Affordability is almost never the real reason people don’t buy artwork. Yet, it’s the thing artists love to obsess over — as if there’s some magical price point that will suddenly make people whip out their wallets. Not true.
In fact, lowering your prices to entice sales usually has the opposite effect, especially when it comes to your ideal high-end collectors. Lower prices often scream lower value, lower reputation, and lower perceived quality.
Serious art buyers find a place for work they absolutely love. If they fall in love, they’ll move mountains (or at least furniture) to make it fit.
The real reason most qualified buyers don’t make a purchase? The aesthetic.
They might appreciate your skill, admire your story, and even respect the hours you poured into creating — but if the colors, style, and subject matter don’t resonate or fit into their space, they’ll walk away every time.
Here’s the bottom line: buyers don’t care how long you’ve been creating, how many tears you cried over that piece, or how many cups of coffee fueled your late-night studio sessions. They care about one thing first: Will this look amazing in my space?
Once they’ve answered yes to that question, then — and only then — do they start to care about the story behind it, their connection with you as the artist, and any other sweet extras you might offer. But without that initial aesthetic spark, none of it matters.
Without a beautiful, unique, and commanding aesthetic, it’s highly unlikely you’ll sell consistently, no matter how much heart, passion, or time you pour in.
This is exactly why discovering and cultivating your unique artistic voice is so crucial.
Key Takeaways for Artists:
🎨 Stop obsessing over price — focus on creating art that commands attention and connection.
🏡 Buyers want pieces that make their spaces come alive. That’s the first (and biggest) hurdle.
💎 Your unique voice is your superpower. Refine it, celebrate it, and let it set you apart.
🚀 When your art resonates aesthetically, everything else — your story, connection, value — becomes the icing on the cake.
The world doesn’t need more cheap art — it needs more authentic, beautiful, heaven-breathed work that can’t help but turn heads.
Have you ever really stopped to think about what a miracle it is that God invites us — yes, you and me — to create with Him? Not just to make pretty things, not just to keep ourselves busy, but to co-create with the Creator of the universe.
This morning on my walk (where God seems to love talking to me!), I felt Him pouring out this powerful download that I knew I had to share with you right away. Because here’s the thing: as Christian artists, we’re not here to just decorate the world. We’re here to transform it.
Our creativity isn’t just a talent or a hobby — it’s a Kingdom assignment. It’s a sacred invitation to partner with God and become living intersection points where heaven meets earth through our art.
The Divine Blueprint: God’s Original Creative Process
When we look back to Genesis, we see something incredible. God spoke the world into being — light, sky, land, plants, animals — all with His words. But when it came to creating humanity, He did something different. He stooped down, took dirt from the earth, and formed Adam with His own hands. Then He breathed His very life into him (Genesis 2:7).
Why did God get His hands dirty when He made us? Because He wanted to model what it looks like to create from a place of intimacy and partnership. He wanted to show us that transformation doesn’t happen from a distance — it happens when heaven touches earth through willing, surrendered hands.
Dirt became destiny.
Art as an Intersection of Heaven and Earth
As Christian artists, we take raw materials — clay, paint, fabric, wood, metal, words — and we offer them up to God. We invite the Holy Spirit into our creative process. And just like that dirt in the garden, when the breath of God meets our work, transformation happens.
Your studio is not just a workspace. It’s a sanctuary. Every brushstroke, every woven fiber, every piece of clay molded in your hands becomes an altar where God’s presence dwells. When people interact with your art, they’re not just seeing your technique — they’re encountering something deeper, something eternal, something from the heart of God.
Ordinary Materials, Extraordinary Purpose
Think about the first miracle Jesus performed at the wedding in Cana (John 2). He didn’t start His ministry with some flashy, showy act. Instead, He took ordinary water — the simplest, most common substance — and turned it into the finest wine. Why? Because He was moved by compassion, connected to the Father’s heart, and fully surrendered to the Spirit’s leading.
Or consider the blind man in John 9. Jesus didn’t just speak healing from afar. He bent down, made mud with His own spit and the earth, and applied it to the man’s eyes. Again, God took something natural and infused it with divine power, bringing transformation and new life.
Friend, do you see the pattern? Over and over, Jesus modeled how heaven and earth collide through simple, surrendered acts. And as artists, we’re invited to do the same.
