• Recognizing God’s Voice in Your Art

    Recognizing God’s Voice in Your Art

    ,

    ISSUE #018

    You ever have one of those moments in the studio where something just clicks—where your hands are moving, the paint is flowing, and suddenly you realize you’re not just making art… you’re being led? That still small voice isn’t just for prayer closets or quiet time. It shows up right there in the swirl of color, the rhythm of your process, and the ideas that come out of nowhere yet land with eternal purpose. This week, we’re diving into what it means to recognize God’s voice in the midst of your creativity—and how to cultivate a life that’s tuned in and ready to respond.

    Isaiah 30:21 reminds us, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.” When you embrace that truth as an artist, everything changes. You stop striving, start listening, and find a flow that’s not just beautiful—it’s sacred. Whether you’re picking up the brush for the first time in a while or you’re in the thick of creating something new, I hope this issue encourages you to lean in and let God lead the way.

    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

    PS – If you’re ready to go deeper in hearing God’s voice—not just in your art, but in every part of your life—I want to personally invite you to start the Foundations Course. This is where I teach the core principles that help Christian artists renew their minds, overcome fear, clarify God’s vision for their life and confidently walk in alignment with God’s voice and purpose. 

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

    Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 

    CONNECT

    “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go.’” – Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

    God doesn’t just speak to pastors and prophets—He speaks to artists, too. And more often than not, He speaks in the process. That moment when you’re deciding on a color palette or composition and a sudden clarity washes over you? That can be Him. Learning to recognize God’s voice in your creative flow starts by expecting that He wants to speak.

    Prayer
    Lord, I want to hear Your voice clearly as I create. Quiet the noise, calm my fears, and tune my heart to Yours. Help me recognize Your guidance in every brushstroke, sketch line, and moment of inspiration. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step: Before your next creative session, pause and ask the Holy Spirit, “What do You want to express through me today?” Write it down. Trust it. Create from it.

    CLARIFY

    If God really is speaking, the question becomes: are you making space to listen? The creative life is full of motion—ideas, deadlines, distractions—but clarity comes when we slow down enough to ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me this week about my art, my goals, and my calling?” The more you practice that alignment, the more confident you’ll become in your direction.

    Whether you’re planning a new collection or wondering which opportunities to pursue, don’t just look at the numbers or what’s popular—ask God. He loves to partner with you.

    Reflection Prompt: Where in your creative life do you need clearer direction this week?

    Action Step: Write down 3 current goals. Next to each, ask: “Did God lead me here, or am I just filling space?” Then, revise your priorities to reflect what feels truly Spirit-led.

    CREATE

    You don’t need to wait for a booming voice from heaven to know that God’s in your studio. Often, His presence shows up in peace. In joy. In the little nudges that whisper, “Try this.” Maybe it’s layering in a new texture, experimenting with color, or revisiting an old sketch with new eyes. That’s where creativity becomes collaboration.

    And here’s the thing—when you trust that flow, you don’t just make better art… you make art with a message. Whether it’s subtle or bold, your creative offering becomes a seed that the Holy Spirit can breathe on.

    Studio Action Step: Choose one piece of art in progress. Ask God what message or emotion He wants to convey through it. Then finish it, not from pressure, but from presence.

    CULTIVATE

    Recognizing God’s voice doesn’t stop in the studio—it moves through your audience as well. When your art speaks to someone’s heart, you’re witnessing a divine echo. That’s why sharing your work matters. You never know who’s been waiting for what only your voice can release.

    Ana Quintana’s journey is proof that showing up daily, building community, and staying aligned with God can open unexpected doors—like magazine features and gallery opportunities that started with a simple “yes.” Be bold in showing your work. Be faithful in connecting.

    Outreach Action Step: Choose one recent piece that carries a story. Share that story in a social media post or email this week, highlighting how God led you in the process. Ask your audience how it speaks to them.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Meta Business Suite is your one-stop command center for managing Instagram and Facebook. You can schedule content, reply to messages, and most importantly—analyze what’s actually working.

    Click on the Insights tab this week and take note of your top 3 performing posts from the last month. Were they personal? Process-driven? Studio shots? Use that insight to shape your future posts and align more deeply with your audience.

    Use Meta Business Suite

    Action Step: Jot down your top 3 posts. What themes or visuals stood out? What responses did you get? Ask yourself, “What felt authentic and aligned with my message?”

