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.
What if I told you that your art—yes, the piece sitting half-finished on your studio table—was never meant to stay confined to your space?
What if, when it leaves your hands, something eternal begins to unfold? That’s the kind of power we’re talking about this week. In Matthew 5:14–16, Jesus reminds us that we’re not just artists—we’re light-bearers. And when our creativity is rooted in connection with Him, it becomes a spiritual force that shifts atmospheres and opens hearts.
You see, when heaven meets earth through your art, it’s not just about sales or social likes. It’s about obedience, presence, and impact. Your artwork, created in intimacy with the Holy Spirit, carries something eternal. You may never see all the lives your brushstrokes touch, but God does—and He uses every act of faith-filled creativity to plant seeds of truth, beauty, and restoration in the hearts of those who need it most.
May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.
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CONNECT
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. — Matthew 5:14,16 (NLT)
As artists, our instinct can sometimes be to retreat, to keep our creative expressions private or hidden. But Jesus calls us to something greater—to shine for His glory. Your art is not only a gift to you but a vessel through you for others to experience beauty, truth, and hope. When you share authentically from your heart, you’re revealing His nature.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the creativity You’ve placed inside me. Help me not to hide my light but to share what You’ve given with boldness and joy. Let my art reflect Your love and goodness to the world around me. Teach me to trust You with every stroke and step. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Spiritual Step: Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one person this week who needs to see your art. Then share it with them as an intentional act of encouragement.
CLARIFY
This week, let’s get really clear: your art isn’t just for you—it’s a message, a ministry, and a mirror of God’s glory in your life. But if you’re not sharing it, it can’t do the work it was meant to do. Sometimes we get stuck thinking it has to be perfect or profound, but what really moves people is honesty and heart. Are you sharing from that space?
Reflection Prompt: What’s one story behind your art that someone else needs to hear this week?
Action Step: Choose one piece of your art and write a short description about its meaning. Post it online, email it to a friend, or print it out with a note. Let your work speak from your heart.
CREATE
Great art flows from deep connection. When your heart is full and your focus is clear, the creative process becomes not just productive—but prophetic. Sharing from the heart requires that we stay present in the studio, not distracted by trends or chasing perfection, but tuned in to what God is doing in and through us.
Studio Action Step: Set aside one studio session this week to create without any agenda—no sales, no shows, no pressure. Just you, God, and the canvas. Let your spirit lead and see what pours out.
CULTIVATE
Marketing can feel impersonal when we forget the “why” behind it. But sharing your art from the heart is the most authentic marketing you can do. People connect with your story far more than just a product. When you let them in on the meaning behind the work, you invite them into a relationship—not just a transaction.
Outreach Idea: Write a short behind-the-scenes story about one piece of your art and post it on your social media with a clear invitation: “If this speaks to you, I’d love to hear your story too.”
Pinterest is a powerful tool for visually-inclined buyers and collectors—and it’s not just for recipes and mood boards! As a visual artist, you can use Pinterest as a living portfolio that attracts people who are searching for exactly what you create.
Try This: Create a board titled “My Art” and begin pinning images of your work. Include your process, finished pieces, and even inspiration boards. Use keywords in your pin titles and descriptions to help collectors find you more easily.
INSPIRE
Colors of Community: Silver City’s 62-Foot Mural Unveiling A heartwarming mural in Silver City, Nevada, reminds us that art has the power to connect across generations and backgrounds. Led by Tridentata Arts, this 62-foot collaborative piece brought together over 35 community members to paint their town’s story—from historic landmarks to family picnics and riverside memories. Local churches donated supplies, students mixed paint, and elders shared tales that shaped the design.
As Christian artists, let’s remember that our work doesn’t just live in frames—it lives in hearts. Maybe this week is the perfect time to co-create something in your studio with a friend, neighbor, or even a stranger who could use a little hope.
Podcast Title:When Heaven Meets Earth: The Hidden Power of Your Art
The moment your art leaves your studio, something more than marketing happens—it becomes a vessel of light in a world that desperately needs it. In this week’s episode, we explore Matthew 5:14–16 and the powerful truth that Jesus wasn’t speaking metaphorically when He called us “the light of the world.” Your creativity, when offered in obedience and connection with the Holy Spirit, becomes a supernatural force for transformation.
