• Your Art Makes God Smile

    Your Art Makes God Smile

    ,

    ISSUE #039

    Have you ever stopped to consider that when you step into your creative space, you’re not just making art—you’re actually bringing God joy? Not because your work is perfect. Not because it’s polished, marketable, or “spiritual enough.” But because you’re doing the very thing He designed you to do.

    This week’s message flows straight out of a deep, personal revelation that changed everything for me as an artist. For years, I carried pressure, confusion, and even guilt around my creativity. But when I finally understood how God actually feels about my art, joy returned. Freedom returned. Confidence returned. And I believe the same thing is going to happen for you as you lean into this truth.

    Friend, your art matters. You matter. And God is smiling every time you step into the creative life He designed for you.

    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.

    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. 

    From Guilt to Joy: When Art Becomes Worship

    Painter Hoda Nicholas once believed art was frivolous—until God revealed it as worship. Discover how creating from freedom, joy, and partnership with the Holy Spirit transformed her art into a gateway for blessing and beauty.

    CONNECT

    Creating as a Child, Not a Performer

    Scripture:
    Genesis 1:27 (NLT) — “So God created human beings in his own image…”

    God didn’t just create you to make art—He created you in His image, and He is a Creator. When you create, you’re reflecting His nature back into the world. Just like a loving father delights in seeing his child engaged in something they love, God delights in you when you show up and create with Him.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You that Your delight in me is not based on my performance. I receive Your pleasure today as Your beloved child. Help me create with You from a place of rest, joy, and intimacy. Amen.

    Action Step:
    Before you create this week, pause and simply acknowledge God’s presence. Say out loud, “Father, I invite You into this process with me.”

    CLARIFY

    Process Over Product

    Scripture:
    James 1:17 (NLT) — “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father…”

    God cares far more about you than what you produce. Your studio isn’t a production factory—it’s a sacred meeting place. When you release the pressure to perform and instead focus on presence, clarity returns and striving loses its grip.

    Reflection:
    Where have you been treating your creative life like a task instead of a relationship?

    Action Step:
    Clarify one intention for your creative time this week that has nothing to do with outcome—only connection.

    CREATE

    Where Joy and Flow Are Found

    Scripture:
    Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) — “He will take delight in you with gladness… He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

    That sense of creative “flow” so many artists chase isn’t something you manufacture—it’s something you enter. When you align with how God designed you, grace flows freely. Time disappears. Joy returns. Creativity becomes fun again.

    Flow isn’t striving harder—it’s agreeing with who God already made you to be.

    Action Step:
    Schedule one unhurried creative session this week. No expectations. No evaluation. Just joy.

    CULTIVATE

    Trust the Desires God Planted in You

    Scripture:
    Psalms 37:4 (NLT) — “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

    In Christ, your heart has been made new. The passions and ideas stirring inside you aren’t random—they’re shaped by intimacy with Him. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to paralysis, but trusting God’s work within you brings confidence and stability.

    Your creativity is an overflow, not a test.

    Action Step:
    Choose one creative idea you’ve been doubting and take one small step of faith toward it this week.

    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: 3 Surprising Reasons Your Art Gives God Joy

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    In this episode, I unpack why your creativity brings joy to God—not because of what you produce, but because of who you are. We explore identity, presence, and trust, and I pray for healing and freedom for artists who’ve been weighed down by pressure and fear.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Creating Sacred Space

    Tool: Your calendar – printed or online (yes, really!)
    Tip: Block your creative time on your calendar as a non-negotiable meeting. Treat it with the same honor you would give any important relationship.

    Why it Matters:
    Consistency builds trust—both with yourself and with God.

    WORSHIP

    This song centers on identity before performance—the exact heart of this week’s message. It reinforces the truth that we don’t create to earn God’s pleasure; we create from a place of already being loved, chosen, and delighted in as sons and daughters.

    Lines like “I’m a child of God, yes I am” echo the revelation that God enjoys being with us in the process, not grading the outcome. It dismantles striving and invites artists to stand confidently in who they are in Christ—free, accepted, and empowered.

    How to use it this week:

    • Play it before you enter your studio as a reminder of who you are.
    • Let it reset your heart when pressure or self-doubt creeps in.
    • Use it as a worship moment inside your creative process, not separate from it.

    This one carries both truth and tenderness—and it creates the perfect atmosphere for joyful, Spirit-led creativity.

    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.

  • Creating with the Holy Spirit: A Simple, Powerful Process

    Creating with the Holy Spirit: A Simple, Powerful Process

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    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.

    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. 

    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

    Get Your Core4 Focus Planner Now

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode: 5 Simple Steps to Create with the Holy Spirit

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    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.

    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.

  • How to Know if God is Calling You to Be An Artist

    How to Know if God is Calling You to Be An Artist

    , ,

    ISSUE #036

    Hey my friend, welcome to this week’s issue of The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly! I’ve been thinking a lot about how the Lord calls artists—not someday when we finally “feel ready,” but right in the middle of our ordinary, imperfect lives. If you’ve been sensing a stirring lately… that quiet nudge that your creativity carries something sacred… you’re not imagining things. That’s the Holy Spirit awakening something deep and beautiful inside of you.

    This week’s focus comes straight out of one of my favorite passages in Scripture—the story of Bezalel in Exodus 31. Believe it or not, the very first person God ever filled with His Spirit wasn’t a king, priest, or prophet… it was an artist. And my friend, the same Spirit that filled Bezalel is stirring in you today. I pray this week’s teaching, encouragement, and action steps help you lean in with a fresh yes to God’s calling on your creative life.

    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.

    PPS – Apply to be one of our Featured Artists. We’d love to celebrate your story of art and faith.

    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. 

    God Met Her in the Studio…

    This week, meet oil painter Lina Ferrara — a 40-year professional whose entire creative life was transformed when she discovered that God actually wanted to meet her in the studio. Her journey from doubt to confidence, from striving to partnership with the Holy Spirit, is one of the most powerful artist testimonies you’ll read this year. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    Your Calling Begins With His Voice

    Scripture: “See, I have called by name Bezalel…” — Exodus 31:2 (NKJV)

    Before Bezalel ever touched a tool, God called him by name. His identity as an artist wasn’t something he earned—it was something he received. That same truth applies to you. The call of God is deeply personal, quietly persistent, and always rooted in His desire to partner with you. When your creativity begins to awaken, when ideas stir and your heart longs to create… that’s not random. That’s the Spirit highlighting the very place where heaven wants to meet earth through your hands.

    Prayer:
    Holy Spirit, thank You for calling me by name. Awaken my heart to recognize Your voice and Your invitation in my creativity. Remove fear, comparison, and striving, and help me receive Your calling with joy and confidence. Let my art become a place where Your glory rests. Amen.

    Action Step:
    Set aside 10 quiet minutes today. Ask the Lord: “Where are You calling me as an artist right now?” Write down the first impressions, words, or images He brings to your heart.

    CLARIFY

    Notice the Stirring—It’s Not Random

    One of the clearest indicators of God’s calling is internal stirring. Just like Exodus 35 says, “everyone whose heart was stirred came to do the work.” When you feel drawn toward creativity—when you don’t feel fully alive unless you’re making—it’s the Holy Spirit tugging you lovingly forward. Instead of dismissing it as “just a hobby,” start treating that stirring as a divine signal light.

