• Dirt Becomes Destiny: Creating with God in the Kingdom

    Dirt Becomes Destiny: Creating with God in the Kingdom

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    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.

  • 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.

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

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

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    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.

  • Joyful Experimentation: Embrace New Creative Paths, Share Your Portfolio, and Build Community

    Joyful Experimentation: Embrace New Creative Paths, Share Your Portfolio, and Build Community

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    ISSUE #012

    One of the greatest joys we have as artists walking with the Lord is the freedom to explore, play, and experiment in our creativity without fear. As Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” This isn’t just a poetic verse—it’s a personal invitation from God to open your eyes to new pathways, fresh ideas, and Spirit-led surprises. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. You just have to be willing to say yes and take the next step in faith.

    This week, I want to encourage you to lean into joyful experimentation—not just in your art, but in the way you show up in the world. What if that new technique you’ve been considering, that collaboration you’ve been postponing, or even that organizational tool you’ve avoided could be the key to a creative breakthrough? Try something new. Share it. Celebrate what God is birthing in you. The world doesn’t need your perfection—it needs your presence, your process, and your willingness to keep showing up.

    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: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

    When God speaks of doing something new, He’s not just talking about external change—He’s talking about inner transformation and Spirit-led vision. As artists, we are often the first to sense the stirring of something fresh on the horizon. But sensing is not the same as seeing. To perceive the “new thing,” we must stay spiritually alert, rooted in God’s presence, and willing to release the old.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for being the God of new beginnings. Help me to see where You’re moving in my life and art. Give me eyes to perceive, ears to hear, and a heart that responds in faith. I want to walk with You in joyful obedience as You lead me into the new. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Spend 10 minutes today asking the Lord: “What new thing are You doing in me this season?” Journal your impressions and pray into them daily this week.

    CLARIFY

    When we talk about joyful experimentation, it’s easy to think that means chaotic play. But Spirit-led experimentation is purposeful. It involves aligning with what God is doing and giving yourself grace to explore, test, and iterate—without judgment or pressure to get it all right. You don’t need a full map—just a willingness to follow God’s whispers one step at a time.

    Take a moment to ask yourself: “Where is God inviting me to explore something new this week?” It could be a creative idea, a relationship, or a way of organizing your workflow. The goal is to stay open while still being intentional.

    Action Step:
    Write down 3 small “experiments” you could try this week in your creative life or business. Pick one and take action on it today.

    CREATE

    As artists, we sometimes get stuck in routines that feel safe but stale. Joyful experimentation invites us to reawaken curiosity and risk in our creative process. That doesn’t mean abandoning skill or excellence—it means opening ourselves to being surprised again by the creative Spirit of God. Whether it’s a new material, color palette, or theme, experimentation is where growth lives.

    Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God is always moving forward—creating streams in wastelands and making ways in the wilderness. That same forward-moving Spirit lives in you. Your art doesn’t have to stay stuck in yesterday’s expression. The new thing is here. Step into it.

    Studio Action Step:
    Choose one unfamiliar medium, technique, or tool and spend 30 minutes creating something just for the joy of discovery. No pressure—just play.

    CULTIVATE

    Joyful experimentation doesn’t just apply to your studio—it applies to how you connect with others, too. This is the perfect week to try something new in how you build relationships with your audience or collaborators. Maybe it’s sharing a behind-the-scenes video, asking for feedback, or starting a new conversation with a fellow artist.

    People connect to authenticity and joy far more than polished perfection. As you courageously try new ways to engage, you not only build trust but invite others to journey alongside you. That kind of vulnerability builds community—and ultimately, that’s what sells art and makes a lasting Kingdom impact.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Share one piece of your current creative “experiment” on social media or with your email list. Ask your audience: “What do you see in this?” You might be surprised how it sparks connection.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Tool: Google Drive
    Tip: Simplify and showcase your portfolio

    Google Drive is more than just cloud storage—it’s your virtual art studio assistant. One of the most effective ways to keep your art life organized is to curate your portfolio in a clean, easily shareable way. This is especially helpful when applying to shows, seeking commissions, or collaborating.