Your Art Is a Prophetic Act
When you create with God, your art becomes more than decoration — it becomes a prophetic act. Your paintings, sculptures, writings, music, and designs become invitations for people to encounter God’s love and presence in a tangible way.
Your art carries His heartbeat. It carries His compassion. It carries His transformative power. When someone stands before your work and feels deeply moved, when they say, “I don’t know why, but this piece speaks to me,” that’s not just about your skill. That’s the Holy Spirit working through you.
This is why your art matters so deeply. It’s why the world needs what you carry. It’s why the enemy fights so hard to keep you small, stuck in striving and comparison, and disconnected from your true calling.
The Power of Participation
Romans 12:2 urges us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation requires your participation.
God isn’t looking for passive spectators. He’s looking for sons and daughters willing to get their hands dirty — willing to co-labor with Him. When you yield your hands, your imagination, your materials, and your process to Him, something supernatural happens.
The kingdom isn’t about performance, hustle, or proving yourself. It’s about intimacy and obedience. It’s about saying, “Lord, I don’t just want to make art; I want to make art with You. I want my life and my creativity to be an ongoing encounter with heaven.”
Heaven’s Invitation to You
Your “dirt” — your raw materials, your ideas, your stories, even your weaknesses — can become your destiny when surrendered to God.
God wants to take the mundane and make it miraculous. He wants to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. He wants to take your art and make it an instrument of healing, hope, and transformation for the world.
He’s not waiting for you to be perfect. He’s not waiting for you to have it all figured out. He’s simply waiting for your yes.
When you step into your creative process with Him, you begin to experience what it means to truly thrive — not just survive or get by, but to flourish in the fullness of who He’s created you to be.
P.S. If you’re ready to go deeper, to break free from striving and step fully into creating with God, I invite you to check out my Foundations Course for artists. It’s designed to help you renew your mind, align your heart with His, and confidently walk out your Kingdom calling as an artist.
Remember — in His hands, your dirt becomes destiny. And you, my friend, were created to thrive.
What if I told you the biggest thing holding you back as an artist isn’t your painting skill, your marketing strategy, or even the audience you have access to? What if the real barrier is actually how you define success?
After mentoring thousands of Christian artists over the years, I’ve realized that so many well-meaning creatives spend their lives chasing a version of success that God never intended for them. And it’s no wonder they end up burned out, frustrated, and sometimes even wanting to give up on their art completely.
But friend, let me encourage you — God has a much better plan. A plan that brings real abundance, deep joy, and lasting impact. One that not only fulfills you but also blesses countless others along the way.
From Hobbyist to Kingdom Artist
For years, I was what I like to call an “ENT” artist — an “every now and then” artist. I’d make baskets in the fall and winter when the weather was nice, maybe do a few art shows to make some Christmas money. I loved it, but I never once thought that God had a plan for my art. In my mind, my spiritual life was in one box, my art life was in another, and my business life somewhere else altogether.
But as I started going through my own healing journey, God began to show me something that rocked my world. He revealed that my art wasn’t just some fun, extra hobby — it was at the very center of my calling. He wanted to use my art not just to bring me life and freedom, but to bring healing, influence, impact, and yes, even income.
When I began to embrace that, everything started to shift. God brought my identity, my purpose, and my healing together into one beautiful package. It wasn’t an overnight transformation — there were plenty of bumps and potholes along the way — but each step drew me closer to Him and deeper into who He had created me to be.
The Baltimore Wake-Up Call
Early on, like so many artists, I thought success meant following all the latest strategies and hustling as hard as I could. I figured if I worked harder, did more shows, got into the best galleries, and won all the accolades, that would mean I had “made it.”
I’ll never forget the time I went to the prestigious American Craft Council show in Baltimore. I had invested big — thousands of dollars in booth fees, hotels, travel, not to mention the countless hours of preparation. I went in thinking, “This is it! This is going to be my breakthrough show. I’ll make $15,000–$20,000 easy!”
But instead of success, I hit a brick wall. I barely made enough to cover expenses. As I packed up and drove eight hours back to Asheville, I was furious, discouraged, and confused. I had a long, raw conversation with God on that drive home — what I like to call a “come to Jesus meeting.”
Somewhere in the middle of my ranting and complaining, the Lord interrupted me. He asked me a question that would change everything: “Do you really want to know why this didn’t work?”