This isn’t about algorithms or aesthetics—it’s about presence. I’m sharing powerful stories of how spirit-led artists have witnessed their work become bridges to healing, hope, and revelation. When you create from a place of intimacy with God, your art naturally carries His presence—and that presence shifts things in the spiritual realm, often in ways you’ll never fully see on this side of eternity.
Key Takeaway: Your art isn’t just a gift—it’s a calling. When you create and share from the heart, God uses it to create sacred intersections where heaven touches earth.
This modern worship anthem invites us to open the doors of our hearts and “let the light in.” It’s a beautiful reminder that what God shines into us, we’re meant to shine out into the world. Let it inspire you to be bold, transparent, and joyful as you create this week.
FEATURED ARTIST: Beth Affolter
Letting Go, Leaning In, and CoCreating with God 📍 Website | 📱 Instagram
For Beth Affolter, creating art isn’t just an activity—it’s a sacred collaboration. As a painter, teacher, and mentor, Beth has dedicated her life to helping others experience the joy of CoCreating with God—and she’s living proof that the creative journey can be one of both transformation and triumph.
Beth works primarily in acrylic and oils, with a thriving business that includes live wedding paintings, art instruction, and spiritual mentoring. Her heart is to awaken creativity in others and help them recognize that artistic expression isn’t just a gift—it’s part of our divine DNA. “I believe creativity is in us all,” she says. “It’s inherited and deeply woven into who we are.”
“CTT completely lifted and changed my life. I let go of so many lies I’d been fostering and came into deeper intimacy with Christ. Now, I’m creating a beautiful business with God at the center—and it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Beth spent years striving on her own, trying to make it all work through sheer effort. “I felt completely empty,” she admits. “But when I entered CTT, everything clicked. I realized it’s not about performance—it’s about the process, and glorifying Him through it.”
That surrender has led to powerful moments, including one unforgettable piece she painted during a Bible study. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, she began adding textures and colors to worship music, not knowing where it would lead. The result? A piece that won first place in a state art show, brought light into a spiritually dark environment, and eventually brought a young woman to tears—leading her boyfriend to purchase it for her. “God showed up big time,” Beth says. “That piece was saturated with His presence.”
Beth’s spiritual and creative rhythm is rooted in worship music, which she uses to enter into God’s presence before she paints. “I get lost in the music, then the worship, and then I am really connected to the work.”
Her encouragement to fellow artists is heartfelt and hard-won: 🎨 “Don’t give up—lean in closer to God. Not every piece will be a masterpiece, and that’s OK. It’s about the journey.”
Now part of the Created to Thrive Mastery Program, Beth is learning to balance discipline with grace with personal one-on-one and small group artist mentoring led by Matt & Tanya Tommey. She’s spending more time in the studio, renewing her mind daily, and—perhaps most importantly—letting go of the need to prove herself. “I’m also looking at my numbers more intentionally and adjusting where needed. God is in the details, too.”
Beth’s journey is a radiant example of what happens when we stop striving and start partnering—with the Holy Spirit, with the creative process, and with the purpose God has placed in us all.
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.
As children of God, we’ve been invited into His supernatural process of creativity to reveal and reflect His glory in the world. Our lives are meant to be an overflow of His presence—an intersection point where heaven meets earth through us.
One of the most beautiful ways we walk that out is by following Jesus’ example: taking what’s natural, speaking life to it through the power of the Holy Spirit, and watching God transform it into a supernatural expression of His glory (John 14:12, Romans 8:11).
God modeled this from the beginning. He could’ve spoken humanity into existence with a word—just like He did the sun, moon, and stars. But He didn’t. He chose to stoop down, take the dirt of the earth, form it with His hands, and breathe His very life into it (Genesis 2:7). That wasn’t just about creating man—it was about modeling a divine process. He wanted us to see that transformation often comes when heaven touches earth through willing hands.
Of course, we know in the Kingdom we have authority to speak things into being. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “life and death are in the power of the tongue,” and Romans 4:17 declares that we can call those things which do not exist as though they did. When we pray in faith and align our words with God’s will, heaven responds.