    Action Step:
    Choose one creative desire you’ve been putting off because of fear or uncertainty. Write it down, acknowledge it before the Lord, and make it your focus for the week. Let it align your schedule, energy, and attention.

    CREATE

    You Are Already Filled for the Work

    Exodus 31 tells us plainly: God filled Bezalel with the Spirit for the purpose of creating beauty, meaning, and craftsmanship. That filling wasn’t an accident—and neither is yours. When ideas begin flowing or you feel God’s pleasure in your studio, that is evidence of the Spirit’s empowerment, not your imagination.

    Action Step:
    Before you begin creating this week, pause for 30 seconds and pray: “Holy Spirit, fill me afresh for the work of my hands.” Then enter your creative time with expectation rather than pressure.

    CULTIVATE

    Let Others Confirm What God Has Started

    Calling is personal, but confirmation is communal. Bezalel didn’t proclaim himself; Moses recognized the anointing on his life and affirmed it publicly. So often, God uses others to echo what He’s already whispering inside of you. When someone says, “Your work moves me,” or “I see something special in you,” don’t brush it off. That’s confirmation.

    Action Step:
    Reach out to three people who have affirmed your art in the past. Send a simple thank-you, share what you’re creating now, and invite them to follow along this season. This builds connection and opens relational doors for future impact.

    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: 5 Signs God is Calling You as an Artist

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    This week on the podcast, I walk through the powerful story of Bezalel—the very first artist God ever called by name in Scripture—and how his journey becomes a blueprint for your own. I share five specific signs the Holy Spirit uses to awaken the creative calling in your life, from that deep inner stirring to the external confirmations that show up through community.

    Big takeaway:
    If your creativity has been awakening, stirring, or drawing attention… it’s not random. It’s the Holy Spirit inviting you into your Kingdom assignment as an artist.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Tool: Pinterest — Building a Visual Trail of Your Calling

    Pinterest is one of the most powerful platforms for artists because it operates like a long-term visual search engine. Instead of posts disappearing in hours, your pins can generate traffic and exposure for years.

    This week’s tip:
    Create a “Portfolio Board” and pin 10–15 of your best artworks with clear titles and keywords (e.g., “prophetic landscape painting,” “mixed media floral art,” “Christian artist abstract”). This helps new collectors, followers, and opportunities find you organically.

    Link: https://www.pinterest.com

    WORSHIP

    If this week is all about recognizing God’s call on your life as an artist, “Available (Live)” by Elevation Worship is a beautiful companion in the studio. The whole song is a simple, powerful yes to the Lord: “I hear You call, I am available.” Let it be your heart-cry as you paint, sculpt, weave, draw, or design—offering your creativity back to the One who called you by name.

    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.

  • Formed in the Studio: Why Jesus’ “Hidden Years” Matter to Your Creative Calling

    Formed in the Studio: Why Jesus’ “Hidden Years” Matter to Your Creative Calling

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    ISSUE #035

    My friend, this week I’ve been undone—in the best way—by a simple truth hiding in plain sight: before Jesus ever preached, healed, or performed a single miracle, He spent the vast majority of His life as a working artisan. Sawdust and rock dust on His clothes. Tools in His hands. Clients coming in and out of the workshop. No platform. No spotlight. Just formation. Obedience. Craft. Presence.

    And the more I sat with the Holy Spirit on this, the more I realized:
    The creative process that shaped Jesus is the same creative process God is using to shape you.

    Your studio isn’t just “where you make stuff.” It’s where God forms you—just like He formed His Son.

    Jesus grew up in the home of a tecton—a craftsman. He learned process, patience, attention to beauty, the weight of structure, and the humility of hiddenness long before He ever stepped into public ministry. And friend, the same Father who formed Jesus in the studio is forming you in yours.

    This issue is an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and remember:
    Your creative life is not a side hobby. It’s sacred ground.

    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.

    PPS – Apply now to be one of our featured artists. We love sharing unique art and great stories with the world!

    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. 

    From Ballet to Wearable Floral Artist

    This week, meet floral artist Debbie Davies—a former ballet dancer and special-effects makeup artist whose story shows what God can do when every creative thread finally converges. From wearable floral art to gold-medal installations, Debbie’s journey is a stunning reminder that the Lord wastes nothing… and His timing is perfect. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” — Luke 2:52 (NIV)

    Jesus spent 30 silent years being shaped—not on a platform but in a workshop. Those hidden years were not wasted years; they were holy years. And the same is true for you. Every time you step into your creative space, you’re stepping onto the same kind of ground where God formed His Son.

    God is not rushing you. He is forming you.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for forming me through my creative process. Teach me to honor my studio as holy ground. Slow my spirit, quiet my mind, and open my heart so I can see what You’re shaping in me. Let my hands become an extension of Your presence as I create with You today.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Before you begin your next session, pause at the doorway of your studio (or kitchen table, or porch, or wherever you create) and whisper:
    “Lord, I enter Your sanctuary.”
    Let that shift the entire atmosphere.

    CLARIFY

    Jesus didn’t grow by accident. He grew with intention—through repetition, process, and everyday obedience in His earthly father’s workshop.

    This week, ask the Lord:
    “What are You forming in me through this current season?”

    Is it patience?
    Confidence?
    Trust?
    A deeper ability to see beauty?
    Courage to step out?
    Grace to rest in hiddenness?

    When you can name the formation, you can cooperate with it.

    Action Step:
    Write down one character trait or spiritual truth God is shaping in you right now. Then plan one simple action this week that aligns with that forming work.

    CREATE

    Jesus grew up learning to see what others missed—the details, textures, rhythms, and beauty hidden in ordinary things. That same divine instinct lives inside you.

    Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do for your creativity is to slow down enough to actually see.

    Studio Action Step:
    Spend 10 minutes in quiet observation before you touch a tool.
    Look at texture. Shadow. Color variation. Negative space.
    Let your eyes soften and your spirit listen.
    This practice awakens creative flow faster than any technique.

    CULTIVATE

    The artisan’s studio wasn’t isolated—people constantly came and went. Jesus learned to see people with compassion, attention, and holy presence long before He began His public ministry.

    You carry that same ability.

    Whether it’s a collector, a follower online, a booth visitor, or one person who comments on your work—presence communicates honor. And honor opens hearts.

    Connection Action Step:
    Choose one person this week to be intentionally present with—online or in person.
    Slow down. Listen deeply. Make them feel like the only person in the room.

    This builds impact, trust, and long-term relationships—the heart of your creative mission.

    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: Jesus the Artisan: 5 Creative Principles for a Faithful Life

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    This week’s episode unpacks five powerful principles from Jesus’ forgotten years—from process and presence to hiddenness and holy craftsmanship. I share my own journey of realizing Jesus wasn’t only the Savior; He was a working artisan shaped by the same rhythms we live every day.

    Key Takeaway:
    Your creative process is not incidental. It’s intentional formation from a Father who trains His children the same way He trained His Son.

    STUDIO TIP FOR THRIVING

    One of the fastest ways to shift into flow (and silence distraction) is to establish a simple, repeatable setup ritual. This is how pros beat overwhelm and activate creativity consistently.

    Try this five-minute ritual before every session:

    1. Clear your main workspace.
    2. Choose your primary tool/material for the day.
    3. Turn on one light source that feels inspiring.
    4. Take three slow breaths.
    5. Say aloud:
      “Lord, I’m here. Shape me as I create.”

    This tells your brain—and your spirit—“It’s time.”