    INSPIRE

    Trashing Trash – Turning Sea Debris into Art That Educates

    This week’s story comes from a beautiful partnership between artists and National Parks educators. Instead of tossing collected marine litter like water bottles and fishing nets, artists turned it into sculptures that now grace coastal trails. The installations don’t just spark curiosity—they inspire action.

    As Kingdom creatives, this is our reminder: your art can make change. You can reflect beauty and purpose even from broken pieces.

    Read the Full Story

    LISTEN / WATCH

    LISTEN NOW

    Have you ever wondered if the inspiration you feel while creating could actually be God speaking to you? What if your art isn’t just a product of your imagination but a divine invitation into deeper relationship and purpose?

    In this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, How to Hear God’s Voice When You Create, we explore practical and spiritual ways to recognize and respond to God’s whispers during your creative process.

    Drawing from Isaiah 30:21, we talk about:

    • How to cultivate a quiet, sacred space to hear God clearly
    • Journaling, sketching, and reflection practices to amplify your spiritual sensitivity
    • Overcoming fear and stepping out in faith to release your work boldly
    • Trusting that God will use your art to speak to others in ways you could never imagine

    Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or any kind of maker, this episode will inspire you to embrace your creativity as a sacred dialogue with the Lord.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Ana Quintana

    Fluid Art, Divine Flow, and a Bold Leap into Calling
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Ana Quintana, art is more than a creative pursuit—it’s a bold surrender to God’s timing, movement, and unexpected surprises. After a thriving career in the tech industry and a lifetime of appreciation for beauty, Ana followed a divine nudge to fully embrace her calling as an artist—and she hasn’t looked back.

    Ana is a fluid acrylic artist who creates expressive works using her hands, intuition, and a willingness to let go of control.

    “I don’t use brushes—just my hands and a desire to let the paint speak,” she says. “Each painting is a dance between intention and surrender, like life itself.”

    She draws inspiration from the natural world, spiritual themes, and the vibrant landscapes of the American Southwest and Mountain West. Her pieces feature rich pigments, shimmering mica, and mesmerizing textures that pull the viewer into a visual and emotional journey.

    “Color is my creative language,” Ana shares. “Each painting is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends chemistry, passion, and divine influence.”

    Ana’s spiritual and artistic breakthrough came through the Foundations Course.

    “Week 7 was a game-changer. I realized I had been defining success by sales, but God showed me that true success is obedience, joy, and purpose. That shift freed me.”

    And God has been opening doors. One of Ana’s church elders introduced her to a local publisher, which led to a magazine cover feature and a commission from a new collector. “None of that would’ve happened without being planted in my church community,” she reflects. Another divine connection came through a friend’s request for a Northern Lights-inspired series—a project that challenged Ana’s approach but led to stunning results and a reconnection in faith and friendship.

    Ana’s creative process is steeped in daily inspiration and spiritual sensitivity. She fills her studio with printed quotes, Scriptures, and podcast insights from The Thriving Christian Artist, and seeks the Holy Spirit’s guidance before beginning each series.

    “I’m always wondering, ‘What will He inspire me to create next?’”

    Her advice to fellow creatives is rooted in faith and diligence:
    🎨 “Be patient and stay encouraged. Network, take opportunities seriously, and do something every day to move forward in your calling. God blesses what you put your hands to—so make space for Him to move.”

    Today, Ana’s work is featured in galleries in Denver and Santa Fe, and she’s expanding her reach through juried exhibitions via platforms like CaFE.org. Her steady faith, vibrant voice, and daily obedience are turning her creative calling into a growing movement of color, energy, and worship.

    Ana Quintana is living proof that when you embrace the process, trust the timing, and surrender the outcome, God will do more than you ever imagined—one fluid masterpiece at a time.

    Ana Quintana_Fluid Art_Ice & Snow – No. 1 – 24 x 24
    Ana Quintana_Southwest Splendor_24 x 24
    Ana Quintana_Planetary Windstorm_24 x 24

    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.

  • Your Studio is Holy Ground, Not Just a Workspace

    Your Studio is Holy Ground, Not Just a Workspace

    ,

    ISSUE #008

    Have you ever stopped to consider that your studio—whether it’s a spare bedroom, a corner of the garage, or a table in the kitchen—is more than just a place where you “make stuff”?

    According to Exodus 35:35, God gave Bezalel and Oholiab not only the skills to create but the wisdom and inspiration to do so in a way that honored Him. The same Spirit that filled them is alive in you.

    What if we began to treat our creative spaces like holy ground? Not because of the space itself, but because of the presence of the Creator meeting us there.