But there’s another dimension of supernatural living I want to highlight—one that’s hands-on and participatory. When Jesus performed His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, it wasn’t flashy or self-promoting. He wasn’t trying to make a name for Himself. He was moved by compassion and love for His mother. Quietly and intentionally, He turned water into wine—not just any wine, but the best wine—because that’s what love does (John 2:1–11).
That act was simple yet profound: a moment of honor, love, and faith. He took something ordinary and transformed it for Kingdom purpose. And He did it without fanfare.
Later, when Jesus encountered the blind man, He didn’t just heal him with a word. He got His hands dirty—literally. He spit into the dust and formed mud. He took something of Himself and something from the earth, combining them in a supernatural process that restored sight (John 9:6–7). That wasn’t just a healing—it was a prophetic picture.
Jesus, the Living Word, blended heaven and earth in His own hands and released the power of the Kingdom. What was once dirt became destiny. Those weren’t just mudballs—they were miracles in the making.
That same pattern shows up all throughout Scripture. God places something in the hands of His people—a rod, a jar of oil, five loaves and two fish—and invites them to trust Him. Through obedience and faith, the natural becomes the setting for supernatural release (Exodus 14:16, 2 Kings 4:1–7, John 6:1–13).
Despite what religious ivory towers may teach, the supernatural life isn’t a thing of the past. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11). Jesus said we would do the works He did—and even greater (John 14:12). That’s not a metaphor. That’s a mandate.
Jesus came not only to redeem and restore us but to model how to operate supernaturally in the natural world. Not just by speaking things into existence, but by exercising dominion over the earth through faith, obedience, and creative partnership with the Father.
So let me ask you: What mudballs has the Lord placed in your hands? What ordinary thing could become extraordinary under the influence of your faith and His grace?
You weren’t placed in this world just to pray for change—you were born to release the Kingdom. God has already placed ideas, resources, relationships, and opportunities around you. Ask Him to show you how to use what you’ve got to bring Him glory and transform lives.
When heaven touches earth through you, miracles happen.
Real Stories of Transformation from the Created to Thrive Community
My friend, you’ve probably heard me share about the power of artist mentorship, but today I want to step back and let the voices of our Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring community speak directly to you—artists just like you who took a step of faith and found their lives and creative practices transformed through quality mentorship.
These aren’t just success stories—they’re testimonies of God’s faithfulness when we say “yes” to the journey He’s inviting us into.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Finding Confidence
Julie Bagamary: From Self-Doubt to Embracing Her Calling
“I found the strength to overcome the lies that kept me from embracing my call to be a thriving fiber artist in God’s Kingdom. The mentoring program has helped me transform my thinking and see myself through God’s eyes.”
Julie’s journey represents what so many artists experience—that moment when the lies that have held them back for years finally lose their power through community, mentoring, and alignment with God’s truth.
Rachel Painter: Rejection Transformed into Divine Redirection
“After being rejected from art school and thinking my dream of being an artist might never come true, my life was transformed through the mentoring program. My growth accelerated and my entire life was transformed as I stepped into God’s calling for my art.”
Rachel’s story reminds us that rejection isn’t the end of the story—sometimes it’s just the beginning of a different, more aligned path that God had in mind all along.
Financial Transformation and Business Growth
Ann from Oregon: From Struggling to Six Figures
“I have increased my art teaching income over 60% and am on my way to a 6-figure year after doing the Artist Cashflow Bootcamp and becoming a member of CTT!”
Ann’s experience shows us what’s possible when artists receive not just inspiration, but practical, proven business strategies specifically designed for the creative mind.
Lance from Wisconsin: Quadrupling His Art Income
“Since I joined the mentoring program and started doing the work, I’ve increased my art business income by over 4x!”
Notice Lance’s key phrase: “and started doing the work.” Quality mentorship provides the roadmap, but it’s those who implement with consistency who see these kinds of remarkable results.
Lisa from California: $60K Growth in Art Business Revenue
“After becoming a member of CTT and implementing Matt’s teachings, I’ve increased my art business income from $32k to over $92K!”
Lisa’s testimony powerfully illustrates that professional-level income isn’t reserved for a select few in the art world—it’s available to committed artists who learn and apply the right principles.