When I finally said yes, He spoke so clearly: “Because you’re trying to build your art business in a way that I never designed for you.”
Ouch. But oh, what a freeing revelation that was.
The Power of His Plan
God reminded me of what He had already spoken to my heart before I even launched out — that He wanted my studio to be a place of connection and encounter, and that He would bring clients to me if I stayed faithful in the studio.
So, I went home and completely reworked my studio, turning it from a casual bohemian workspace into a professional fine art gallery. I invested money I didn’t have, trusted God every step, and prepared my space as an act of obedience.
Just a few weeks later, a couple from Atlanta — who had originally planned to see me at that Baltimore show — drove all the way to my studio unannounced. They commissioned a piece on the spot, paid a $1,000 deposit, and left me speechless.
In that moment, God made it crystal clear: His ways are higher than ours. When we walk in obedience, even when it doesn’t make sense, He opens doors we could never force open ourselves.
Redefining Success God’s Way
The world tells us success is all about numbers — sales, followers, fame, and fortune. But God? He measures success by faithfulness.
1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God isn’t looking at your Instagram stats or your bank account to measure your worth. He’s looking at your heart — at your willingness to say yes, to obey, to trust Him even when it doesn’t make sense.
When you shift your mindset from striving to abiding, everything changes. John 15 paints the picture perfectly: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Our job isn’t to force the fruit. Our job is to stay connected to Him, and fruit will naturally flow.
Embrace the Unforced Rhythms of Grace
The Message Bible beautifully calls it “the unforced rhythms of grace.” As artists, it’s so easy to get caught in the comparison trap. We see others selling out shows, getting huge commissions, landing big exhibitions — and we start to question, “Am I enough? Am I doing enough? Am I successful?”
But comparison is the thief of joy. When you stop measuring your life by someone else’s highlight reel and start measuring by faithfulness to God’s voice, freedom comes. Peace comes. True joy comes.
Be Faithful in the Pasture
I love the story of David. Before he was king, before the victories and the songs, he was just a shepherd boy playing his harp in the fields. That secret place, the pasture, was where God shaped his heart. He learned intimacy before he ever stepped onto a public stage.
Likewise, Bezalel in Exodus 31 was filled with the Spirit of God and skilled in all kinds of craftsmanship. God doesn’t just want your talent; He wants your heart. He anoints both — your hands and your heart — to carry out His purposes.
Faithfulness Over Fame
In the Kingdom, faithfulness always precedes fruitfulness. God isn’t calling you to be famous; He’s calling you to be faithful. Fame might come, but it’s never the goal — it’s simply a possible byproduct of a life rooted in Him.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The world’s system says, “Get all the things, then you’ll have peace.” But God says, “Seek Me first, and I’ll add everything you need.”
Your Invitation to Yield
Maybe today is your moment to pause and ask, “Lord, have I been building my art life on my own terms? Have I been chasing numbers instead of Your presence?”
Friend, He’s inviting you into the deeper place — to lay down striving and pick up abiding, to yield your plans and receive His. And when you do, I promise, you’ll discover a life and art practice beyond what you could ever imagine.
P.S. If you’re ready to step into this journey for real — to move from striving to thriving, from burnout to breakthrough — I’d love to invite you to check out my Foundations Course for artists. It’s a powerful, transformative discipleship journey designed to help you align your heart, renew your mind, and confidently walk out your unique calling as an artist in God’s Kingdom.
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.
In a world saturated with creative content, developing a distinctive artistic voice isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. But here’s the thing: your unique voice isn’t some mystical quality that either strikes like lightning or remains forever elusive. It’s built through intentional design choices that become your creative DNA.
Beyond the “Squishy and Ethereal”: Making Voice Tangible
Too often, we talk about artistic voice in vague terms—”balance,” “harmony,” “style.” But these concepts only become powerful when we can identify the specific, replicable elements that create them. When you can look at ten pieces of your work lined up and see not only consistency within each piece but also consistency between pieces, that’s when you know you’re developing a true artistic voice.
The Five Pillars of Distinctive Design
1. Intentional Repetition: Your Visual Vocabulary
Repetition isn’t about being boring—it’s about creating a visual language that speaks fluently about who you are as an artist. This means:
Consistent use of specific elements (textures, shapes, forms)
Repeated compositional approaches that feel natural to you
Signature techniques that appear across multiple works
The key is making these repetitions feel organic, not forced. When elements naturally echo throughout your work, viewers begin to recognize your “handwriting” before they even see your signature.