    Try This:
    Create a folder labeled “Art Portfolio.” Upload 10 high-quality images of your best work, name each file clearly, and include a short description or title in a Google Doc. Share the folder link with a trusted friend, coach, or client for feedback.

    🔗 Use Google Drive

    INSPIRE

    Transforming a Corner of D.C. into a Canvas of Hope

    In Southeast Washington, muralists Dietrich Williams and Mark Garrett are doing more than painting walls—they’re restoring a community. What began as a forgotten laundromat has become a beacon of color and connection through the Capital Hill Boys Club. Their latest achievement? The Anacostia Mural Festival, featuring over 70 artists honoring cultural icons and uplifting local voices.

    This is what faith-filled art can do: beautify brokenness, elevate stories, and build bridges of hope. Their story is your call to action—what corner of your community is waiting for the beauty only you can bring?

    Read the Full Story

    LISTEN

    Podcast Episode: Unleashing Creativity through Play

    Ever felt a twinge of guilt for “just playing around” in the studio while deadlines loom or commissions wait? This week’s episode is a deep dive into why those moments of unstructured, joyful experimentation are not a waste of time—but a vital part of both your creative growth and spiritual journey.

    I share personal stories from my own practice—like discovering new materials while gardening or exploring encaustic wax techniques—that completely reshaped my artistic voice. What started as playful curiosity became Holy Spirit-led breakthroughs that defined my work. Creative play taps into the childlike wonder Jesus spoke about in Matthew 18:3 and echoes Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing!”

    Key Takeaway: God’s not disappointed when we experiment—He delights in it. Those playful studio moments might just be the birthplace of your next creative breakthrough.

    Listen Now

    WATCH

    This week’s song, New Wine, speaks deeply to the process of God creating something new within us. It’s about surrender, renewal, and allowing the pressure of the season to bring forth fresh oil, fresh fire, and fresh wine. If you’re in a season of experimentation or stretching, this is your anthem.

    Put it on in your studio or during your quiet time and let the Spirit renew you.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Aubrie Galey

    Following the Spirit Through Shape, Color, and the Doors God Opens
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Aubrie Galey, abstract art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a soul-level exploration of emotion, divine imagery, and creative surrender.

    Aubrie works intuitively with ink and acrylic on paper, beginning each piece with spontaneous ink marks and allowing the process to unfold from there. Her work is a visual language of color and shape, constantly seeking to give form to elusive emotional experiences that words can’t quite touch.

    “When I’m creating, it’s the only time my mind completely shuts off,” she shares. “I feel myself being led rather than consciously making decisions. It’s peaceful, quiet, and deeply spiritual.”

    As an artist and believer, Aubrie often receives guidance from God through dreams and visionary imagery. One particularly powerful moment came when she was overwhelmed by a vivid inner image: a jungle made entirely of glass. “It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I sensed it was a glimpse of what my soul looks like. My art practice became the place to explore what that image meant.”

    Aubrie also serves as an Activities Director at a health and rehab center, where she shares her creative passion with residents through art-making experiences. “It’s created a sense of community and joy for them,” she says, “and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness creativity come alive in that setting.”

    Her spiritual rhythm includes daily prayer walks with her dog—a grounding habit that helps her surrender worry, receive insight, and return home filled with gratitude and clarity. “I often do my best thinking while I’m moving and praying,” she says. “I jot down the insights in a journal as soon as I get back.”

    Aubrie’s creative journey hasn’t been a straight line. She’s held other jobs for financial stability, but art has always called her back. Now, she’s courageously stepping into art as a career—trusting God with the open doors and divine timing.

    🎨 “It’s not just about hard work—it’s about following the path God opens. Detours don’t disqualify us. God uses them for our good.”

    Recently, Aubrie’s art has been accepted into several local art shops, and while breaking into the Asheville gallery scene has been challenging, she’s staying alert to new opportunities and walking through each door God opens with faith.