Breaking Free from Stuckness and Self-Sabotage
Maria from Texas: From Debt to Passive Income and Gallery Success
“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.”
Maria’s journey highlights the comprehensive transformation possible through quality mentorship—financial healing, mindset renewal, and new opportunities that seemed impossible before.
Jan Tetsutani: From Self-Sabotage to Thriving Full-Time Artist
“I pushed past my fear and self-sabotage to walk into my calling as a thriving full-time artist. The mentoring program gave me both the spiritual foundation and practical tools to make this transition with confidence.”
Jan’s story speaks to the artists who know they’re called but have been held back by fear—showing that with the right support, breakthrough is not just possible but inevitable.
Finding Community and Belonging
Toni Wesner: Discovering Authentic Artistic Community
“My first Mastermind group call was this past Thursday… it was amazing! God was showing me the vital importance and blessing of community. Your mentoring group is the first real community I’ve experienced, Matt. I’m deeply humbled by it and realize the incredible amount of love and work you put into it.”
Toni’s experience reflects the deep longing many artists have—not just for techniques or business strategies, but for genuine connection with others who understand their journey.
Wendy B: Spiritual, Emotional, and Business Transformation
“This mentoring program has been truly transformative for both my art business and my spiritual and emotional growth. Through its teachings, I’ve been able to refine my style and hone my skills, all while feeling deeply supported by the CTT team and its community. It’s honestly ‘the best’ and has been a constant source of inspiration and blessing in my life.”
Wendy’s testimony beautifully captures the holistic nature of true mentorship—touching every aspect of the artist’s life, not just their creative techniques.
Clarity, Direction, and Purpose
Amy Kane Smith: Finding Confidence and Direction
“Being a part of the Created to Thrive group has been a huge benefit to me in my art practice and business. Matt’s mentoring has encouraged me to be confident in doing the work I am called to do. I have also been able to really narrow my focus and begin to formulate and work a plan to take my art business to the next level. 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.”
Amy’s journey illustrates the power of clarity—how finding focus and direction can transform not just what you create, but how you see yourself as an artist.
Jill Williams: Integration of Spiritual and Artistic Growth
“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. Matt acknowledges that success is different for each person and doesn’t force a one-dimensional agenda. He’s also very generous with practical information and I’m learning that my spiritual and artistic growth are completely connected and should develop accordingly to experience true peace in my process.”
Jill’s testimony speaks to the unique integration of faith and art that sets Kingdom-minded mentorship apart—recognizing that true artistic flourishing happens when we align with our spiritual design.
Healing and Hope Restored
Gabe Gibitz: Breaking Through Depression After Years of Struggle
“After releasing three albums independently, I hit a dark valley of depression with my music that didn’t lift for four years. Nothing seemed to help. I tried self-motivation, goal setting, counseling and even deliverance sessions. Since I have joined Matt Tommey’s mentoring group, I have seen marked change in a matter of weeks. The Truth that Matt speaks is setting me free — Jesus is setting me free.”
Gabe’s powerful story reminds us that artistic blocks often have deeper spiritual roots—and that true healing comes through truth, community, and realignment with God’s heart.
Shanon Roberts: From Discouragement to Breakthrough Sales
“I had a major breakthrough and started successfully selling my art just 2 months after joining Created to Thrive! After years of feeling like my art wasn’t ‘good enough,’ I finally found the confidence and practical steps to share my work with the world—and the response has been incredible.”
Shanon’s experience shows how quickly transformation can happen when artists find the right support at the right time.
Marriage and Family Transformation
Couples Finding Harmony in Art and Life
Many couples in our community have shared how mentorship has strengthened not just their art businesses, but their marriages as well:
“Thriving in their Marriage & Art Business – This couple has found new joy and purpose as they built their art business together, strengthening their marriage while pursuing their creative calling.”
When both partners understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the artistic journey, deeper connection and collaboration become possible.
Men’s Journeys: How Male Artists Find Transformation in the Created to Thrive Community
While Created to Thrive serves artists of all backgrounds, many men in our community have found unique value in the program’s blend of spiritual guidance, practical business instruction, and authentic community. For male artists who may have struggled with vulnerability, career transitions, or balancing family responsibilities with creative calling, the mentorship program offers both the structure and support needed to thrive.