2. Cohesive Color Relationships: Your Emotional Palette
Many distinctive artists work within deliberately limited color palettes. This isn’t a restriction—it’s a superpower. A cohesive color approach:
Creates immediate visual unity across your body of work
Allows you to master subtle variations within familiar territory
Builds emotional consistency that viewers can connect with
Makes your work instantly recognizable in any setting
Consider how your color choices reflect your personality, your environment, or your emotional response to the world.
3. Strategic Contrast: The Art of Visual Hierarchy
Effective contrast isn’t just about light versus dark—it’s about creating intentional focal points that guide the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it to go. This includes:
Value contrast (light against dark)
Textural contrast (smooth against rough)
Scale contrast (large elements supporting smaller details)
These physical choices become as distinctive as handwriting, creating tactile recognition even in photographs of your work.
The Development Process: From Intuition to Intention
Here’s what many artists don’t realize: you probably already have the beginnings of a unique voice—you just haven’t recognized and refined it yet. The development process involves:
Step 1: Recognition Look at your last 10-20 pieces. What elements keep showing up? What color combinations do you gravitate toward? What compositional approaches feel most natural?
Step 2: Intentional Repetition Once you identify your natural tendencies, begin using them more deliberately. If you naturally create circular compositions, explore that fully rather than fighting it.
Step 3: Systematic Refinement Treat each new piece as an opportunity to refine your visual vocabulary. Ask: “How can this piece strengthen the consistent elements that make my work recognizable?”
Beyond Copying: The Difference Between Influence and Imitation
Developing your voice doesn’t mean working in isolation. The goal isn’t to create something never seen before—it’s to filter everything through your unique perspective and preferences. When you see work that resonates with you, ask:
What specific design elements create that effect?
How could I achieve something similar using my own visual vocabulary?
What would this approach look like filtered through my color preferences, my compositional style, my material choices?
The Long Game: Building Recognition Over Time
A distinctive artistic voice isn’t built overnight. It emerges through:
Consistent practice within your chosen parameters
Gradual refinement of your signature elements
Confident commitment to your natural preferences
Thoughtful evolution rather than constant reinvention
Your Voice as Your Competitive Advantage
In our connected world, technical skill alone isn’t enough. Viewers are drawn to work that feels authentic, consistent, and emotionally resonant. When your artistic voice is strong and clear:
Collectors know what to expect from you
Your work becomes more memorable and shareable
You can command higher prices for your unique perspective
You build genuine connection with your ideal audience
The Permission to Be Yourself
Perhaps the most important element of developing your artistic voice is giving yourself permission to embrace what comes naturally. Your voice isn’t hiding somewhere “out there”—it’s already emerging in the choices you make instinctively.
The question isn’t “What should my artistic voice be?” It’s “What is my artistic voice trying to become, and how can I support that development?”
Your artistic voice is your creative fingerprint—unique, valuable, and entirely yours. By paying attention to the specific design elements that feel most authentic to you and developing them with intention, you create work that doesn’t just look good—it looks unmistakably like you.
Ready to Develop Your Voice AND Build a Thriving Art Business?
Finding your artistic voice is just the beginning. What if you could also learn how to:
Turn your unique creative gifts into sustainable income
Build genuine relationships with collectors who love your work
Develop the business systems that support your art (without compromising your creativity)
Connect with other Kingdom artists who are serious about their calling
Get practical, proven strategies for commissions, galleries, and online sales
The Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program provides the complete roadmap for artists who want to flourish both creatively and financially. You’ll get access to:
Step-by-step business training specifically designed for artists
A supportive community of like-minded creatives
Regular coaching calls and expert guidance
Proven systems for everything from pricing to client relationships
Resources for growing in your creative calling as an artist in the Kingdom
This isn’t just about making money from your art—it’s about stewarding your gifts well and building the life and business that allows your creativity to thrive.
Ready to take the next step in your artistic journey?
Have you ever stopped to consider that your studio—whether it’s a spare bedroom, a corner of the garage, or a table in the kitchen—is more than just a place where you “make stuff”?
According to Exodus 35:35, God gave Bezalel and Oholiab not only the skills to create but the wisdom and inspiration to do so in a way that honored Him. The same Spirit that filled them is alive in you.
