity produces art that carries life.

    Studio Action Step: Set a timer for 45 minutes. Create slowly and intentionally—no multitasking, no rushing. Pay attention to the small details and enjoy the process without pressure to finish.

    CULTIVATE

    Audiences today are weary of noise and speed. They long for authenticity, presence, and connection. When you share your creative journey at a slower, more thoughtful pace, you invite your community into something refreshing. Grace-paced creativity doesn’t just bless you—it blesses those who experience your art.

    Outreach Action Step: Post one thoughtful reflection this week about what slowing down has done for your art. Invite your followers to comment on how they’re seeking rest in their own lives.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: CapCut

    CapCut empowers artists to create professional-quality videos without needing a big learning curve. It’s perfect for showcasing your process in a way that feels polished but personal.

    Pro Tip: Record a simple 30-second video of your hands creating or prepping your artwork. Use CapCut to trim, add soft background music, and overlay a caption like “Grace-Paced Creativity.” Share it on Instagram Reels or Facebook to connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

    INSPIRE

    Old Chapel, New Life: Lincoln’s “Art Chapel” Opens Its Doors

    Hey creative friends! Here’s a beautiful picture of art breathing life into a neighborhood. In Lincoln, Nebraska, students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln teamed up with F Street Neighborhood Church to transform a 150-year-old chapel into a flexible community arts center. They designed the space with smart, simple features—custom tables with outlets, discreet storage, and even a sliding wall that opens the studio to the deck so the public can watch creativity in motion. (Read More)

    The results are already rippling: weekly open studios, First Friday shows, family art camps, knitting groups, and expanded art sessions with an addiction-recovery partner. It’s a gorgeous reminder for us as Kingdom creatives: sometimes the most powerful “art piece” is the environment we create for others to discover their God-given creativity.

    Faith takeaway: Consider how your studio or church could become an invitation—host an open table, curate a mini-showcase, or make one small change that makes creating together easier. Little changes can create a big impact.

    Why not consider starting a small group this Fall using some of our incredible resources for Kingdom artists including the new Foundations Course Book? You just might be the door opener someone needs to start stepping into their creative call.

    LISTEN & WATCH

    Episode: Grace-Paced Creativity

    👉 Listen Now

    Have you been caught in an endless cycle of hustle and disappointment? This week’s podcast invites you to step off that treadmill and embrace Jesus’ invitation to “learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”

    Instead of striving to meet cultural standards of success, you’ll learn how to operate from the inside out—grounded in God’s truth and led by His Spirit. Through the Core4 Focus framework and a recognition of creative seasons, you’ll discover that slowing down is not the end of productivity—it’s the start of fruitfulness.

    Key Takeaway: True success as an artist isn’t about working harder; it’s about walking at God’s pace and creating from a place of rest.

    WORSHIP

    “Be Still and Know” – Housefires (Live)

    This beautiful worship song captures the heart of Matthew 11:28-30, reminding us that rest and trust in God are the foundation of a thriving creative life. As you listen, let the simple refrain wash over you and become a rhythm in your studio time this week: be still, and know that He is God.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Elizabeth Van Tassel

    📍 Website | 📸 Instagram | 📘 Facebook

    For Created to Thrive member Elizabeth Van Tassel, art has always been a part of her life, but in this new season, God has transformed her creative calling into a source of ministry and community. A painter of watercolor gouache landscapes and a graduate gemologist, Elizabeth is launching Elizabeth Van Tassel Studios alongside her husband as they enter their empty-nester years. What began as a hobby has grown into a flourishing business with juried art and craft fairs, private showcases, and a line of jewelry in development.

    Elizabeth is quick to credit the role of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program in this transition:

    “Matt’s mentoring program gave me the courage and tools to move from painting as a hobby into a business. The advice on everything from websites to mindset has been invaluable.”

    She goes on to say, “ALL of your advice has been invaluable in setting up the website, learning the how-to’s step by step, not feeling alone in moving from painting since my teens to using it as a hobby for so long, to launching my business this year as we are empty nesters.”

    Her process is prayer-infused from start to finish: “The perspective while creating art to not only spend time and seek the Lord in the process of painting—but KEY THING—pray for those who see the artwork and eventually purchase it for their lives to be touched with what the Holy Spirit wants to infuse it with. This has been flat AMAZING to see women and even men come to tears in our booth this summer.”

    That commitment has led to powerful God-moments. At one festival, a little girl named Lilly was captivated by a painting of a lily pad at sunset, later returning with her missionary family. Another day, a woman in a wheelchair rolled up to Elizabeth’s booth, spotted her hidden crosses woven into the artwork, and left encouraged and prayed for. These divine encounters remind Elizabeth of her role as a vessel of God’s presence.