Matt Philleo: From Fear and Doubt to Flourishing Portrait Art
Matt Philleo’s journey as a portrait painter was marked by a familiar struggle—a heart full of artistic dreams but a mind filled with doubt. Though skilled in creating luminous acrylic portraits with his unique glazing technique, Matt hesitated to fully embrace his calling.
“What do you believe God has called you to do?” his mother-in-law once asked. Matt’s answer revealed his inner conflict: he longed to paint full-time but questioned whether he could trust God for provision.
In 2009, Matt took that leap into full-time artistry with initial success. But when portrait commissions suddenly dried up, leaving his family financially vulnerable, he found himself at a crossroads familiar to many male artists—questioning his decision and feeling the weight of provider responsibilities.
Everything changed when Matt discovered the Created to Thrive program. Beyond just art techniques and marketing strategies, Matt found something more valuable—a renewed foundation for his identity as both an artist and a man of faith.
“The program helped me understand that my worth wasn’t tied to my financial success, but my financial success could flow from my alignment with God’s purpose,” Matt shares. “I went from questioning my calling to confidently building a thriving portrait business with a steady stream of commissions.”
Today, Matt teaches art classes from a beautiful studio on five acres of land—tangible evidence of the transformation that began with addressing the core beliefs that had limited both his art and his life.
Phillip Ortiz: Breaking Through Financial Barriers
For Phillip Ortiz, a graphic designer and artist from Kansas City, the challenge wasn’t a lack of technical skill—it was a seemingly immovable financial ceiling that kept him struggling despite years of experience.
Working from his basement as a freelance designer, Phillip felt trapped by financial limitations that affected not just his art but his sense of purpose as a husband and father. The stress and frustration became constant companions.
“I was skeptical at first,” Phillip admits about discovering Matt Tommey’s work through a friend’s Facebook link. “I’d seen plenty of programs promising transformation, but something about Matt’s message resonated differently—it spoke to both the artist and the provider in me.”
What surprised Phillip most about joining Created to Thrive were the introductory “heart modules.” As someone with years of industry experience, he expected to focus primarily on business strategies. Instead, he found himself examining his fundamental relationship with both his art and himself.
“That’s when I realized the breakthrough I needed wasn’t just about technique or marketing—it was about aligning my vision with God’s provision,” Phillip explains. “Just like Peter, the professional fisherman who caught nothing until he followed divine guidance, I needed to listen and align my actions with God’s plan for my work.”
This shift transformed Phillip’s approach to both his art business and his family life, allowing him to break through the financial barriers that had previously limited his success.
“You don’t have to create from pressure; you can create from life, joy, and the goodness of God,” Phillip now encourages other male artists. “That’s a game-changer not just for your art, but for how you show up in every area of your life.”
Gabriel Stockton: Finding Direction and Community as a Watercolorist
As a watercolor artist, Gabriel Stockton appreciated the fluidity and spontaneity of his medium, but his creative practice lacked the structure and purpose needed for sustainable growth. Like many male artists, Gabriel enjoyed the solitary aspects of creation but hadn’t yet discovered the power of intentional community.
“I was creating beautiful pieces, but without a clear strategy or purpose,” Gabriel reflects. “As both an artist and a father, I felt disconnected from any sense of artistic community that could help me navigate both roles effectively.”
The Created to Thrive program introduced Gabriel to structured goal-setting that transformed his approach. Rather than seeing planning as restrictive to his creativity, he discovered how intentional strategy could actually enhance his artistic freedom and productivity.
But the most profound transformation came through the program’s emphasis on community connection. For Gabriel, who had primarily viewed art as a solitary pursuit, discovering the value of transparent relationships with fellow artists was revolutionary.
“The vulnerability I found within the group—particularly among the other men—changed everything,” Gabriel shares. “We could openly discuss not just art techniques, but the challenges of balancing creative work with family life, financial pressures, and spiritual growth.”
This newfound community empowered Gabriel to embrace a role he hadn’t previously considered—mentoring other artists. He realized that his journey wasn’t just about personal achievement but building relationships that nurtured both artistic and spiritual growth.