    This week, I want to help you reframe your studio time as sacred time. Let’s move from obligation to overflow, from hustle to holy ground.

    I’m always cheering you on!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

    Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 

    CONNECT

    “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work… and the ability to teach others.” – Exodus 35:35 NIV

    God didn’t just give Bezalel and Oholiab artistic skill—He gave them divine purpose and presence in the work. Your studio is no different. It’s the place where you and the Holy Spirit co-labor to release beauty, healing, and hope into the world. The paint, the clay, the fibers—they’re not just materials. They’re instruments of worship.

    Prayer:
    Holy Spirit, meet me in my studio today. Remind me that I’m not just creating alone—I’m co-creating with You. Let every brushstroke, sketch, and stitch become an offering that glorifies You. May this space be filled with Your peace, presence, and power. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Before you begin your next session, pause. Invite God into your creative time. Speak this out loud: “This studio is holy ground because You’re here.”

    CLARIFY

    This week, shift your focus from output to overflow. It’s easy to get caught up in what needs to be done—deadlines, shows, inventory—but what if your primary goal was intimacy with the Creator in your creative process? Invite God to set your priorities as you intentionally cooperate with Him.

    Strategic Reflection:
    Where have I been striving instead of abiding in my creative work?

    Action Step:
    Write a one-sentence declaration that aligns your week with God’s leading. Example: “This week, I will create from a place of peace and presence, not pressure.”

    CREATE

    When your hands move in alignment with Heaven, your art becomes more than aesthetic—it becomes prophetic. Whether you’re finishing a painting, shaping clay, or weaving a piece, remember: your creativity is part of your Kingdom assignment.

    Studio Action Step:
    Create one piece this week as a “firstfruits” offering—no pressure to sell or perfect it. Simply create with the Lord and ask Him what He wants to express through you.

    CULTIVATE

    People don’t just want to buy art—they want to feel something when they see it. And when your studio becomes holy ground, the art you make carries that presence with it. That’s something your audience can sense.

    Marketing Tip:
    When posting your art, invite engagement that connects viewers to God’s Word. Ask: “Which verse or word does this piece remind you of?”
    Then respond to every comment to deepen the connection.

    Weekly Outreach Idea:
    Post one new photo on your Facebook page or profile this week using that question. Then DM one or two thoughtful responders to thank them personally for engaging.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Facebook
    Tool Tip: Don’t underestimate Facebook! It’s still one of the best places to build authentic relationships with your community.

    Try this:

    • Post a new photo of your art.
    • Add the question: “Which verse or word does this piece remind you of?”
    • Engage thoughtfully with every comment to build genuine connection.

    Go to Facebook and try it today!

    LISTEN

    Episode: The Studio is Your Sanctuary – Creating with God, Not Just for Him

    Ever felt that creative spark and wondered where it truly comes from? This week’s podcast explores the profound truth that your studio isn’t just a workspace—it’s sacred ground. Just like Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 35, you’ve been filled with God’s Spirit to create in ways that carry His presence into the world around you.

    We’ll dive into the Hebrew roots of creativity—yetser (internal formation) and yatsar (external crafting)—and how your art becomes a powerful expression of what God is doing inside you. I’ll also share simple, practical ways to invite God’s presence into your creative space, whether it’s a full studio or a quiet corner in your home.

    Key Takeaway: When you dedicate your space to the Lord and assume His nearness, your creativity becomes more than output—it becomes overflow. Your art transforms from decoration into declaration, and you shift from working for God to working with Him.

    Tune in and share it with a fellow artist who needs to reclaim their creative space as holy ground.

    Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at http://www.matttommeymentoring.com/podcast

    WATCH

    To deepen this week’s theme—“Your Studio is Holy Ground”—immerse yourself in the live worship experience of Make Room by Kim Walker-Smith. This powerful anthem invites us to surrender our traditions and make space for God’s transformative presence. As you listen, let the lyrics inspire you to dedicate your creative space as sacred ground where divine collaboration unfolds.

    Let this song set the atmosphere in your studio, turning your creative process into a holy encounter.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Amy Peterman

    Painting the Trees, Telling the Stories
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Amy Peterman, painting the landscapes of Northern Michigan isn’t just about capturing scenic beauty—it’s about telling stories, connecting hearts, and releasing the comfort of God through every brushstroke.

    When Amy joined the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, her focus was clear: she wanted to grow her art business and connect with a community of like-minded Christian creatives. But what she found went far deeper.