    Great for painters, sculptors, fiber artists, jewelers, potters, mixed-media artists, and anyone who needs a dependable on-ramp into creativity.

    WORSHIP

    There’s something deeply moving about hearing worship that echoes the very process God uses to shape us. Potter’s Hand is a beautiful reminder that we’re not just creating for God—we’re being formed by Him. Every lyric speaks to surrender, shaping, purpose, and the gentle way the Father molds us into the image of His Son. As you listen, let the Holy Spirit reaffirm this truth: your life and your art are clay in the hands of a Master Artisan who knows exactly what He’s shaping in you. Allow this song to wash over you as an invitation to yield, trust, and embrace the holy process you’re walking through.

    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 Block as a Christian Artist

    Overcoming Creative Block as a Christian Artist

    ,

    ISSUE #034

    If you’ve ever walked into your studio, looked at your materials, and felt absolutely nothing, you’re not alone. Creative block hits every artist sooner or later. But not all creative block is the same. Sometimes it feels like fog. Sometimes panic. Sometimes shame. But no matter how it shows up, it’s never a sign that you’ve lost your gift or that God has somehow stepped out of the room. More often than not, it’s simply a sign that you’ve been drawing from the wrong source.

    The good news? Creative block isn’t a dead end—it’s a divine invitation. What the enemy tries to use as discouragement, the Holy Spirit can use as a reset, a reconnection, and a fresh infilling of creative flow.

    This week, we’re going to break down the three root causes of creative block and show you exactly how to move back into alignment with God’s creative Spirit. You’re about to discover that the river of creativity is still flowing inside you… all you have to do is reconnect.

    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.

    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. 

    Featured Teaser

    This week’s Featured Artist is quilt-maker and gallery owner Pamela Loewen. Her story is a masterclass in persistence, faith, and the breathtaking ways God uses our creativity when we refuse to quit. From 17 years of “no” to a museum acquisition, from a 100-year-old building to a Spirit-filled gallery—Pamela’s journey will stir your faith and inspire your creative walk in a big way. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    Creative block almost always begins with spiritual disconnection. Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NKJV). That wasn’t a threat—it was an invitation. When we create without abiding, the well dries up. But when we slow down, breathe, and acknowledge His presence, something powerful happens: peace replaces pressure, clarity replaces chaos, and creativity begins to stir again.

    Prayer:
    Holy Spirit, thank You for being the well of life within me. I surrender every feeling of pressure, emptiness, and inadequacy. Reconnect my heart to Your presence. Refill me with Your peace, Your joy, and Your creative flow. Awaken my imagination again and align my spirit with Yours as I create. Amen.

    Action Step:
    Before you begin your next creative session, pause for 60 seconds. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Whisper, “Jesus, I reconnect with You right now.”
    Feel everything shift.

    CLARIFY

    Creativity thrives when your focus is clear and grounded in faith, not feelings. If you’re waiting to “feel inspired” before creating, you’ll stay stuck. Faith says, “I show up anyway because this is who I am.” Ask the Lord: What is the one step You’re inviting me to take this week in my creative practice?

    Action Step:
    Choose ONE clear, doable creative goal this week—something small enough to complete, but meaningful enough to move you forward. Write it down and commit to it before the Lord.

    CREATE

    Waiting on inspiration is the fastest path to stagnation. But showing up—even without clarity—primes the pump. Play is often the doorway back into flow. Sketch. Swatch colors. Make marks. Mix paint. Shape clay. Write a paragraph. Hum a melody. Stir the waters, and watch the Holy Spirit meet you in motion.

    Action Step:
    Begin each studio session this week with 10 minutes of pure play—no agenda, no pressure, no expectations. Just exploration. Creativity loves to wake up in a judgment-free zone.

    CULTIVATE

    Your collectors, followers, and community don’t need perfection—they need resonance. When you share your creative process, not just your polished results, people feel connected to you. Vulnerability builds trust, and trust builds relationships… the kind that lead to impact and income.

    Action Step:
    Share a behind-the-scenes moment this week—your sketchbook, your messy table, your warmup marks, or even your honest struggle with creative block and how God is meeting you in it.

    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: 3 Powerful Ways to Overcome Creative Block

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    This week’s episode dives deep into the three roots of creative block—disconnection, empty imagination, and passive creativity—and shows you how to reconnect with Jesus, create by faith, and cultivate inspiration on purpose. Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply wanting to strengthen your daily creative rhythm, this conversation will help you step back into confidence, clarity, and creative flow with the Holy Spirit.

    ART TIP FOR THRIVING

    The 3-Minute Mindful Entrance Ritual

    This week’s “tech” is actually an art-studio mindfulness tool—perfect for busting creative block.

    Before starting your creative session:

    1. Step into the studio and pause at the doorway.
      Let your body arrive before your mind races ahead.
    2. Notice three things you see.
      Color. Light. A tool. A piece of unfinished work. Let gratitude rise.
    3. Notice three things you hear.
      Ambient sound, worship music, silence—whatever is present.
    4. Lay your hand on your table or materials and say:
      “Holy Spirit, I create with You today.”

    This slows your nervous system, centers your spirit, awakens your imagination, and shifts you into alignment with God’s presence. It’s simple, but I promise—you’ll feel the difference.

    Try it this week and watch the fog lift.

    WORSHIP

    This week, I want to invite you into a song that beautifully mirrors the heart of moving through creative block: “Make Room.” It’s a simple, powerful declaration of surrender—laying down our striving, pressure, and self-reliance so the Holy Spirit can breathe fresh life into our creativity.

    As artists, we can so easily slip into performance mode, trying to force inspiration or muscle our way through dryness. This song pulls you right back to the center—into abiding, yielding, and reconnecting with the Source of all creativity.

    Turn it on as you enter your creative space this week. Let the atmosphere shift. Let your heart settle. Let the river of the Spirit begin to flow again.

    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 Flow of Co-Creating with God in Your Art

    The Flow of Co-Creating with God in Your Art

    ,

    ISSUE #032

    Have you ever wondered what it actually looks like to co-create with God, not just dedicate your art to Him, but truly sense His presence leading you as you create? I used to think of my art as something I did for God. But over time, I realized He was inviting me to do it with Him. That shift changed everything. My studio became more than a workspace—it became a sanctuary where Heaven and earth meet.

    This week, we’re exploring what I call “The Flow of Co-Creation”—five simple steps that help you move from striving to abiding: Intimacy, Revelation, Agreement, Response, and Incarnation. My prayer is that as you read this, you’ll feel a fresh awareness of His presence in your creative process. May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    Cheering you on,
    Matt Tommey

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

    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. 

    Capturing God’s Glory Through the Lens

    This week, meet Randall Evans, a fine art photographer from Kentucky whose breathtaking landscapes reflect the peace and presence of God in creation. From misty ridges to ocean waves, Randall’s camera reveals the wonder of the Creator’s design—reminding us that beauty itself is a form of divine invitation to slow down, look closer, and worship. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    Scripture: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” — John 15:4–5 (NIV)

    Everything meaningful in your creative life flows out of intimacy with God. Before you pick up a brush, step behind a camera, or sit at your easel, pause and remember—He’s already there. You don’t have to invite Him to your studio; He lives in you. As you abide in His presence, creative ideas flow like living water, and fear gives way to freedom.