“I’ve learned that strength comes not just from mastering your craft, but from connecting authentically with others who understand your struggles and celebrate your victories,” Gabriel says. “That’s a lesson that has transformed both my art and my role as a husband and father.”
Trace Chiodo: Aligning Passion with Purpose
After 25 years as a graphic designer, Trace Chiodo had developed impressive technical skills in digital art, illustration, and photography. His work beautifully integrated his lifelong passions for golf and fishing—creating unique pieces that captivated art lovers.
But despite his experience and talent, Trace faced financial uncertainty and lacked clarity about how to navigate the art market independently after years of working for others.
“I needed more than just better marketing techniques,” Trace explains. “As a man of faith, I wanted my entire approach to art to reflect my belief in living by faith. I was searching for a way to fully align my artistic career with God’s purpose.”
The Kingdom-focused approach of the Created to Thrive program provided exactly what Trace was seeking—a mentorship experience that addressed both artistic growth and spiritual alignment. Through the program, Trace experienced concrete transformations:
“I now have my own dedicated studio space, which has been crucial for my creative process,” Trace shares. “I’ve developed additional income streams that provide stability for my family. I’m exhibiting beyond just local art centers, and more people are discovering and connecting with my work.”
For Trace, the mentorship program offered a holistic framework that honored his desire to be both successful in business and faithful to his spiritual convictions—a balance that many male artists struggle to achieve.
“The program gave me permission to pursue excellence in both my art and my business without compromising my values,” Trace says. “That integration has been the key to becoming truly successful as an artist and as a man.”
The Unique Value for Men in Artistic Community
These stories highlight how male artists in the Created to Thrive community have found unique value in a program that addresses their specific challenges:
Identity and Purpose: Many men struggle with questions of identity when pursuing creative careers. The program helps them integrate their artistic calling with their sense of purpose and responsibility.
Authentic Vulnerability: The community provides a safe space for men to be vulnerable about their struggles without fear of judgment—often a rare experience in male-dominated environments.
Practical Stewardship: The program’s emphasis on good business practices resonates with men’s desire to be good stewards of their talents and resources.
Integrated Faith: For men of faith, the program offers a way to align their creative careers with their spiritual values without compromise.
Balancing Roles: Many male artists in the program have found strategies for balancing their artistic calling with their roles as husbands, fathers, and providers.
Through the testimonies of artists like Matt, Phillip, Gabriel, and Trace, we see how the Created to Thrive program addresses the whole person—not just artistic technique or business strategy, but the heart, mind, and spirit of the artist. For these men and many others in our community, this holistic approach has been the key to lasting transformation in both their art and their lives.
Could Your Story Be Next?
These testimonials represent just a small sample of the thousands of artists who have found transformation through the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program. Each journey is unique—reflecting God’s individual design for each artist—yet all share common threads of breakthrough, growth, and alignment with divine purpose.
As Paulette Insall so powerfully stated: “I just have to say it is the BEST investment I’ve made in my career as an artist! He covers all the bases; business, mindset+spiritual, and creativity. If you are ready to stop making excuses and get to work on stepping fully into the artist God created you to be, you need to go sign up!”
My friend, I believe your story of transformation is waiting to be written—and it could begin today. What limiting beliefs, financial challenges, creative blocks, or sense of isolation might be overcome through the right mentorship community?
As Judy Goddard wisely observed: “Matt Tommey is a successful artist whose love of the Lord is deep and intimate. That relationship informs every part of his life. He is sharing what he’s learned on his spiritual journey, as it pertains to thriving and prospering as an artist. I highly recommend that any Christian who has been called to the arts, and desires to flourish in them, work with Matt and see the difference it will make in their lives.”
The question isn’t whether transformation is possible—these testimonials prove that it is. The question is whether you’re ready to say “yes” to the journey God has for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Artist Testimonials
Are these results typical for members of the Created to Thrive program? While each artist’s journey is unique, the transformations shared in these testimonials represent common patterns we see among members who actively engage with the program resources and community. The degree and pace of change varies based on factors like starting point, consistency of implementation, and individual circumstances. However, our members consistently report meaningful growth in areas of mindset, spiritual connection, creative confidence, and business acumen. Those who experience the most dramatic results typically commit to regular participation in live sessions, community engagement, and consistent application of the principles and practices taught in the program.