    “CTT and the Mastery Program have been game-changers for me. Not only has my business grown, but I had no idea God would do such deep work in my heart. It’s the best investment I’ve made for my art and my heart.”

    Amy is a gifted landscape painter whose work resonates deeply with those who treasure the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Many of her collectors are seeking to capture that love through original artwork for their homes—and Amy considers it a joy to help them do just that.

    One powerful moment in her journey came during one of the 2-day destination Mastery Retreats, where fellow Created to Thrive member Beth Affolter led a Holy Spirit-led brain mapping session. “I very clearly heard God tell me I needed to paint trees,” Amy recalls. “Since then, they’ve been flowing off my brush—including my largest commission to date!”

    Her work doesn’t just connect visually—it connects emotionally and spiritually. At an art fair last summer, one man tearfully purchased a print that reminded him of a cherished path to the beach near a friend’s cottage. That friend had passed away, and another could no longer travel. Holding the print, he said: “I know it’s not THAT path, but to me it is.” Amy reflects, “What an honor to think that God had me paint that as part of His plan to comfort this man.”

    In the studio, Amy keeps a large Petoskey stone near her door—a visual reminder to release the mental weight she’s not meant to carry. “When I’m overwhelmed, I look at that stone and ask the Lord to take the heavy stuff so I can focus on what He’s called me to do.”

    On the business side, she’s learning valuable lessons as she grows. “Have a clear commission agreement. Seriously—it will save you so many headaches.” And when it comes to perfectionism, Amy encourages artists not to get stuck in fear.

    Her encouragement to fellow artists:
    🎨 “You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Just get out there and do your thing! You’ll learn as you go—and if you’re doing the CTT modules, you’ve already got a huge advantage.”

    Her outreach is working too—new clients are finding her through both social media and SEO, including a recent wholesale client who found her on Instagram and a commission client who simply searched “Michigan artist” online. WOW!

    For Amy Peterman, art is about more than paint—it’s about presence. The presence of God, the power of memory, and the joy of knowing that her art can bring healing and hope, one piece at a time.

    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

    , ,
    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

  • 4 Habits to Help Christians Find Their Creative Rhythm

    4 Habits to Help Christians Find Their Creative Rhythm

    ISSUE #007

    Have you ever felt like your creative rhythm is just off? Like you want to be in the flow with God, with your art, and with your business… but something’s just not syncing up? I’ve been there too. In my early years as an artist, I was all over the place—starting things I didn’t finish, getting inspired but never building momentum, and wondering why I always felt stuck.

    What I discovered is that breakthrough isn’t about doing more—it’s about developing rhythms and habits that actually work for you, not against you.

    This week, I want to share 4 simple habits that can totally transform your life as an artist. These aren’t magic bullets, but they are proven pathways. When you cultivate a rhythm—spiritually, creatively, and practically—you create space for God to meet you in the everyday and accelerate what He’s already put in you. Let’s get you back in sync, steady on the path, and thriving right where you are.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

    (If you’ve not already, click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 

    CONNECT

    Proverbs 21:5 (NLT): “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

    In a world that glorifies hustle and overnight success, God invites us into something much deeper and truer: the slow, steady rhythm of diligence rooted in trust. As artists, our spiritual health is our foundation. Before the art, the marketing, the money… comes presence. Daily connection with the Lord aligns us, anchors us, and tunes our hearts to the divine rhythm He’s designed for our lives.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for being a God of order, peace, and purpose. Help me to resist the temptation of quick fixes and instead embrace the daily rhythm of walking with You. Remind me that You’re not in a rush and neither should I be. Let my creativity flow from Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Set aside the first 10 minutes of your studio time each day this week to invite the Holy Spirit in. No agenda—just presence.

    CLARIFY

    Intentionality fuels momentum. And momentum comes from consistent choices, not scattered inspiration. If you’ve been spinning your wheels, maybe it’s time to pause and realign. What does a thriving week look like for you in this season? What do you sense the Lord is highlighting? Write it down. Pray it through. Then make a plan—with margin.

    Reflection Prompt:
    What are 3 things I can commit to doing this week that align with my God-given assignment as an artist?

    Clarity Action Step:
    Block out a 30-minute planning session and use that time to set 3 meaningful goals for the week in your creative life, personal life, and business.

    CREATE

    If you want to grow as an artist, you can’t just create when you “feel it.” You’ve got to cultivate the habit of showing up. A creative rhythm doesn’t restrict you—it liberates you to build skill, confidence, and breakthrough over time. Daily sketching, 15-minute warmups, prayer walks, or material experiments—whatever gets you moving—do that!