    Prayer:
    Lord, thank You for being the Vine that sustains my creativity. I yield to Your Spirit today—teach me to listen, flow, and trust as we create together. Let every mark, color, and form be a reflection of Your heart through my hands.
    In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Before every creative session this week, pause for one minute of stillness. Breathe deeply and say aloud, “Holy Spirit, I yield to You.” Watch how the atmosphere shifts as you acknowledge His presence.

    CLARIFY

    When it comes to your creative journey, alignment always precedes acceleration. Many artists struggle because they separate their “studio life” from their “spiritual life.” But in the Kingdom, there’s no divide—your creativity is part of your worship. God wants to flow through your art, not just bless it from afar.

    Take a few minutes to clarify what co-creating with God looks like for you this week. Where might you need to say yes to His nudges instead of letting fear or perfectionism take over? Remember, faith says “yes” even when the outcome is unclear.

    Action Step:
    In your journal or sketchbook, write down one creative idea or project you sense God inviting you into—but you’ve hesitated on. Circle it, pray over it, and take one small step of obedience this week.

    CREATE

    Co-creation isn’t just spiritual—it’s deeply practical. Exodus 31 describes Bezalel as being “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.” That’s what it looks like to be both filled and skilled. Excellence isn’t about perfection—it’s about partnership.

    Create in an atmosphere that welcomes God’s movement. Put on worship music, light a candle, or hang Scripture near your workspace. Keep a sketchbook nearby for divine ideas and impressions. As you grow in both skill and sensitivity, your creative process becomes a living collaboration with the Creator.

    Action Step:
    Dedicate a corner of your home or studio as your “sacred creative space.” Keep it clean, inspiring, and ready. When you enter, whisper, “This is our space, Lord—let’s create together.”

    CULTIVATE

    The final stage of co-creation is incarnation—when your ideas and God’s inspiration take tangible form. Every painting, sculpture, or design you make becomes a vessel for His glory—a table of encounter where others can experience His presence through your work.

    Your art doesn’t have to preach to carry His message. The Spirit within you naturally flows through your colors, textures, and themes. Release what you create, trusting God to use it in ways you may never see.

    Action Step:
    This week, share one completed artwork—online or in person—and tell a brief story about how God met you during the process. You never know whose heart He might touch through your obedience.

    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: 5 Steps to Creating Your Art with God

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    This week’s episode dives deep into the five steps of co-creating with God: Intimacy, Revelation, Agreement, Response, and Incarnation. Matt shares how learning to assume connection with the Holy Spirit transforms the way you create—no more striving, no more fear, just flow.

    Hear how God wants to partner with you daily in your art, turning your studio into a sanctuary and your work into an encounter for others.

    Key Takeaway:
    You’re not creating for God—you’re creating with Him. When you embrace that truth, your art becomes a doorway for His presence to touch the world.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    If you’ve ever wished you could get real-time, Spirit-led guidance from me—on creativity, business, or faith—you’re going to love UncleMatt.ai.

    This new AI-powered tool helps artists clarify vision, overcome fear, renew their minds, and stay spiritually grounded while pursuing their art. It’s not replacing the Holy Spirit—it’s pointing you back to Him. Think of it as your creative coach, biblical encourager, and business advisor all in one place—available 24/7.

    👉 Try UncleMatt.ai today and start receiving Holy Spirit–centered guidance as you create, plan, and grow.

    WORSHIP

    There’s something powerful that happens when Heaven touches earth—when the wind of the Spirit meets the fire of our devotion. “Where Wind Meets Fire” captures that sacred collision perfectly. It’s a song about awakening, co-laboring, and staying in step with the Holy Spirit.

    As you listen this week, let the lyrics draw you back to that place of holy surrender and divine partnership. Just like in the studio, this is where creativity and presence meet—where your yes becomes the spark God breathes on.

    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.

  • You’re Not Behind: The Hidden Purposes in God’s Delays

    You’re Not Behind: The Hidden Purposes in God’s Delays

    ,

    ISSUE #031

    Have you ever felt like God hit the pause button on your creative journey? Maybe the doors you were praying for didn’t open, or opportunities you thought were certain slipped through your fingers. If so, I want to remind you of a powerful truth today: you’re not behind—you’re being refined.

    What we often mistake as God’s delays are actually His divine training ground. He’s not punishing you; He’s preparing you. In these “slow” seasons, God is expanding your capacity—your endurance, your faith, and your readiness—to carry more of what He has planned for your future.

    Remember, James 1:2-4 (NLT) says “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

    In this week’s issue, we’ll explore how to trust God’s timing, see His purpose in the waiting, and discover peace right in the middle of process.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    Cheering you on,
    Matt Tommey

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

    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. 

    Quilting the Word: Stories of Faith in Fabric

    This week, meet Kristy Moeller Ottinger, a folk-art quilter whose intricate, prayer-filled works bring Bible stories to life. Each bead and button she stitches carries a prayer, turning her creative process into an act of worship. From local shows to museum exhibitions, Kristy’s art quilts are not just works of fabric—they’re woven testimonies of faith, prayer, and perseverance. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (NIV) — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

    Waiting seasons can feel lonely, but they’re never wasted. God uses delay to deepen trust, not discourage it. What looks like a stall in progress is often a setup for strength. Like a seed growing underground, He’s forming your character in hidden places before bringing the fruit into view.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for loving me enough to slow me down. Teach me to see delay as development and waiting as worship. Help me trust Your timing, even when I don’t understand it. Let endurance have its full work in me so I can walk faithfully in all You’ve prepared. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Action Step:
    Spend 10 quiet minutes reflecting on a past “delay” that turned into blessing. Write it down and thank God for how He used it to prepare you.

    CLARIFY

    Delays can feel like dead ends when we’re focused on results instead of relationship. But every closed door, postponed opportunity, and quiet season has a reason behind it. Sometimes God withholds a “good” thing to protect you from something that’s not His best thing.

    Ask yourself this week: What is God protecting or preparing me for right now? His timing isn’t slow—it’s strategic. The goal isn’t to reach your destination faster, but to arrive stronger, wiser, and ready to stay in the place He’s called you to.

    Action Step:
    Look at your current season and identify one area where you sense God saying, “Not yet.” Choose to trust Him there. Write out your prayer of surrender in your journal.

    CREATE

    When life slows down, your studio becomes sacred ground. God often uses creative time to align your heart with His. Maybe He’s teaching you to release control, to wait for fresh inspiration, or to trust that He’s guiding your next idea.

    Even when progress feels invisible, keep showing up. Like spiritual “weight training,” each day of obedience builds strength in your creative soul. The art you create in hidden seasons carries a depth that can’t be faked—it’s formed in fire and faith.

    Studio Action Step:
    Before you create this week, pray: “Holy Spirit, align my heart with Yours. Help me c

    CULTIVATE

    God’s delays often expand not just your art, but your ability to influence others. As He refines you, He also refines how you show up for your audience. Authentic stories of waiting, faith, and perseverance connect deeply with people who need hope.

    Share your process honestly. Tell your collectors, followers, or creative friends what God is teaching you in the “in-between.” Vulnerability builds bridges faster than perfection ever could.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Write one short social post or email to your audience this week titled, “What I’m Learning in the Waiting.” Let your story encourage someone else who feels delayed but is actually right on time.

    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: Why God’s Delays are Actually God’s Design

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    In this week’s podcast, we dive into one of the most freeing truths for Christian artists: you’re not behind in God’s plan. What feels like delay is actually design. You’ll learn four powerful ways God uses waiting seasons to grow your endurance, protect you from wrong opportunities, align your heart with His, and weave your story into His bigger Kingdom narrative.