What if we began to treat our creative spaces like holy ground? Not because of the space itself, but because of the presence of the Creator meeting us there.
This week, I want to help you reframe your studio time as sacred time. Let’s move from obligation to overflow, from hustle to holy ground.
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CONNECT
“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work… and the ability to teach others.” – Exodus 35:35 NIV
God didn’t just give Bezalel and Oholiab artistic skill—He gave them divine purpose and presence in the work. Your studio is no different. It’s the place where you and the Holy Spirit co-labor to release beauty, healing, and hope into the world. The paint, the clay, the fibers—they’re not just materials. They’re instruments of worship.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, meet me in my studio today. Remind me that I’m not just creating alone—I’m co-creating with You. Let every brushstroke, sketch, and stitch become an offering that glorifies You. May this space be filled with Your peace, presence, and power. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Action Step: Before you begin your next session, pause. Invite God into your creative time. Speak this out loud: “This studio is holy ground because You’re here.”
CLARIFY
This week, shift your focus from output to overflow. It’s easy to get caught up in what needs to be done—deadlines, shows, inventory—but what if your primary goal was intimacy with the Creator in your creative process? Invite God to set your priorities as you intentionally cooperate with Him.
Strategic Reflection: Where have I been striving instead of abiding in my creative work?
Action Step: Write a one-sentence declaration that aligns your week with God’s leading. Example: “This week, I will create from a place of peace and presence, not pressure.”
CREATE
When your hands move in alignment with Heaven, your art becomes more than aesthetic—it becomes prophetic. Whether you’re finishing a painting, shaping clay, or weaving a piece, remember: your creativity is part of your Kingdom assignment.
Studio Action Step: Create one piece this week as a “firstfruits” offering—no pressure to sell or perfect it. Simply create with the Lord and ask Him what He wants to express through you.
CULTIVATE
People don’t just want to buy art—they want to feel something when they see it. And when your studio becomes holy ground, the art you make carries that presence with it. That’s something your audience can sense.
Marketing Tip: When posting your art, invite engagement that connects viewers to God’s Word. Ask: “Which verse or word does this piece remind you of?” Then respond to every comment to deepen the connection.
Weekly Outreach Idea: Post one new photo on your Facebook page or profile this week using that question. Then DM one or two thoughtful responders to thank them personally for engaging.
TECH TIP FOR THRIVING
Platform: Facebook Tool Tip: Don’t underestimate Facebook! It’s still one of the best places to build authentic relationships with your community.
Try this:
Post a new photo of your art.
Add the question: “Which verse or word does this piece remind you of?”
Engage thoughtfully with every comment to build genuine connection.
Episode: The Studio is Your Sanctuary – Creating with God, Not Just for Him
Ever felt that creative spark and wondered where it truly comes from? This week’s podcast explores the profound truth that your studio isn’t just a workspace—it’s sacred ground. Just like Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 35, you’ve been filled with God’s Spirit to create in ways that carry His presence into the world around you.
We’ll dive into the Hebrew roots of creativity—yetser (internal formation) and yatsar (external crafting)—and how your art becomes a powerful expression of what God is doing inside you. I’ll also share simple, practical ways to invite God’s presence into your creative space, whether it’s a full studio or a quiet corner in your home.
Key Takeaway: When you dedicate your space to the Lord and assume His nearness, your creativity becomes more than output—it becomes overflow. Your art transforms from decoration into declaration, and you shift from working for God to working with Him.
Tune in and share it with a fellow artist who needs to reclaim their creative space as holy ground.
To deepen this week’s theme—“Your Studio is Holy Ground”—immerse yourself in the live worship experience of Make Room by Kim Walker-Smith. This powerful anthem invites us to surrender our traditions and make space for God’s transformative presence. As you listen, let the lyrics inspire you to dedicate your creative space as sacred ground where divine collaboration unfolds.
Let this song set the atmosphere in your studio, turning your creative process into a holy encounter.
For Amy Peterman, painting the landscapes of Northern Michigan isn’t just about capturing scenic beauty—it’s about telling stories, connecting hearts, and releasing the comfort of God through every brushstroke.
When Amy joined the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, her focus was clear: she wanted to grow her art business and connect with a community of like-minded Christian creatives. But what she found went far deeper.
