ISSUE #011
We’ve all hit that invisible wall—the one where you show up to the studio with high hopes and leave discouraged, wondering where your spark went. This week, I want to speak directly into that moment. The truth is, creative blocks are not signs of failure—they’re invitations. They’re signposts that something deeper might be going on beneath the surface, something God wants to address, heal, or renew.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things—including push through creative resistance—through Christ who strengthens us. So if you’re facing a block right now, take heart. There is grace available. There’s clarity waiting on the other side of confusion. And there’s a river of creativity that flows when we lean into God’s presence instead of our performance.
May this week be filled with supernatural insight, released pressure, and a fresh awareness of God’s power flowing through your creativity.
In His love and creativity,
Matt Tommey
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CONNECT
Scripture: Philippians 4:13
Creative blocks don’t just appear out of nowhere—they often point to areas where we’ve believed lies, absorbed fear, or tried to operate in our own strength. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13 aren’t about hustle. They’re about surrender. When we abide in Christ and depend on His strength, we’re not just empowered to create—we’re liberated to be fully ourselves.
Prayer:
Jesus, I lay down every fear, every mental block, and every bit of pressure I’ve been carrying. I believe You’ve called me, and You will strengthen me. Speak into the dry places and reignite my heart with Your beauty. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Spiritual Action Step:
Identify one lie or pressure you’ve been carrying about your art, and write a biblical truth to replace it. Declare it aloud every time resistance surfaces.
CLARIFY
Sometimes the biggest block isn’t artistic—it’s mental clutter. Clarity often comes when we pause long enough to discern what’s draining us. Are you overcommitted? Overstimulated? Have you been comparing your work to others or working for validation instead of overflow?
God’s strength doesn’t rush—it flows. Take a moment to ask Him where your creative energy is getting stuck.
Reflection Prompt:
What’s been clouding my focus or draining my passion this week?
Practical Action Step:
Write out three clear, doable creative priorities for the week that align with peace and purpose—not pressure.
CREATE
Creative blocks are real, but they’re not permanent. Often, the best way to break through is not by waiting on inspiration—but by creating anyway. Give yourself permission to make without perfection. Just like priming a pump, consistent motion awakens momentum.
And remember, Jesus is with you in the process. Even your ‘messy’ art time can be a sacred offering.
Studio Action Step:
Choose one medium and set a timer for 20 minutes. Create without judgment. No editing. No erasing. Just flow. Notice what God stirs as you move freely.
CULTIVATE
Creative blocks can isolate us, but connection re-energizes us. Sharing what you’re navigating—even if it feels vulnerable—creates bridges. When you show up in honesty, your audience leans in. They don’t want perfect—they want real.
Marketing Insight:
This week, tell your audience about a creative block you’ve faced and how you’re pressing through it with God. This not only builds trust—it invites others into transformation too.
Outreach Action Step:
Post a short reflection, a before/after, or a simple question: ‘What helps you break through creative blocks?’
TECH TIP FOR THRIVING
Platform: Artrooms
Artrooms is a powerful app that lets you visualize your artwork in realistic interior settings—making your online presentation stronger and more engaging. Collectors want to imagine your art in their space. Artrooms helps them do just that.
Creative Tip:
Upload three of your pieces to Artrooms and explore how they look in various room mockups. Choose one and share it on Instagram to boost engagement and professional polish.
Link: https://artroomsapp.com
INSPIRE
Murals That Mend: Art, Faith & Social Justice
In Millvale, Pennsylvania, a striking story of faith-driven art conservation is unfolding around the 80-year-old murals painted inside St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church by Maksimilijan ‘Maxo’ Vanka. These vivid murals, blending traditional religious imagery with bold social commentary, depict the struggles of immigrant mothers, war, and economic injustice—earning them the nickname ‘The Sistine Chapel of Pittsburgh.’
Thanks to the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals, sections of the artwork were restored in May 2025, now shining as they did 80 years ago. Supported by grants and community outreach, this project reminds us that art can be a spiritual declaration and a tool for justice.
Takeaway:
Think beyond the canvas. Could your next project preserve legacy, restore truth, or build community through beauty?
Find out more about this inspiring story
LISTEN
Episode Title: Breaking Through Creative Roadblocks
In this episode, I share the three major causes of creative blocks: spiritual warfare, internal clutter, and inspiration gaps. You’ll learn how to confront fear-based thoughts with biblical truth, partner with the Holy Spirit in the midst of resistance, and apply practical tools to get the creative flow going again. If you’re feeling stuck, this one’s for you.
Listen Now
WATCH
Song: ‘Break Every Chain’ – Jesus Culture
This week’s worship pick is all about spiritual breakthrough. As you listen, let the declarations of freedom soak into your spirit and push back against creative resistance. You are not stuck—you are being strengthened.
FEATURED ARTIST: Mark Lee
Redemption, Reinvention, and Art with a Second Chance
📍 Website | 📱 Instagram
For Mark Lee, creating art isn’t just about crafting something beautiful—it’s about telling a story of redemption, second chances, and the God who makes all things new.
Mark is the creative force behind One of a Kind NZ, where he repurposes vintage objects into functional, one-of-a-kind works of art. From clocks and lighting fixtures to Bluetooth stereos and sculptural pieces, his designs breathe new life into forgotten items. “I transform vintage objects that have outlived their original purpose,” he explains. “In many ways, my work mirrors my own journey—infused with themes of redemption and second chances.”
That personal journey has been shaped and strengthened by his connection to the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.
“When I was just getting started, CTT’s teaching, fellowship, and encouragement were invaluable. To realize there are so many others gifted and called to the creative arts—and to journey with them toward success and fulfillment—is amazing.”
Mark describes that unmistakable moment of creative joy when you’re completely aligned with your calling: “You’re working on a piece and you just know—you were 100% created for this.”
As he’s grown in his calling, Mark has found that the foundation for all he does is rooted in identity:
🎯 “It all starts with understanding how God sees me. Once we understand His love for us, it’s much easier to understand His purpose for us.”
That clarity has opened the door for many powerful God-moments—especially in the sale of his work. “What others may call coincidence or karma, I call God doing what He does,” he says. Mark regularly experiences divine timing and unexpected provision through his business. Whether it’s a high-end piece or a $7 card, he always stops to give thanks. “Every time I sell something, I thank God immediately. I recognize His hand in it all.”
In addition to being a skilled artist and craftsman, Mark also brings years of experience as a graphic designer, which shines through in his polished branding. Everything from his signage to his social media is a reflection of the excellence and thoughtfulness he puts into his creative business. It’s no surprise that other artists often ask him for guidance and advice.
Mark Lee’s work is a testament to what’s possible when artistry, identity, and purpose come together. Through every piece he creates, he’s not just restoring objects—he’s releasing hope, excellence, and the unmistakable touch of the Creator.
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.
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives IN YOU (Romans 8:11)
The Kingdom of God – His complete authority and dominion over all creation for all eternity – dwells within you (Luke 17:21)
You carry and can release resurrection power everywhere you go