• Unlocking Growth through Connection: Why Artists Need Collaboration & Community

    Unlocking Growth through Connection: Why Artists Need Collaboration & Community

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    ISSUE #016

    One of the most incredible truths we can embrace as artists is that we were never designed to walk this journey alone. From the very beginning, God created us for connection—not just with Him, but with each other. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” When we step into divine collaboration, we find strength, encouragement, and fresh vision we could never find in isolation.

    This week, we’re diving deep into what it means to build meaningful connections and collaborations as artists. Whether it’s partnering on a project, joining a critique group, or simply sharing your heart with a fellow creative friend, these relationships are often the key to breakthrough. My prayer is that you’ll open your heart to the relationships God is bringing into your life—and that you’ll see how He wants to use them to multiply your impact and joy.

    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

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    CONNECT

    Scripture: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)

    Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to keep going when someone is walking beside you? The Kingdom of God is all about community, and our creative lives are no exception. We are called to build each other up, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s wins. As artists, we need people who will remind us of our identity in Christ and our creative calling when we lose sight of it.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to open my heart to the relationships You have prepared for me. Give me discernment to see the people You’ve placed in my life to help me grow creatively and spiritually. Teach me to encourage and lift others up as well. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Take 10 minutes this week to pray specifically for the artists and creative friends in your life. Ask God to show you how you can encourage or support them in a tangible way.

    CLARIFY

    God’s plans for us often involve people—divine appointments that help clarify our vision and keep us moving forward. This week, consider how your relationships align with where God is leading you. Are there people you need to reach out to, collaborations you’ve been hesitant to start, or conversations you’ve been avoiding?

    Reflect on how these partnerships could help you gain new perspective, push past creative roadblocks, and step into greater freedom. When we align our goals with God’s heart for connection, we move from striving alone to thriving together.

    Reflection Prompt:
    Which relationships in your life feel life-giving and aligned with your creative vision? Which ones need prayer, boundaries, or a renewed approach?

    Action Step:
    Make a list of 2–3 artists or creative friends you want to connect with this month. Reach out to set up a coffee, call, or creative hangout.

    CREATE

    Isolation can often make our art feel stagnant. Collaboration, however, can infuse new life into our creative practice. Whether it’s inviting another artist into your studio, sharing unfinished work for feedback, or even collaborating on a joint piece, these experiences stretch us and grow us in ways solo work never can.

    Remember, God didn’t just call us to create; He called us to create in community. Just as iron sharpens iron, one artist can sharpen another. When you open yourself to this, you’ll find unexpected inspiration, encouragement, and practical insights that can propel your work forward.

    Studio Action Step:
    Invite a trusted artist friend to visit your studio (or do a virtual studio tour) this month. Share a piece you’re working on and ask for honest, grace-filled feedback.

    CULTIVATE

    Building a thriving art business isn’t just about sales—it’s about relationships. Every collector, gallery owner, or fellow artist is a potential partner in the story God is telling through your work. When you invest in authentic connections, you build trust and open doors to opportunities you may have never imagined.

    This week, think about how you can move beyond surface-level interactions to deeper connections. Share more of your story online, comment meaningfully on a fellow artist’s post, or reach out to a past collector to thank them. Every genuine interaction plants seeds for future growth and impact.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Pick one person—an art collector, a gallery owner, or a supporter—and write them a heartfelt note or email expressing your gratitude and sharing an update on your creative journey.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Canva
    Canva is a fantastic tool that empowers you to create professional, branded designs without needing a graphic designer. From social media posts to price lists, Canva helps you present your work beautifully and consistently.

    Tip:
    This week, design a simple art price list in Canva. Include your name, contact information, and high-quality photos of your artwork. Save it as a PDF so you can easily share it with galleries, collectors, or post it online.

    INSPIRE

    Over in Beaumont, Texas, The Art Studio, Inc. (TASI) just wrapped up its Fourth Annual Gumbo Clayfest, and it’s seriously the kind of heartwarming story that reminds us why art matters. Despite tighter budgets from some usual sponsors, TASI brought together local and returning ceramicists—think Tom Belden, Chris Leonard, and Gary “Greeny” Greenberg—to celebrate clay. Dozens of potters led free public workshops, demoed wheel-throwing, and shared techniques. Kids, retirees, and everyone in between shaped bowls and mugs, learning that a lump of clay can become a vessel of connection.

    What stands out is how this festival isn’t just about selling work—it’s about nurturing new talent and reinforcing community bonds. TASI’s director, Greg Busceme, stressed that art in gatherings like this gives people a safe space to express, process emotions, and find belonging. For us as Kingdom creatives, it’s a blueprint: hosting a simple, low-cost event can spark relationships, break down barriers, and invite folks into the joy of making.

    Read the entire article.

    Takeaway: Could you host a mini studio open-house or clay-play date? Even something as casual as a “mud and mingle” afternoon can open doors for conversations about your art, your faith, and the stories we shape together.