“CTT and the Mastery Program have been game-changers for me. Not only has my business grown, but I had no idea God would do such deep work in my heart. It’s the best investment I’ve made for my art and my heart.”
Amy is a gifted landscape painter whose work resonates deeply with those who treasure the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Many of her collectors are seeking to capture that love through original artwork for their homes—and Amy considers it a joy to help them do just that.
One powerful moment in her journey came during one of the 2-day destination Mastery Retreats, where fellow Created to Thrive member Beth Affolter led a Holy Spirit-led brain mapping session. “I very clearly heard God tell me I needed to paint trees,” Amy recalls. “Since then, they’ve been flowing off my brush—including my largest commission to date!”
Her work doesn’t just connect visually—it connects emotionally and spiritually. At an art fair last summer, one man tearfully purchased a print that reminded him of a cherished path to the beach near a friend’s cottage. That friend had passed away, and another could no longer travel. Holding the print, he said: “I know it’s not THAT path, but to me it is.” Amy reflects, “What an honor to think that God had me paint that as part of His plan to comfort this man.”
In the studio, Amy keeps a large Petoskey stone near her door—a visual reminder to release the mental weight she’s not meant to carry. “When I’m overwhelmed, I look at that stone and ask the Lord to take the heavy stuff so I can focus on what He’s called me to do.”
On the business side, she’s learning valuable lessons as she grows. “Have a clear commission agreement. Seriously—it will save you so many headaches.” And when it comes to perfectionism, Amy encourages artists not to get stuck in fear.
Her encouragement to fellow artists: 🎨 “You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Just get out there and do your thing! You’ll learn as you go—and if you’re doing the CTT modules, you’ve already got a huge advantage.”
Her outreach is working too—new clients are finding her through both social media and SEO, including a recent wholesale client who found her on Instagram and a commission client who simply searched “Michigan artist” online. WOW!
For Amy Peterman, art is about more than paint—it’s about presence. The presence of God, the power of memory, and the joy of knowing that her art can bring healing and hope, one piece at a time.
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.
Have you ever felt like your creative rhythm is just off? Like you want to be in the flow with God, with your art, and with your business… but something’s just not syncing up? I’ve been there too. In my early years as an artist, I was all over the place—starting things I didn’t finish, getting inspired but never building momentum, and wondering why I always felt stuck.
What I discovered is that breakthrough isn’t about doing more—it’s about developing rhythms and habits that actually work for you, not against you.
This week, I want to share 4 simple habits that can totally transform your life as an artist. These aren’t magic bullets, but they are proven pathways. When you cultivate a rhythm—spiritually, creatively, and practically—you create space for God to meet you in the everyday and accelerate what He’s already put in you. Let’s get you back in sync, steady on the path, and thriving right where you are.
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CONNECT
Proverbs 21:5 (NLT): “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”
In a world that glorifies hustle and overnight success, God invites us into something much deeper and truer: the slow, steady rhythm of diligence rooted in trust. As artists, our spiritual health is our foundation. Before the art, the marketing, the money… comes presence. Daily connection with the Lord aligns us, anchors us, and tunes our hearts to the divine rhythm He’s designed for our lives.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being a God of order, peace, and purpose. Help me to resist the temptation of quick fixes and instead embrace the daily rhythm of walking with You. Remind me that You’re not in a rush and neither should I be. Let my creativity flow from Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Spiritual Action Step: Set aside the first 10 minutes of your studio time each day this week to invite the Holy Spirit in. No agenda—just presence.
CLARIFY
Intentionality fuels momentum. And momentum comes from consistent choices, not scattered inspiration. If you’ve been spinning your wheels, maybe it’s time to pause and realign. What does a thriving week look like for you in this season? What do you sense the Lord is highlighting? Write it down. Pray it through. Then make a plan—with margin.
Reflection Prompt: What are 3 things I can commit to doing this week that align with my God-given assignment as an artist?
Clarity Action Step: Block out a 30-minute planning session and use that time to set 3 meaningful goals for the week in your creative life, personal life, and business.
CREATE
If you want to grow as an artist, you can’t just create when you “feel it.” You’ve got to cultivate the habit of showing up. A creative rhythm doesn’t restrict you—it liberates you to build skill, confidence, and breakthrough over time. Daily sketching, 15-minute warmups, prayer walks, or material experiments—whatever gets you moving—do that!