    Key Takeaway: Delays are not detours—they’re divine development. God’s timing is always on time.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Ever wish you had a mentor to talk through your creative struggles anytime, day or night? Now you do. UncleMatt.ai is your 24/7 creative companion—built from decades of my teaching and Kingdom insight to help artists like you thrive spiritually, creatively, and professionally.

    Ask UncleMatt about finding peace in delay, renewing your mind, setting artistic goals, or overcoming creative blocks—it’s all there, personalized for your journey.

    👉 Discover UncleMatt.ai

    WORSHIP

    If you’ve ever questioned God’s timing, this song will speak straight to your heart. “Always On Time” is a powerful reminder that even when we can’t see what God is doing, He’s never late and never distant. Every lyric carries the assurance that His delays are not denials—they’re divine precision. As you listen this week, let the melody quiet your striving and fill your studio with renewed trust that the One who called you is faithful to complete what He began.

    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.

  • Honoring God through Your Art

    Honoring God through Your Art

    ,

    ISSUE #030

    Have you ever wondered what it really means to honor God with your art—not just in words, but in your daily creative rhythm? So often, artists think honoring God means making “Christian art” or adding a spiritual label to what they create. But it’s much deeper than that. Honoring God begins in the heart—with gratitude, faithfulness, and a willingness to create in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

    When your art becomes an offering instead of an obligation, everything changes. You start to see your creativity not as a performance, but as a conversation—a sacred space where Heaven meets Earth through your brush, your hands, your vision. In this week’s issue, I’ll share five powerful ways to honor God with your art and step fully into peace, purpose, and partnership with Him.

    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

    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. 

    Beauty for Ashes: How God Turned Yvette’s Pain into Purpose

    This week, meet Yvette McLaughlin, a pop artist whose vibrant, glittering portraits tell a story of healing and hope. What began as an outlet during a painful season became a powerful testimony of God’s grace. Through bold color, detailed patterns, and unwavering faith, Yvette has discovered how art can transform brokenness into beauty—and inspire others to trust the Creator who restores all things. READ MORE…

    CONNECT

    Scripture: James 1:17 (NLT) — “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

    Everything good in your creative life starts with gratitude. The fact that you can see beauty, imagine, and create is not random—it’s a reflection of God’s own image within you. Gratitude turns your art from striving into worship. Each time you thank Him for your creative gift, you realign your heart with Heaven and release comparison, pressure, and perfectionism.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for the gift of creativity. Thank You for designing me as an artist on purpose, for Your pleasure and glory. Teach me to create from gratitude, not for approval. May my art become an offering of worship that delights Your heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Action Step: Start or end your studio session with five minutes of gratitude. Speak it out loud: “Lord, thank You for the joy of creating with You.”

    CLARIFY

    The first step in honoring God with your art is showing up—faithfully and consistently. God can’t multiply what you don’t offer Him. Every time you step into your studio, even on the uninspired days, you declare, “This gift matters to God.”

    Ask yourself: What does faithfulness look like for me this week? Maybe it’s finishing a piece that’s been sitting unfinished, organizing your workspace, or dedicating specific hours for creating. Honoring God isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

    Action Step: Block off one sacred studio session this week on your calendar. Label it “Time with God in the Studio.” Protect it as you would a divine appointment.  Get your Core4 Focus Planner today.

    CREATE

    Inviting the Holy Spirit into your creative process is where transformation happens. As Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” You’re not creating for God as if He’s watching from afar—you’re creating with God, in partnership.

    So before you start, pause. Breathe. Ask, “Holy Spirit, what do You want to express through me today?” Let Him flow through your colors, textures, movements, and ideas. The creative flow you feel isn’t random—it’s relationship.

    Studio Action Step: Begin your next session with worship. Turn on music that invites God’s presence, pray briefly, and then create freely—trusting that what flows is inspired.

    CULTIVATE

    Honoring God with your art also means growing—both spiritually and skillfully. Bezalel, the first artist mentioned in Scripture, was “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” (Exodus 31:3)

    Excellence is not striving; it’s stewardship. Every new skill you develop expands the language the Holy Spirit can use through your art. When you grow in both spiritual depth and artistic excellence, you give God more to work with—and more ways to speak through your creativity.

    Outreach Action Step: This week, share a post or story showing your artistic process and how God is teaching you through it. Invite others into your journey of being both filled and skilled.

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode: 5 Powerful Ways to Honor God with Your Art

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    In this week’s podcast, I share five foundational ways to honor God through your creativity—without striving, guilt, or burnout. You’ll learn how gratitude, faithfulness, collaboration with the Holy Spirit, skill development, and rest all work together to create a life that glorifies God.

    Key Takeaway: When you create from gratitude, faithfulness, and rest, your art becomes worship—and God’s joy flows through every brushstroke.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Meet your new creative companion, UncleMatt.ai — a 24/7 mentor built from decades of my real-world experience helping artists thrive spiritually, creatively, and professionally.

    Need biblical encouragement before heading into the studio? Stuck on pricing, confidence, or creative blocks? UncleMatt can help you think through it with wisdom rooted in Kingdom principles.

    🎨 Ask it anything from “How do I renew my mind as an artist?” to “How should I price my art?” — and get real answers that bring peace and clarity.

    👉 Explore UncleMatt.ai

    WORSHIP

    This week’s worship song is a gentle reminder that honoring God with your art begins in stillness, not striving. “Be Still” invites us to rest in God’s presence and remember that the One who called us is faithful to complete what He started.

    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.

  • From Worry to Worship: Redeeming the Artist’s Imagination

    From Worry to Worship: Redeeming the Artist’s Imagination

    ,

    ISSUE #027

    Friend, if you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night, your imagination running wild with all the “what ifs,” you’re not alone. As artists, our imagination is one of the most powerful tools God has given us — but the enemy loves to hijack it. Instead of creating beauty, story, and vision, we start spinning endless false narratives that lead to fear and anxiety. This week, I want to help you redeem that imagination, turning it from a stage for fear into a sanctuary for faith.

    The truth is, worry is nothing more than faith pointed in the wrong direction. But when we anchor our imagination in God’s promises, He transforms that same energy into peace, contentment, and creative freedom. My prayer is that this issue equips you to stop letting worry write the script and start letting worship set the stage.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you. Cheering you on, Matt Tommey.

    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. 

    When Worship Meets Abstract Expression

    This week, meet David Scott, an abstract painter who turns prayer, worship, and bold layers of color into encounters with the Creator. His work is a living reminder that every brushstroke can become an act of praise.

    DISCOVER MORE ABOUT DAVID IN THIS ISSUE

    CONNECT

    Scripture: “Do not worry then… for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But first and most importantly seek His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you also.” — Matthew 6:31, 33 (AMP)

    When worry rises, it’s easy to forget that God already knows our needs and has promised to provide. Worry whispers scarcity, but worship reminds us of abundance. As artists, we can intentionally redirect our imagination — picturing His provision, His promises, and His purposes.

    Prayer:
    Father, I give You the false stories that fear has been writing in my imagination. Redeem my mind so that instead of fueling anxiety, my creativity becomes a sanctuary for Your truth. Help me picture Your promises fulfilled in my life and through my art. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step: Each morning this week, write down one promise of God and spend 5 minutes visualizing it as if it were already true in your life.