    Her journey hasn’t been without challenges—wildfire evacuations, unexpected expenses, and logistical hurdles. But even in these moments, she’s learning to walk in trust:

    “God’s unexpected provision—the quest is to SHOW UP where He points us and the provision will be there, but it may be packaged unexpectedly.”

    Through it all, Elizabeth holds fast to the dream God placed in her heart: building a creative business that doesn’t just sell art but creates a community of faith, beauty, and encouragement.

    Screenshot
    Screenshot

    Apply to Be a Featured Artist

    Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9

    Resources for Christian Artists

    If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.

  • Your Art Is Not Just a Hobby – It’s a Holy Calling

    Your Art Is Not Just a Hobby – It’s a Holy Calling

    , , ,

    Have you ever found yourself wondering if your love for art — that creative spark that just won’t leave you alone — is really from God? Or is it just some side hobby that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things?

    Friend, I know that struggle well. For years, I wrestled with the same questions. I thought my creativity was just a fun side note to my “real” spiritual life. I kept my art over here, my business over there, and my spiritual life tucked safely in another box. But everything changed when I realized this powerful truth: our creativity is not just a luxury or a distraction. It’s a divine gift, woven into the very design of who we are, intended to release God’s glory into the earth.

    If you’ve ever felt that tension, I want you to lean in. Because what I’ve discovered — and what I now spend my life helping other artists discover — is that your creativity isn’t just nice. It’s necessary. It’s not optional. It’s not “extra.” It’s an assignment straight from the heart of God.

    Created in His Image to Create

    Genesis 1:27 says we are created in God’s image. Think about that! The first thing God revealed about Himself in Scripture is that He is a Creator. And because we bear His image, we carry that same creative nature. Your desire to make art isn’t something you came up with to escape life — it’s a divine deposit, an invitation to partner with Him.

    Some might say, “Oh, isn’t art selfish? Shouldn’t I be spending more time volunteering or doing ‘spiritual’ things?” But friend, your art is spiritual. It’s not a distraction; it’s a powerful act of agreement with God’s design for your life.

    When you start seeing your creativity as a divine assignment, everything shifts. You begin to experience the abundant life Jesus promised — not just for yourself but as a conduit for others to encounter Him.

    Your Art: A Vessel of Encounter

    Whether you’re painting, weaving, writing, dancing, or composing, your creative expression becomes a vessel. Just like a song can bring tears streaming down your face in the car, your artwork can become a table where the Holy Spirit meets people right where they are.

    I love to say: your art is an invitation for heaven to meet earth. Romans 8:19 reminds us that all creation is eagerly waiting for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. People are hungry for truth, beauty, and authentic connection. When you create, you’re not just making pretty things — you’re opening divine intersections where God can move powerfully.

    You’re an Ambassador

    2 Corinthians 5:20 calls us ambassadors of Christ. Think about an ambassador — they don’t act on their own authority. They carry the authority of the one who sent them. When you create as an artist in God’s Kingdom, you’re not just expressing your own ideas; you’re carrying His heart into the world. That’s not just a hobby — that’s a mission.

    It doesn’t matter if your art “looks” overtly Christian or not. It matters that you are a son or daughter of the King. When you create, His presence flows through you, transforming lives in ways you may never even see this side of heaven.

    Faithfulness Over Fame

    God isn’t looking for you to be the most successful, the most polished, or the most popular. He’s looking for your yes. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.” Whether you’re making art part-time, as a side gig, or full-time — do it faithfully. Because in the Kingdom, growth and multiplication come from faithfulness, not hustle.

    When you bring your small loaves and fishes — your little bit of art, your hesitant steps of faith — God multiplies it beyond anything you could imagine. You might feel like you’ve only got a little to give, but He turns it into an overflow that feeds multitudes.

    Say Yes to the Calling

    What if today was the day you stopped treating your art like “just a hobby” and started embracing it as a holy calling? What if today you gave God your yes and agreed with His design for your life?

    I want to encourage you to pause right now and pray:

    Jesus, thank You for creating me in Your image and for giving me the gift of creativity. Today, I say yes to Your design and calling on my life as an artist. I choose to step into this divine assignment, to create in partnership with You, and to release Your glory into the world through my art. Thank You for the freedom, favor, and opportunities that come when I say yes to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Friend, if you just prayed that prayer, let me know — just say “YES” in the comments. Share your story. I want to celebrate with you and cheer you on.

    Remember, you were created to thrive — not just survive. You carry the Kingdom. You are an artist on divine assignment. And the world is waiting for what you carry.

    P.S. If this resonates with you and you want to go deeper, I’d love for you to check out my Foundations Course for artists. It’s a powerful discipleship journey designed to help you heal, grow, and step confidently into your God-given calling.

    Stay connected, keep creating, and remember — you were created to thrive.