• Closing the Gap Between Calling & Confidence as a Christian Artist

    Closing the Gap Between Calling & Confidence as a Christian Artist

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    ISSUE #044

    Have you ever felt that deep, holy pull to create something meaningful—only to sit down and feel completely stuck? You know you’re called. You love God. You believe He’s the Creator.

    And yet somehow, when it’s time to actually make the work, fear and perfectionism creep in and shut everything down. If that’s been your experience lately, I want you to hear this clearly: you’re not lazy, broken, or behind. You’re standing in a gap—between your calling and the confidence God has for you.

    For many artists, that gap isn’t about skill or discipline. It’s about identity. We know the right things theologically, but our lived experience in the studio doesn’t always line up with what we say we believe. Instead of peace, we feel pressure. Instead of joy, we feel like we’re being evaluated.

    This week, I want to help you close that gap—not by striving harder, but by coming back into alignment with who you really are in Christ.

    Friend, you were created to thrive—not to live paralyzed by fear or waiting for someday. Even the simple alignment tool you learned today can begin shifting things right now.

    And if you sense God inviting you into a deeper reset, that’s exactly why the Created to Thrive Foundations Course exists—to help you install a Kingdom operating system rooted in truth, freedom, and identity.

    Wherever you are in the journey, I’m cheering you on. God is with you in the process—and He’s enjoying it more than you realize.

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – Don’t miss all the great artist mentoring resources we have available for you. Click here to find out more.

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    From Freedom to Fear

    Jean Kimble’s journey as an artist is a beautiful testament to healing, perseverance, and creating from freedom rather than fear. From discovering the vibrant voice of pastel painting to experiencing extraordinary encounters with God in her studio, Jean’s story reminds us that our creativity is deeply personal—and profoundly purposeful. This week’s Featured Artist shares how faith, legacy, and lifelong curiosity continue to shape her art and life. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    From Orphan to Beloved

    Scripture:
    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NIV)

    Many artists unknowingly create from what Scripture would call an orphan mindset—the belief that we must perform well to be valuable. That mindset puts unbearable pressure on your creativity because your identity feels tied to every brushstroke. But in Christ, you are already a beloved son or daughter. Your value is secure before you ever make a mark.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You that I am fully loved and fully accepted in You. I choose to stop striving for approval and start creating from rest. Renew my mind with Your truth and remind me who I am as Your child. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Action Step:
    Before your next studio session, say out loud: “I am God’s beloved child, and my creativity flows from His love—not for it.”

    CLARIFY

    Realigning the Internal Script

    When fear or perfectionism shows up, it’s usually because an old internal script has taken over. That script says your worth is on the line. Clarifying your focus this week means identifying which voice you’ve been listening to—and choosing to agree with Heaven instead.

    Reflection Prompt:
    Ask yourself: Am I creating today to prove something… or to participate with God?

    Action Step:
    Write down one lie that tends to surface when you create (for example: “If this fails, I’m a failure”). Then replace it with truth (“My value is secure in Christ, regardless of outcomes”).

    CREATE

    The Alignment Check

    Here’s a simple, powerful tool you can use anytime creative resistance shows up—I call it an Alignment Check.

    When you feel that tightness, pressure, or anxiety rising, stop. Step back. Breathe. Then ask the Lord one simple question:
    “God, what do You have to say about me and this process right now?”

    You may sense Him saying, “I enjoy being with you,” or “I love how you’re exploring,” or “You’re free here.” Whatever He gives you, speak it out loud as a declaration.

    Action Step:
    Practice one Alignment Check this week and declare what God says—out loud—before continuing your work.

    CULTIVATE

    Creating Without Needing Validation

    When you create from identity instead of insecurity, everything shifts. You take healthier risks. You enjoy the process again. You stop begging for validation and start offering your work as a gift. That posture doesn’t just change your art—it changes how people experience it.

    Biblical Encouragement:
    “Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8

    Action Step:
    Share one piece of your work this week—not to impress, but to express. Let it be an offering, not a performance.

    The Core4 Focus Planner™

    A 90-Day Undated Planner to Help You Stay Focused, Grow Spiritually, and Make Measurable Progress in Your Art

    “This planner is my “tool of intentionality” and sits next to my Bible and journal. It’s also the perfect size to hang on to as a way to go back and celebrate the work that I’ve done. Thanks so much!” – Debby

    Get Your Core4 Focus Planner Now

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode: Closing the Gap Between Calling and Confidence

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    In this week’s podcast, I unpack why so many Christian artists feel stuck between what they believe and how they create—and how renewing your mind is the key to breaking free from fear, perfectionism, and pressure.

    Key Takeaway:
    You don’t become confident by proving yourself. Confidence grows when you create from your identity as a beloved child of God.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Using Your Voice to Renew Your Mind

    Tool: Voice Memos (or any simple audio recording app)

    Recording yourself speaking truth is a powerful way to interrupt old thought patterns. After an Alignment Check, record a short voice memo declaring what God says about you and your art. Listening back reinforces truth and helps retrain your internal dialogue.

    Try This:
    Create a 30–60 second “truth declaration” you can listen to before studio time.

    WORSHIP

    This week, as you worship with this song, truly invite Jesus to be the center of all you’re doing in your life as an artist in God’s Kingdom.

    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.

  • Overcoming Creative Roadblocks through Guided Artist Mentorship

    Overcoming Creative Roadblocks through Guided Artist Mentorship

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    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.

    [Get Started Today for Just $14!]

    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.

    Explore More About Artist Mentorship Benefits