    CLARIFY

    Clarity for the week doesn’t come from trying to do everything — it comes from asking God: “Lord, what’s most important for me to focus on right now?” When we invite Him into our planning, we silence the swirl of worry and step into the peace of alignment.

    This week, I encourage you to pause, listen, and ask God to highlight the one thing in your creative journey that truly matters most. Maybe it’s finishing a piece, reaching out to a collector, or simply resting in His presence.

    Action Step: Write down 1–3 specific goals for your art and life this week that reflect God’s direction, not your fears. Keep them visible and revisit them each day in prayer.

    CREATE

    Your imagination was designed to envision Kingdom possibilities. Every time you put brush to canvas, shape clay, or sketch a new idea, you’re choosing what story your imagination will serve. Will it fuel fear — or form faith?

    Scripture: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 (NASB)

    Action Step: Create one piece of art this week that visualizes God’s promise instead of your worry. Let your imagination worship Him through your medium.

    CULTIVATE

    Comparison is one of the enemy’s favorite ways to hijack an artist’s imagination. Instead of celebrating our uniqueness in the Body of Christ, we end up worrying about what “they” are doing. But Scripture reminds us: “God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” (1 Corinthians 12:18 NASB)

    Connection Tip: Instead of scrolling and comparing, celebrate another artist this week. Comment thoughtfully on their work, share their post, or send them an encouraging message.

    Action Step: Reach out to one fellow artist or collector this week and tell them specifically how their work or support has inspired you.

    👉 GET YOUR CORE4 FOCUS PLANNER NOW

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Anxiety, Imagination & Faith

    Listen on Apple Podcast
    Listen on Spotify

    This week’s podcast and Youtube video digs into why artists worry so vividly, how Paul found the secret of contentment, and how you can redeem your imagination to become a sanctuary for faith instead of fear.

    I share key Scriptures like Philippians 4 and James 1, plus practical steps for turning worry into worship through your art.

    Key Takeaway: Your imagination isn’t broken — it just needs to be anchored in Christ. When you stop rehearsing false stories of fear and start envisioning God’s promises, your creativity becomes a tool for breakthrough.

    ARTBIZ TIP FOR THRIVING

    Many artists struggle with the fear that there isn’t “enough” — enough clients, enough money, enough opportunity. But that worry mindset will keep your imagination stuck. Instead, think of yourself as a steward of what God has already placed in your hands. Stewardship invites growth and multiplication.

    Practical Tip: Take inventory this week of the opportunities, relationships, and resources you already have. Then prayerfully ask, “Lord, how can I faithfully steward what’s in my hands right now?” You’ll be surprised how often provision flows out of stewardship, not striving.

    This Issue Sponsored By:

    The Foundations Course: A 9-Week Spirit-Led Journey to Heal Your Heart, Renew Your Mind, and Awaken Your Calling as a Christian Artist.

    Get the Book | Get the Online Course

    “I have never in my life felt this kind of freedom—not in my spirit and not in my artwork.” – Cheryl

    WORSHIP

    When worry tries to hijack our imagination, worship re-anchors us in truth. “Trust in God” is a powerful reminder that our confidence isn’t in circumstances but in the One who holds it all together. The lyrics echo the heart of Philippians 4 — finding strength, peace, and contentment in Christ alone.

    As you listen, let the words wash over you and redirect your imagination from fear to faith, from scarcity to God’s abundance.

    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.

  • Don’t Quit, Keep Making: 10 Timely Reminders for Artists from the Heart of God

    Don’t Quit, Keep Making: 10 Timely Reminders for Artists from the Heart of God

    , ,

    Every artist knows the battle that happens in the studio. One day the ideas flow like a river, the next day the canvas feels like a wall. We wrestle with fear, distraction, comparison, and doubt. And yet, in the middle of it all, God is speaking. He longs to remind His artists—His sons and daughters—that creativity isn’t just about producing pretty things; it’s about partnering with Him to reveal His glory on the earth.

    Recently, I asked my Mastery Program students to share what they felt God was saying to them in this season. What came out was a list so powerful that I knew it wasn’t just for them—it was for you too. These ten reminders are like mile markers for your journey as a Christian artist. They’ll help you stay grounded in truth, overcome obstacles, and keep pressing forward in your calling.

    So, let’s dive in:

    1. Don’t worry, just create

    Worry is one of the greatest creativity killers. It fills your mind with noise, making it nearly impossible to hear the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said plainly:

    “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25, NLT)

    When you worry about whether your art will sell, if people will like it, or if you’re even “good enough,” you’re carrying a burden that was never yours to carry. God hasn’t called you to figure out all the outcomes—He’s called you to show up and create. Your job is faithfulness in the studio. His job is fruitfulness in the Kingdom.

    2. Fully surrender

    True creativity flows from surrender. When you cling to your own plans, timelines, and definitions of success, you risk missing out on the greater story God wants to write through your life and art.

    Jesus modeled this for us in the Garden of Gethsemane:

    “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42, NIV)

    As artists, surrender means laying down your ego, your desire for recognition, and even your fear of failure. It’s saying, “Lord, this is Yours. Use it however You want.” When your art becomes an offering instead of a performance, you’ll find freedom you never knew was possible.

    3. Let go of people pleasing, shoulds, and ought-to’s

    People pleasing is exhausting. It keeps you creating from obligation instead of inspiration. Paul asked the Galatians a piercing question:

    “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV)

    When you live under the weight of “shoulds” and “ought-to’s,” you miss the joy of simply being who God made you to be. Letting go of people pleasing doesn’t mean ignoring feedback or community—it means refusing to let others’ expectations dictate your worth or direction. Your assignment comes from the Lord, not the crowd.

    4. Don’t quit, keep making

    Every artist faces the temptation to quit. Maybe the sales aren’t happening, the breakthrough feels delayed, or life’s distractions pull you away from the studio. But quitting cuts off the very process through which God shapes you and impacts others.

    Paul encouraged the Galatians with this timeless truth:

    “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)

    Every brushstroke, sketch, woven strand, or carved surface is a seed planted in faith. You may not see the harvest yet, but it’s growing under the surface. Keep making. Keep showing up. Your obedience in the studio matters more than you realize.

    5. Quit selling God short

    Sometimes we limit God by what we think is possible. We lower our expectations to avoid disappointment. But the truth is, God’s vision for your life and art is far greater than anything you could dream up on your own.

    “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)

    When you sell God short, you settle for scraps when He’s laid out a banquet. Your role is not to figure out how—it’s to believe that He can and will. Dare to dream with Him. Dare to step into opportunities that stretch you. He’s not finished writing your story.

    6. Master your skills in art

    Excellence honors God. Developing your artistic skill isn’t about pride or perfectionism—it’s about stewardship. God has entrusted you with a gift, and part of honoring Him is sharpening that gift to its fullest potential.

    “Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.” (Proverbs 22:29, NLT)

    When you invest in your craft—whether through practice, study, or mentorship—you’re preparing yourself to serve in greater ways. Skill and anointing go hand in hand. Your excellence becomes a testimony of the God who inspires and equips you.

    7. Face the fear

    Fear shows up in many disguises: procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, even tech overwhelm. But at its core, fear is always a liar. It tells you that you’re not enough, that failure is inevitable, or that God won’t show up.