How long does it typically take to see results like these? The timeframe for experiencing transformation varies based on individual circumstances, but many members report noticing initial shifts in their thinking and creative approach within the first 30 days of joining the program. Tangible business results, such as increased sales or higher pricing, often emerge within 3-6 months of those who implement the business strategies consistently. Significant transformations like career changes or substantial income increases typically occur over 6-12 months of dedicated engagement. The stories shared here represent members at various stages of their journey—some who’ve been with us for several years and others who experienced breakthroughs within their first few months.
What if my situation or creative medium is different from these testimonials? Created to Thrive serves artists across virtually every creative medium—painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, jewelers, woodworkers, potters, and many more. The principles of Kingdom creativity, mindset renewal, and art business development apply universally, while the specific application is tailored to your unique circumstances. Our community includes artists from diverse backgrounds, geographic locations, and stages of development. The varied testimonials shared here reflect this diversity, showing that transformation is possible regardless of your starting point, medium, or specific challenges.
Can I connect with these artists to hear more about their experience? Many of the artists featured in these testimonials actively participate in our community and regularly share their ongoing journey in our live sessions, BackStage Pass interviews, and Case Studies. When you join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, you’ll have opportunities to connect directly with fellow members, ask questions, and learn from their experiences. We also frequently feature in-depth interviews with members who have experienced significant breakthroughs, allowing you to gain deeper insights into their transformation process and apply relevant strategies to your own journey.
A young woman artist rests her chin in hand, holding a paintbrush amid art supplies.
Breaking Through the Barriers That Hold Your Art Captive
My friend, we’ve all been there—staring at a blank canvas, feeling the weight of creative paralysis, wondering if the inspiration will ever return. Creative blocks aren’t just frustrating; they’re a spiritual battle that can rob you of the joy and purpose God intended for your artistic journey.
These moments of creative drought aren’t a sign that you’ve lost your calling or that you lack talent. Often, they’re simply evidence that you need fresh perspective, renewed vision, and guided wisdom to break through to the other side.
“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
The Root Causes of Creative Blocks
Before we can overcome creative blocks, we need to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. Through years of mentoring thousands of artists, I’ve discovered that most creative blocks stem from one of these core issues:
1. Mindset Barriers
Fear of failure or judgment
Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
Comparison to other artists
Self-sabotaging beliefs about your identity or worth
2. Spiritual Disconnection
Creating from striving rather than Spirit-led flow
Misalignment with your divine design
Wounds and lies that block your creative voice
Confusion about your purpose and calling
3. Technical Limitations
Skill gaps creating frustration
Lack of knowledge about materials or processes
Uncertainty about the next developmental step
Getting stuck in comfortable but limiting patterns
4. Practical Obstacles
Overwhelm from too many ideas or directions
Lack of structure, routine, or creative discipline
Isolation without supportive community
Environmental factors that disrupt creative flow
The good news? Each of these blocks can be overcome with the right guidance, community, and proven frameworks.
How Mentorship Dismantles Creative Blocks
Inside the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, we don’t just offer vague encouragement or quick fixes. We provide specific, proven pathways to move through creative barriers and into sustainable creative flow.
1. Renewing Your Mind for Creative Freedom
Creative blocks often begin in the mind. That’s why we start with heart and mind renewal:
Biblical affirmations that replace lies with truth about your creative identity
Practical exercises to overcome perfectionism and fear
Spirit-led meditation and reflection practices that unlock creative flow
Transformational teaching on developing a Kingdom mindset
As Julie Bagamary, one of our fiber artist members, discovered: “I found the strength to overcome the lies that kept me from embracing my call to be a thriving fiber artist in God’s Kingdom.”
2. Spirit-Led Creation Practices
When your creative practice becomes disconnected from divine inspiration, blocks naturally follow. Our mentorship program helps you:
Establish a rhythm of Spirit-led creation that maintains inspiration using our Create5 Method
Develop practices for hearing God’s voice in your creative process
Learn to create from rest rather than striving
Tap into the flow of divine creativity that never runs dry
Jan Tetsutani, a painter and muralist in our program, shares: “I pushed past my fear and self-sabotage to walk into my calling as a thriving full-time artist.”
