ISSUE #037
One of the greatest gifts we have as Kingdom artists is this breathtaking invitation to create with God, not just for Him. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually do that—without pressure, striving, or second-guessing yourself—you’re in the right place. I’ve spent decades learning the rhythms of creative partnership with the Holy Spirit, and let me tell you… it’s a lot simpler, lighter, and more joy-filled than most artists realize.
This week, we’re diving deep into the very process I use every single day in the studio—one that has completely transformed my creative life. Instead of chasing inspiration or obsessing about “getting it right,” this is about stepping into the studio as a son or daughter who knows God is already there waiting. My prayer is that as you read, something awakens in your spirit—a fresh confidence, a deeper awareness of His presence, and a renewed joy in the creative process He designed you to enjoy.
I’m cheering you on always!
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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A Collision of Creativity
What happens when a lifelong love of creativity collides with a fresh move of God in your golden years? For mixed-media realist Paige Stageman, it unleashed a flood of unexpected opportunities, healing encounters, and a brand-new artistic calling. From Spirit-led underpaintings to pet memorial portraits that move clients to tears, Paige is discovering what happens when you simply show up, say yes, and let God guide the process.
Her story is tender, hope-filled, and a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late for God to launch you into the creative life you were made for. READ MORE
CONNECT
Scripture: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” — Romans 8:14 (NLT)
Creating with the Holy Spirit starts long before you ever pick up a brush, wheel, lens, or tool. It begins with a posture—a quiet, confident awareness that He is already present, already speaking, already stirring your imagination. So many artists get stuck because they’re afraid of “missing God,” but the truth is beautifully simple: children don’t strain to hear their Father. They assume connection. They lean into relationship. They trust that His leading is already happening.
Every time you enter your studio this week, pause for a breath and remember—you’re not trying to summon God. You’re simply acknowledging the One who’s already living inside you, ready to create through you.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for being with me in every moment of my creative life. I don’t have to strive or perform to find You—you’re already here. Awaken my awareness of Your presence. Lead my heart into peace, delight, and confident partnership as I create this week. Amen.
Action Step:
Before you begin creating today, take 60 seconds with no agenda. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and simply whisper: “Holy Spirit, thank You for being here with me.” Let that awareness settle into your spirit before you begin.
CLARIFY
If you want to create with the Holy Spirit, clarity matters—not clarity of outcomes, but clarity of posture. Are you entering the studio in faith or in fear? In freedom or in pressure? Many artists limit themselves by only creating when they “feel inspired,” but that’s not partnership—that’s emotional dependence. Real clarity comes from recognizing that showing up before the inspiration arrives is an act of faith that invites God’s flow.
This week, set one simple intention for your creative time: I will show up, even if I don’t feel inspired, trusting the Holy Spirit to meet me there.
Action Step:
In your planner or journal, write one clear intention for the week about how you want to posture your heart in the studio. Keep it simple and focused—something you can return to daily.
CREATE
One of the biggest breakthroughs for artists is learning that creativity flows best when you stop forcing it. Worship becomes atmosphere. Peace becomes your compass. Curiosity becomes your roadmap. The Holy Spirit often leads not through booming instructions, but through gentle highlights—textures, colors, materials, ideas that shimmer with life when you notice them.
Your job isn’t to decode a divine puzzle. Your job is to pay attention.
As you work this week, approach your materials with open hands: “Lord, what are You highlighting right now? What draws my eye? What stirs my heart?” Trust those nudges. That’s partnership.
Action Step:
Choose one piece you’re working on and deliberately practice “following the peace.” When the flow is strong, lean in. When it lifts, pause. Notice what shifts in you and your work.
CULTIVATE
People can feel the atmosphere a piece of art is created in. When your creative process is rooted in presence rather than pressure, your collectors, followers, and partners sense it—even if they can’t articulate it. Your work carries peace. It carries story. It carries the breath of God.