    Paul wrote to Timothy:

    “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, NKJV)

    The only way to conquer fear is to face it head-on with faith. Every time you step into the studio despite the butterflies, every time you try something new even when you’re not sure, you’re declaring that fear doesn’t get the final word.

    8. Commit to the vision God has shown you

    When God gives you a vision, it’s not a passing idea—it’s an assignment. He doesn’t dangle possibilities in front of you just to take them away. If He called you, He will equip you.

    “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3, NKJV)

    Committing to the vision means staying faithful even when results are slow. It means trusting His timing over your own. Write it down. Pray over it. Keep showing up. The vision will speak—it’s only a matter of time.

    9. Stay on God’s “bullseye”

    Life is full of distractions. Opportunities, responsibilities, and shiny new ideas can pull you in a dozen directions. But God has a bullseye for your life—a center point where your unique design and His purpose meet.

    Jesus said:

    “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

    Staying on the bullseye means keeping your focus on His Kingdom first. Everything else flows from that place of alignment. Ask the Holy Spirit daily: “What’s on Your heart today?” That simple prayer will keep you centered on what matters most.

    10. You never outgrow renewing your mind

    Transformation is a lifelong process. No matter how mature you become as an artist or believer, you’ll always need to bring your thoughts into alignment with God’s truth.

    “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

    Renewing your mind means replacing lies with truth. It means refusing to let past failures or present circumstances define you. As you keep soaking in God’s Word and declaring His promises, you’ll find that your art—and your life—overflow with Kingdom transformation.

    Final Thoughts

    This list isn’t just encouragement—it’s a battle plan. When the enemy whispers lies or your own doubts rise up, come back to these truths. Print them out. Tape them to your studio wall. Pray through them before you create.

    Remember: God hasn’t called you just to survive as an artist. He’s called you to thrive. He’s with you in every brushstroke, every woven fiber, every line of poetry, every creative risk. His Spirit within you is the ultimate source of inspiration, courage, and breakthrough.

    So today, hear His voice afresh: Don’t worry. Surrender. Keep making. Stay on target. Renew your mind. And most of all, trust Me—I am with you.

    Ready to Go Deeper?

    If you’ve ever felt like giving up on your art, you’re not alone. Every artist wrestles with doubt, fear, and the temptation to quit. The difference between those who thrive and those who stall isn’t talent—it’s having the right foundation in place.

    That’s why I created The Foundations Course™. It’s a step-by-step journey designed to help Christian artists like you overcome fear, renew your mind, and align your creativity with God’s purpose. Through practical teaching, biblical truth, and real-world strategies, you’ll learn how to:

    • Break free from self-doubt, fear, and overwhelm.
    • Develop confidence in your identity as a Kingdom artist.
    • Establish rhythms that keep you creating with consistency.
    • Build momentum in your art so you don’t quit halfway through.

    Hundreds of artists have gone through this course and discovered the clarity, confidence, and courage they needed to keep making and step fully into God’s calling.

    👉 If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, wondering if you should even keep going, The Foundations Course™ is your lifeline. Start today and give yourself the gift of a solid foundation for the artist life God designed you to live.

    Learn more and start The Foundations Course™ today »

  • God’s Creative Calling is Never Too Late

    God’s Creative Calling is Never Too Late

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    ISSUE #023

    One of the most common lies I hear from artists is that their season for creating has passed—that they’ve somehow missed their chance. Maybe you’ve felt that before. Perhaps you’ve looked back over your life and thought, “If only I had started earlier…” But here’s the truth: God’s creative calling on your life is not bound by time, age, or circumstance. Romans 11:29 reminds us, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” That means what He placed inside you will never expire, diminish, or be taken away.

    This week, I want you to be encouraged that no matter your age, your past experiences, or the paths you’ve walked, God can use it all to shape the art you’re creating right now. Your journey has prepared you for this very moment. So lean in with hope and expectation! May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    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. 

    God is Raising Up an Army of Artists This Fall…

    All over the world, God is stirring the hearts of creative believers to rise up, connect, and shine His light through their art. This fall, we’re launching small groups for artists—simple gatherings in homes, studios, and churches where artists can walk through The Created to Thrive Foundations Course™ book together, encourage one another, and grow in both faith and creativity.

    Imagine artists just like you meeting regularly to pray, create, and share stories of God’s goodness—forming a global network of Kingdom-minded creatives. This is about more than community; it’s about a movement. Together, we can see artists equipped, healed, and mobilized to reveal God’s glory in the earth.

    👉 Ready to be part of what God is doing? Learn how you can host a group this fall by visiting: matttommeymentoring.com/smallgroup

    CONNECT

    Scripture: “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29 (NKJV)

    God’s calling on your life as an artist is permanent—it doesn’t come with an expiration date. The same hands that shaped you also embedded within you a divine creativity that is waiting to be expressed, no matter how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. When you embrace this truth, the fear of being “too late” or “too old” begins to fade, replaced by confidence in His eternal timing.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You that Your calling on my life is unchanging and unstoppable. Forgive me for believing the lie that I am too old or that my time has passed. Awaken fresh creativity within me today and help me step boldly into the artistic purpose You’ve designed for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step: Each morning this week, declare aloud: “God’s gifts in me are alive and my best days of creativity are ahead.”

    CLARIFY

    Clarity starts when you stop comparing your timeline with someone else’s. God’s purposes unfold uniquely for each of us, often in ways that defy cultural expectations. Instead of worrying about when you should have started, shift your focus to what you can do today to align with the creative assignment God has given you.

    Take time this week to reflect: How have your past experiences—career, family, struggles, or even detours—actually prepared you for your artistic expression now? God wastes nothing. What may look like delay could actually be divine preparation.

    Action Step: Write down three ways your life experiences uniquely equip you for your creative calling today. Keep that list near your workspace as a reminder.

    CREATE

    Creative practice is not about catching up; it’s about showing up. Every day you pick up the brush, pen, clay, or camera, you’re stepping into the eternal rhythm of God’s design for you. Don’t let the thought of being “too late” paralyze you. Instead, see each moment in the studio as fresh opportunity to create with Him.

    Scripture reminds us in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will complete it.” Your creative journey is not unfinished—it’s unfolding. Even if you’re just starting now, you’re right on time.

    Action Step: Dedicate one uninterrupted block of creative time this week—whether it’s 30 minutes or 3 hours—and focus on simply enjoying the process without pressure for outcome.

    CULTIVATE

    Your story matters, and sharing it with your audience can be one of your most powerful tools. Collectors, followers, and friends love hearing how you stepped into your creative calling, especially if you once believed it was “too late.” Your vulnerability encourages others and deepens their connection with you and your art.

    When you cultivate relationships by telling your story, you invite people into your creative journey rather than just showing them finished pieces. That kind of connection not only inspires but also builds trust—the foundation of strong community and sustainable sales.

    Action Step: Share a short post or video this week about your creative journey and how God has been faithful to call you, even in unexpected seasons.

    LISTEN & WATCH

    EPISODE: You’re Not Too Old To Pursue Your Creative Calling

    LISTEN NOW

    Do you feel like you’ve missed your window to pursue the creative calling God placed in your heart? That nagging voice saying you’re too old, too inexperienced, or too late can be loud. But what if it’s completely wrong?