3. Tactical Skill Development
Sometimes blocks occur because you simply don’t have the technical tools to express what’s inside you. Our mentorship provides:
Recommendations for specific skill-building resources across various mediums
Expert Artist feedback during weekly Expert Hour to identify and overcome technical hurdles
Strategic pathway to overcome limitations that build mastery rather than scattered development
Clear developmental pathways to keep you growing technically
4. Structural Support Systems
Creative blocks often dissolve when the right structures are in place. We help you establish:
Sustainable creative rhythms and routines
Goal-setting frameworks that maintain momentum
Accountability through community and regular check-ins
Environmental optimizations for creative flow
As Toni Wesner, one of our members, experienced: “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.”
Breaking Through Together: The Community Factor
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of overcoming creative blocks through mentorship is the realization that you’re not alone. Inside Created to Thrive, you’ll find:
Weekly live Q&A sessions where we address specific blocks you’re facing
Weekly Expert Hour coaching that provides technical solutions to creative challenges
A private community grop where members help each other through stuck points
Case studies and Backstage Pass interviews revealing how others overcame similar obstacles
As Wendy Marett, an artist and teacher in our program, shares: “Created to Thrive Mentoring group has been solid, spirit-led teaching about thriving as a Christian artist. There are artists at all levels of their journey and situation.”
From Block to Breakthrough: Your Path Forward
Imagine waking up each day with a clear sense of direction for your art—no more paralysis, no more wondering if the creativity will come back, no more isolation in your struggles.
Imagine having access to a proven roadmap that guides you from wherever you’re stuck to where God is calling you to go creatively.
Imagine being part of a community that understands exactly what you’re going through because they’ve been there too—and have found their way through.
This transformative experience isn’t just possible—it’s exactly what the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program was designed to provide.
As Rachel, who was once rejected from art school, discovered: “After being rejected from art school and thinking my dream of being an artist might never come true, my life was transformed through the mentoring program. My growth accelerated & life transformed.”
Your Breakthrough Is Waiting
My friend, creative blocks aren’t permanent sentences—they’re temporary challenges that can become powerful turning points in your artistic journey with the right guidance.
Whether you’re facing mindset barriers, spiritual disconnection, technical limitations, or practical obstacles, there’s a pathway forward that leads to greater creative freedom and expression than you’ve ever known.
The question is: Are you ready to move from stuck to thriving? From blocked to breakthrough? From frustration to fulfillment?
Your next step is waiting. Your breakthrough is possible. And a community of fellow artists is ready to welcome you on the journey.
I’m cheering you on as you break through to new levels of creative freedom!
Matt Tommey
Frequently Asked Questions About Creative Blocks
How do I know if what I’m experiencing is a creative block or something else? Creative blocks typically manifest as a persistent inability to create despite the desire to do so. You might feel stuck, uninspired, or dissatisfied with everything you create. You may experience frustration, avoidance of your art practice, or even dread when thinking about creating. What distinguishes a block from a simple rest period is the accompanying distress and the sense that something is preventing you from expressing what’s inside you, rather than a peaceful, intentional creative pause.
How long does it typically take to break through a creative block with mentorship? While every artist’s journey is unique, many members begin experiencing shifts within the first few weeks of joining our program. Often, the initial breakthrough happens at the mindset level—as you begin to identify and replace limiting beliefs with truth. Technical blocks may take longer to resolve as you develop new skills, but most artists report significant improvements within 2-3 months of consistent engagement with the program resources and community.
What if my creative block is related to a specific technique or medium? The Created to Thrive program addresses both mindset/spiritual blocks and technical challenges. For technique-specific blocks, our Expert Hour sessions provide access to coaches specializing in various mediums who can help identify your specific technical hurdles. Additionally, our community includes artists working in virtually every medium, so you’ll likely connect with others who have overcome similar technical challenges and can share their insights.
Is it normal to experience repeated creative blocks throughout an artistic career? Yes, even the most successful artists encounter blocks at various points in their journey. However, with the right tools and community support, these blocks become less frequent, less intense, and easier to move through. Many seasoned artists in our program share that while they still experience occasional obstacles, they now have effective strategies to navigate them quickly rather than remaining stuck for extended periods.