    Whether on paper or through prayer, Aubrie’s life is a living canvas of trust, beauty, and bold surrender—reminding us all that God can take even the most uncertain path and shape it into something full of meaning and light.

    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.

  • Joyful Experimentation: Unlocking the New Thing God Is Doing in Your Art

    Joyful Experimentation: Unlocking the New Thing God Is Doing in Your Art

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    Have you ever felt stuck creatively, like you’re just repeating yourself in the studio? Maybe you’ve found a style that works or a product that sells, but deep down, there’s a part of you longing for something fresh, something new. If that’s you, I’ve got a word for you today: experiment—joyfully.

    Yes, experiment. Not with pressure, not to “get it right,” but with joy and curiosity. Because one of the most powerful ways we cultivate our creative voice is by giving ourselves permission to play.

    God Is Always Doing Something New

    In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says:

    “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

    God is always at work, birthing new things in and through us as artists. But we don’t always perceive it—not because He’s not speaking, but because we’re not making space to listen. Joyful experimentation is one of the ways we create that space. It’s how we tune our hearts to the fresh movement of the Holy Spirit in our creative life.

    My Journey into Play

    Years ago, I felt led to explore some new materials in my studio—not because I had a plan, but simply because I was curious. I started fiddling with paperclay, encaustic wax, cold wax, and even bits of metal and bark I found in nature. No pressure, no expectations—just play.

    I didn’t know it at the time, but those quiet moments of experimentation would eventually shape my entire artistic voice. What started as a fun diversion became a core part of my sculptural work. Today, those materials are some of the most recognizable and meaningful elements of what I create.

    It didn’t happen because I chased a trend or followed a formula. It happened because I made space to explore—and God met me there.

    When We Play, We Discover

    There’s something deeply spiritual about playful exploration. It loosens the grip of perfectionism. It invites the Holy Spirit into the process. And it often awakens parts of our creative voice that were lying dormant.

    In fact, I believe some of the most mature, meaningful artistic expressions emerge not from pressure, but from permission—permission to play, to wonder, to experiment.

    Cultivating a Lifestyle of Exploration

    If you’ve been feeling dry or stuck creatively, I want to encourage you to try something new this week. Not for a result. Not for a product. Just to explore.

    • Pick up a new medium.
    • Try a different texture or subject.
    • Combine tools or materials you normally wouldn’t.
    • Rearrange your studio to invite movement and inspiration.

    Even 30 minutes of curiosity-led creativity can reawaken something powerful in your spirit. You never know what God will breathe on until you show up and play.

    Final Thought

    Friend, joyful experimentation isn’t a waste of time—it’s a vital part of the creative journey. It’s how we cultivate growth. It’s how we discover the new thing God is doing in us. And sometimes, those playful little moments in the studio become the very expression He uses to transform not only our art—but our lives.

    Want to hear more and dive deeper into this conversation? Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/podcast

  • Finding Your Unique Artistic Voice: The Essential Design Elements That Define Your Creative Identity

    Finding Your Unique Artistic Voice: The Essential Design Elements That Define Your Creative Identity

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    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)
    • Conceptual contrast (simple backgrounds supporting complex focal points)

    The magic happens when your contrast choices become predictable in the best way—viewers learn to trust that you’ll take them on a visual journey.

    4. Compositional Flow: Your Unique Movement Language

    Every artist develops a particular way of moving the eye through their work. This might be:

    • Circular movements that bring viewers back to center
    • Linear progressions that create narrative flow
    • Radial patterns that explode outward from focal points
    • Layered depths that invite extended exploration

    Your compositional preferences reveal how you see and experience the world—and become part of your artistic signature.

    5. Textural Consistency: The Physical Language of Your Materials

    Whether you work in paint, clay, fiber, or mixed media, you likely have instinctive preferences for:

    • Surface qualities (smooth, rough, layered, weathered)
    • Tool marks and application methods
    • Levels of detail versus simplicity
    • Ways of building up or carving away

    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?

    Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program and discover how to develop both your unique voice and a business that supports your creative calling.

    Your artistic voice is already emerging. Now let’s help you build a thriving art business around it.