Studio Action Step: Commit to 30 minutes of uninterrupted creative time each day this week. Put it on the calendar. Guard it like gold.
CULTIVATE
Your art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s meant to impact others. But that only happens when you nurture connection. Cultivating relationships with collectors, followers, and potential partners doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just has to be consistent. A weekly post, a personal message, a “thank you” note—those little seeds grow into a harvest of favor, sales, and influence.
Marketing Action Step: Pick 3 people—past collectors, supporters, or fans—and reach out this week with a personal note of appreciation and an update on what you’re working on.
TECH TIP FOR THRIVING
Platform: Notion Topic: Build Your Artist “Studio Dashboard”
Notion is a flexible, all-in-one digital workspace that helps you organize your creative world in one place. From daily routines to business goals, this tool keeps everything visible, editable, and connected.
Try This: Create a “Studio Dashboard” in Notion with three tabs:
Art Projects – Track progress, deadlines, and inspiration.
Scripture Inspiration – Record weekly verses and God moments.
Business To-Dos – Stay on top of marketing, emails, and sales tasks.
Podcast Episode:From Dabbling to Thriving: 4 Habits That Transform Christian Artists
Are you an ENT artist—Creating Every Now and Then—only when inspiration strikes? You’re not alone. But if you’ve been longing for more consistency, momentum, and breakthrough in your creative life, this episode is for you.
After mentoring thousands of artists, I’ve learned that it’s not talent that separates thriving artists from those stuck in frustration—it’s intentional habits. In this episode, I break down the Core4 Focus Framework™—Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate—and how these four daily rhythms can radically transform your walk with God, your studio time, and your impact in the world.
Key takeaway: When you partner with the Holy Spirit through intentional habits, your creativity becomes a highway for Kingdom impact—and your potential finally gets the room it needs to flourish.
If you’ve been craving a fresh move of the Holy Spirit in your life and creative journey, this powerful worship moment will stir your heart. “Rest on Us” is a passionate invitation for the Spirit of God to dwell, move, and ignite something new within us. As artists, we need more than inspiration—we need presence. Let this song become your prayer this week as you create from a place of intimacy and surrender.
FEATURED ARTIST: Trevor McCauley
Journaling the Journey, Co-Creating with Christ 📍 Website | 📱 Instagram
For Trevor McCauley, creativity is more than just making art—it’s an act of worship, a form of prayer, and a lifelong dialogue with God.
Currently journeying through The Foundations Course, Trevor has found new strength in knowing he’s not alone. “Knowing that other people of faith are on similar journeys and have a hunger for God is something that has been essential to my growth as an artist in Christ,” he shares.
Trevor’s artistic practice is expansive and multi-disciplinary. He’s currently working on:
A two-panel abstract acrylic painting inspired by Isaiah 61:3
A collection of faith-based poetry centered on identity and transformation
A long-term musical project—The Storm, a symphony rooted in contemporary classical music that’s been in progress since 2005
Whether painting, composing, or writing, Trevor sees art as a way to experience the tangible presence of God.
“It’s how I see prayers manifested. It’s tangible. It’s spiritual. It’s relational. It’s how I know God is with me and co-creates with me.”
One of Trevor’s most profound spiritual habits is middle-of-the-night journaling. While his daytime writing is often reflective, his late-night sessions take on a completely different nature—words that flow as if God is speaking directly to the reader. “The writing becomes more like God directly to the reader… I’m just a conduit.”
A deeply personal project that reflects his love for detail and meaning was a two-year Christmas gift for his wife: a scratchboard rendering of 17 flowering plants still growing on her grandmother’s property—an heirloom of beauty, history, and legacy. “It was part science, but mostly about art and a connection that only my wife could truly appreciate. Our kids helped, and it was a complete surprise. An amazing gift.”
Trevor’s creative path began with journaling as an act of faith, long before he claimed the title “artist.” It taught him to quiet his heart, observe his world, and discover his inner voice. Today, that habit continues to shape his direction and keep him grounded.
His encouragement to fellow artists?
🌿 “Sometimes it’s how we are changed through the journey of producing art that matters—not the product itself.”
Trevor’s website has become a cornerstone for sharing his work and amplifying his message. And while the road includes missed expectations, flopped book signings, and delayed dreams, he’s learning that relational trust with God—built in the unseen moments—is what makes the creative life so deeply fulfilling.
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.