    Studio Action Step:
    Commit to 30 minutes of uninterrupted creative time each day this week. Put it on the calendar. Guard it like gold.

    CULTIVATE

    Your art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s meant to impact others. But that only happens when you nurture connection. Cultivating relationships with collectors, followers, and potential partners doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just has to be consistent. A weekly post, a personal message, a “thank you” note—those little seeds grow into a harvest of favor, sales, and influence.

    Marketing Action Step:
    Pick 3 people—past collectors, supporters, or fans—and reach out this week with a personal note of appreciation and an update on what you’re working on.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Notion
    Topic: Build Your Artist “Studio Dashboard”

    Notion is a flexible, all-in-one digital workspace that helps you organize your creative world in one place. From daily routines to business goals, this tool keeps everything visible, editable, and connected.

    Try This:
    Create a “Studio Dashboard” in Notion with three tabs:

    1. Art Projects – Track progress, deadlines, and inspiration.
    2. Scripture Inspiration – Record weekly verses and God moments.
    3. Business To-Dos – Stay on top of marketing, emails, and sales tasks.

    Explore Notion

    LISTEN

    Podcast Episode: From Dabbling to Thriving: 4 Habits That Transform Christian Artists

    Are you an ENT artist—Creating Every Now and Then—only when inspiration strikes? You’re not alone. But if you’ve been longing for more consistency, momentum, and breakthrough in your creative life, this episode is for you.

    After mentoring thousands of artists, I’ve learned that it’s not talent that separates thriving artists from those stuck in frustration—it’s intentional habits. In this episode, I break down the Core4 Focus Framework™—Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate—and how these four daily rhythms can radically transform your walk with God, your studio time, and your impact in the world.

    Key takeaway: When you partner with the Holy Spirit through intentional habits, your creativity becomes a highway for Kingdom impact—and your potential finally gets the room it needs to flourish.

    Click here to listen and discover how to move from dabbling to thriving.

    WATCH

    If you’ve been craving a fresh move of the Holy Spirit in your life and creative journey, this powerful worship moment will stir your heart. “Rest on Us” is a passionate invitation for the Spirit of God to dwell, move, and ignite something new within us. As artists, we need more than inspiration—we need presence. Let this song become your prayer this week as you create from a place of intimacy and surrender.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Trevor McCauley

    Journaling the Journey, Co-Creating with Christ
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Trevor McCauley, creativity is more than just making art—it’s an act of worship, a form of prayer, and a lifelong dialogue with God.

    Currently journeying through The Foundations Course, Trevor has found new strength in knowing he’s not alone. “Knowing that other people of faith are on similar journeys and have a hunger for God is something that has been essential to my growth as an artist in Christ,” he shares.

    Trevor’s artistic practice is expansive and multi-disciplinary. He’s currently working on:

    • A two-panel abstract acrylic painting inspired by Isaiah 61:3
    • A collection of faith-based poetry centered on identity and transformation
    • A long-term musical project—The Storm, a symphony rooted in contemporary classical music that’s been in progress since 2005

    Whether painting, composing, or writing, Trevor sees art as a way to experience the tangible presence of God.

    “It’s how I see prayers manifested. It’s tangible. It’s spiritual. It’s relational. It’s how I know God is with me and co-creates with me.”

    One of Trevor’s most profound spiritual habits is middle-of-the-night journaling. While his daytime writing is often reflective, his late-night sessions take on a completely different nature—words that flow as if God is speaking directly to the reader. “The writing becomes more like God directly to the reader… I’m just a conduit.”

    A deeply personal project that reflects his love for detail and meaning was a two-year Christmas gift for his wife: a scratchboard rendering of 17 flowering plants still growing on her grandmother’s property—an heirloom of beauty, history, and legacy. “It was part science, but mostly about art and a connection that only my wife could truly appreciate. Our kids helped, and it was a complete surprise. An amazing gift.”

    Trevor’s creative path began with journaling as an act of faith, long before he claimed the title “artist.” It taught him to quiet his heart, observe his world, and discover his inner voice. Today, that habit continues to shape his direction and keep him grounded.

    His encouragement to fellow artists?

    🌿 “Sometimes it’s how we are changed through the journey of producing art that matters—not the product itself.”

    Trevor’s website has become a cornerstone for sharing his work and amplifying his message. And while the road includes missed expectations, flopped book signings, and delayed dreams, he’s learning that relational trust with God—built in the unseen moments—is what makes the creative life so deeply fulfilling.

    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.