Cultivating your audience isn’t just about marketing—it’s about inviting them into the overflow of your spiritual and creative life. Share snippets of your process this week: a moment of worship, a shift in peace, a material God highlighted. Those small windows into your journey build connection, trust, and long-term engagement.
Action Step:
Post a simple behind-the-scenes update on social media showing how you’re creating with the Holy Spirit this week. Use wording like, “Here’s a moment in the studio where I sensed the Holy Spirit highlighting this color/texture/idea…”
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
WATCH & LISTEN
In this week’s episode, I’m walking you step-by-step through the exact framework I use to create with the Holy Spirit—without pressure, striving, or perfectionism. I share the five core steps that transformed my creative life, plus the moment most artists lose their creative flow without realizing it (and how to shift back instantly into partnership with God).
This episode is a practical, freeing, deeply encouraging invitation to rediscover the joy of creating as a child of God. Don’t miss it!
STUDIO TIP FOR THRIVING
“Create a Peace-First Studio Setup”
Since this week’s theme is all about creating with the Holy Spirit, here’s a practical studio tip that aligns beautifully:
Set up your workspace to minimize decision fatigue and maximize peace.
Before your next session, spend 10 minutes arranging your tools, paints, brushes, or materials in a way that feels inviting, uncluttered, and easy to access. When your studio is ordered, your spirit can settle more quickly—which makes it far easier to sense what the Holy Spirit is highlighting in the moment.
Try This:
Create a small “peace corner” in your studio—maybe a chair, a candle, a small speaker for worship music, or a Scripture card. Use it as your 60-second reset space before you begin creating.
WORSHIP
A beautiful invitation into awareness, surrender, and presence—the perfect atmosphere for a Holy-Spirit-led studio session.
FEATURED ARTIST: Paige Stageman
@paigeartisttoo
Some artists discover their calling early… others bloom beautifully in their later years, carrying the wisdom of a life fully lived into every brushstroke. Paige Stageman is one of those artists whose creative awakening arrived like a holy surge of momentum — unexpected, unmistakable, and drenched in God’s timing.
Paige describes herself as being in her “fledgling phase” as a professional artist, but don’t let that humility fool you. Her work carries a tenderness and depth that is already touching hearts. She creates mixed-media realism finished in oil, most often inspired by wildlife and the natural world. Her favorite part of the process? The beginning — that intuitive, Spirit-led stage where the underpainting tells her where to go.
“I love getting lost and being free in the process,” she says. “I often let the painting dictate what it wants to be.”
Art, for Paige, is therapy… release… joy… prayer. But she’s also hoping for something more — that her work will become a spiritual connection point for viewers, a place where God breathes beauty and healing through her hands.
And she’s already seen glimpses of that.
Recently, Paige began receiving requests for pet memorial portraits, something she hadn’t anticipated but now receives as holy assignments.
“The results have deeply moved my clients to the point of tears,” she shares. “I believe the Lord has used my art to heal their hurt. I’m humbled by the experience.”
That sense of awe has followed her for the past nine months — a season she describes as “jumping on a runaway train.” When a friend introduced her to prayer and vision boarding, everything shifted. Doors opened. Skills sharpened. Opportunities multiplied.
“It was like the universe was listening — God was definitely listening,” she says. “Everything that has happened is His hand. I’m trusting the process.”
Now a brand-new member of Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, Paige is looking forward to growing spiritually and artistically in a community of like-hearted creatives. She hopes the program will help her deepen the spiritual resonance of her work, refine her habits, and grow a more intentional prayer practice in the studio. In fact, she’s already written the word PRAY above her easel as a gentle reminder of the collaboration she desires with the Holy Spirit.
Her advice for other artists is simple, but profoundly freeing:
“Be you. Let go of perfectionism. Create like you. Don’t compare yourself. When you can love yourself as God loves you, it’s easier to love others.”
In her golden years, Paige is more aware than ever that each creative moment matters. And rather than slowing down, she’s opening up — learning, experimenting, and watching God unfold a future she didn’t even know to dream of.
What a beautiful reminder:
It’s never too late for God to launch you into the very thing He created you for.
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.