    WORSHIP

    This powerful worship song invites us to surrender and say “yes” to Jesus in every area of our lives. As you listen, let it be a personal moment of consecration and a reminder that your creative journey begins and thrives in His presence.

    LISTEN

    Podcast Episode: Unlocking Creative Partnerships

    Listen Now

    Creative breakthrough isn’t just about what happens in your studio—it’s about the people who surround you on the journey. In this week’s episode, we explore the power of creative partnerships and why stepping out of isolation can be the key to unlocking your next level of growth.

    You’ll hear practical strategies and personal stories of artists who have stepped into collaborations and seen their work—and their spiritual lives—transform. If you’ve been trying to do it all alone, this episode is your invitation to embrace the gift of community and discover what God can do when you join forces with others.

    Key Takeaway:
    Breakthrough often comes not from grinding harder alone but from opening your life to the creative connections God has prepared for you.

    WATCH

    Sometimes as artists, we overthink everything—analyzing, striving, and trying to control every detail. But what if the breakthrough you’ve been longing for is on the other side of a simple, wholehearted “yes” to God’s creative plan?

    In this video, I share my personal story of moving from shame and striving to radical surrender, which opened the door to supernatural provision and influence far beyond what I could have imagined.

    What God did for me, He wants to do for you—and even greater. It starts with your yes. Be sure to watch and leave me a comment!

    FEATURED ARTIST: Amber Ratliff

    Whimsy, Color, and Co-Creating with the Holy Spirit
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Amber Ratliff, painting is so much more than mixing colors—it’s a sacred partnership with the Holy Spirit. Her vibrant, whimsical acrylic works overflow with joyful color, layered patterns, and hidden words of Scripture woven throughout, both visible and unseen. Each piece is an atmosphere-shifting invitation to encounter God’s heart.

    Amber’s artistic journey took a transformative turn after attending the Gathering of Artisans in 2022.

    “I had no idea what to expect,” she recalls. “But I was blown away by the Holy Spirit’s presence, the excellence, and the depth of connection with other artists. My art has never been the same since I learned to invite the Holy Spirit into the process.”

    Workshops with mentors like Aeron & Tracy Brown, Amy Smith, and Sandy Hall taught her to ask God what He wants to release in each piece, embrace mystery and imperfection, and create as an act of worship rather than striving.

    “Before GOA, I didn’t really consult God unless it was to ask Him to bless the piece. Now, it feels like a true partnership—obedience, worship, and a joy-filled connection,” she shares.

    A powerful testimony of this transformation came when Amber was working at a local gallery with her painting “Secret Place”. A guest came in, overwhelmed, and was drawn directly to her piece by the Holy Spirit. He shared how deeply it ministered to him, even falling to his knees in the gallery to weep and pray. In a moment that could only be orchestrated by God, he asked Amber to pray for him, affirming that her art was not just decoration—it was ministry.

    “I felt God remind me loudly, ‘It’s not about you!’ That encounter changed everything,” Amber recalls. “Selling the piece wasn’t the point—God was using it to accomplish His purposes.”

    As a full-time homeschool mom and co-op teacher, Amber’s creative time is precious and limited. She commits each window of time to God, asking Him to multiply it and to guide every detail.

    “It’s all about inviting Him in and remembering: it’s not about me. The pressure is off.”

    Her encouragement to other artists?
    🎨 “Take time to invite the Holy Spirit into every session—it’s a game changer! And remember: it’s not about you. Just be obedient and trust Him.”

    Amber’s art is now shown regularly in a local gallery, and she connects monthly with a group of local Christian artists for prayer, critique, and fellowship—a lifeline of community and growth.

    Through every playful shape, vibrant layer, and hidden Scripture, Amber Ratliff’s work radiates the joy and freedom of co-creating with God—an open invitation to encounter His love and creativity in living color.

    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

    This Issue Sponsored By The Created to Thrive Foundations Course

    Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to step fully into your creative calling? Maybe you’ve been waiting for the “perfect moment” to start—but let me tell you, there’s no better time than right now to take that first step.

    The Created to Thrive Foundations Course is your roadmap to transformation—spiritually, creatively, and professionally. Through powerful teachings, practical strategies, and faith-filled encouragement, you’ll learn how to overcome fear, break free from limiting mindsets, and align your creative life with God’s divine design for you.

    I’ve seen hundreds of artists move from confusion and frustration to clarity and freedom by diving into these foundational truths—and I know you can too.

    🎉 Special Offer for Weekly Subscribers: Use coupon code WEEKLY75 and get 75% off your enrollment today!

    👉 Start your journey of transformation now.

    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.

  • Redefining Success: The Secret to Thriving as an Artist

    Redefining Success: The Secret to Thriving as an Artist

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    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.

    Remember, my friend: You were created to thrive.