    In this episode, I unpack the powerful truth of Romans 11:29—that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. I share biblical and real-life examples like Moses, Sarah, and Grandma Moses, who discovered or stepped into their calling later in life. You’ll see how your past experiences haven’t disqualified you but actually prepared you for this moment. Plus, I’ll walk you through the 5R’s framework (Recognize, Repent, Replace, Reinforce, Rejoice) to help you renew your mind and silence lies that hold you back.

    Key Takeaway: Your artistic calling doesn’t expire. Whether you’re 35 or 85, God’s timing is always perfect, and your best creative days are ahead.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: MailerLite
    MailerLite makes email marketing simple, so you can build deeper connections with your collectors and fans. One of its most powerful features is the ability to create landing pages with free resources that encourage people to join your email list.

    This week’s tip: Use a MailerLite landing page template to offer a freebie—like a short “Prayer + Art Journaling Guide.” This not only blesses your audience spiritually but also helps grow your email list with people genuinely interested in your art and message.

    👉 Check out MailerLite here

    WORSHIP

    This week’s theme reminds us that God’s creative calling is never too late—and “More Than Able” puts that truth into song. With its powerful declaration, “You’re not done with me yet,” this worship anthem invites us to trust God’s timing, even when we feel behind or unqualified.

    As you listen, let the lyrics wash over you and reaffirm that the same God who called you is still writing your story. He is more than able to finish the good work He started in you, and your best creative days are still ahead.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Susan Fleming

    Mixed Media, Spiritual Depth, and the Healing Power of Art
    📍 Website

    For Susan Fleming, art has always been a way to connect creativity, nature, and the Spirit. A mixed media artist with a B.A. and M.A. in Visual Arts and a career in fine art education, Susan has spent her life cultivating imagination and expression. Her journey as an exhibiting artist, however, took on fresh meaning when she joined the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program during COVID.

    “The program gave me hope, inspiration, and something to look forward to every day during that long two-year lockdown.”

    Susan’s work emerges through an intuitive process, without predetermined outcomes. Using a mix of charcoal, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, collage, and even digital sketches, she layers mediums to create abstract, stylized, and sometimes realistic compositions.

    “I pray my art endeavors emotionally engage the viewers’ inner spirit and encourage personal healing, hope, and inspiration.”

    After moving from Arizona to the Carolinas during the pandemic, Susan found her art evolving in new directions, with a deeper openness to spiritual imagery. Co-laboring with the Holy Spirit, she creates from the subconscious, aiming for emotional and spiritual resonance rather than simple duplication of what she sees.

    Her commitment to prayer and devotion shapes not only her art but also her titles: “I wait on the Lord to show me and confirm the titles to my work after it is created, and during my readings is when most of them come to fruition.”

    Recently, Susan was invited to be a Solo Exhibitor at Teravarna Gallery Online, an opportunity she describes as a profound blessing. “The way in which they rewrote my personal bio and art statement made me feel that they really understood my spiritual goal of sharing my art with the world.”

    For Susan, art is both deeply personal and deeply communal. She has witnessed how it touches others at gallery shows, and she continues to wait on the Lord for new venues and opportunities. Her advice to fellow artists reflects her own journey:
    🎨 “Just start working, even if it’s just fooling around with media. Take small steps, pray, and pretty soon things will flow and doors will open.”

    Through devotion, strong boundaries, and sensitivity to the Spirit, Susan Fleming is living her calling—offering healing, hope, and beauty through the layered language of mixed media art.

    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 Power of Boundaries for Artistic Breakthrough

    ,

    ISSUE #022

    This week, I’m thrilled to delve into a topic that can transform your creative journey from scattered to sacred: the power of boundaries. Too often, we imagine that creativity thrives only in limitless freedom, but the truth—rooted in both spiritual wisdom and artistic practice—is that boundaries channel our creative anointing. As we explore how boundaries bring clarity, protection, and momentum to our work, I pray you’ll see them not as restrictions, but as holy guardrails for divine expression.

    I write to you with a heart full of encouragement: God has entrusted you with a creative calling that matters deeply. That calling deserves intentional space—time, energy, focus—to grow into its fullest expression. This week’s guiding Scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:23 (“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful.”), reminds us: our freedom in Christ empowers us to choose wisely, aligning our actions with what truly serves our purpose, our well-being, and the Kingdom.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – We’re looking for more Featured Artists for the weekly newsletter. You can apply via the link at the bottom of this issue. Do it! The world needs to see your art 🙂

    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 creative impulses are a sacred gift, and boundaries are spiritual tools that nurture their flourishing. Just as God set boundaries around creation—separating land from sea, light from darkness—He calls you to honor the rhythm of your gift with structure, not to contain it, but to cultivate it.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for the creative call You’ve placed on my life. Teach me to set boundaries that protect my creative time, my energy, and my focus. Help me see these guardrails not as limitations, but as ways to steward Your gift well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one area where your boundaries feel weak this week (time, yes‑es, content, environment). Pray for wisdom to strengthen that boundary with kindness toward yourself and obedience to your creative calling.

    CLARIFY

    1 Corinthians 10:23 reminds us that although we’re free, not everything benefits our creative purpose. Boundaries help us filter what is helpful from what is merely permissible. When you clarify priorities and honor what fosters flow, you align with God’s intention for you to bear fruit in your artistry.

    Reflection:
    Consider: what activities or distractions are currently draining your creative energy? What small boundary could you set this week to protect your core creative work—your “yes” that matters most?

    Practical Action Step:
    Commit to identifying one non‑essential task you can say “no” to this week. Use that margin to say “yes” to your art with renewed focus.

    CREATE

    Creativity thrives in sacred rhythm—space held by boundaries invites God’s inspiration to move. Like rhythms in music that make melody memorable, boundaries bring clarity to your creative voice.

    Imagine your creativity as a river needing banks to run deep and strong. Without them, it spreads thin. Boundaries strengthen your creative flow.

    Studio Action Step:
    Start using your “Creative Flow Tracker” Notion page. Track Time Started, Project Name, Distractions, and How You Felt Afterwards—you’ll begin to notice patterns and sacred rhythms emerging.

    CULTIVATE

    God invites us to steward our gifts — including how we connect with our audience and community. Boundaries help us cultivate deeper, more meaningful engagement—not burnout.

    Marketing/Connection Tip:
    Set a boundary around your outreach. Maybe choose one dedicated “connection hour” each week for social media, emails, or community engagement—and honor it as non‑negotiable.

    Outreach Action Suggestion:
    Schedule one post or email this week that shares not just art, but a behind‑the‑scenes moment about your boundary journey—inviting others to see and be inspired by holy guardrails in action.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Notion
    Purpose: A flexible digital workspace to capture ideas, organize tasks, and reflect on your journey.

    Tip: Create a Notion page titled “Creative Flow Tracker.” Add these columns:

    • Time Started – when you begin working
    • Project Name – what you’re working on
    • Distractions – what pulled your focus
    • How You Felt Afterwards – your emotional or spiritual state post-session

    This simple tracker becomes a powerful tool—revealing trends, honoring rhythms, and helping you refine the boundaries that deepen your creative practice. Notion link

    LISTEN & WATCH

    LISTEN NOW

    This episode flips the script on boundaries—showing how they don’t stifle creativity, but sharpen it. Drawing on decades of experience and Scripture, Matt Tommey shares that boundaries are sacred guardrails—time, energy, content—that channel creative flow. “If your creative calling was important enough for God to give it to you, it’s important enough for you to set boundaries around it.” This teaching shifts boundaries from burdens into blessings. Psalm 16:6 whispers its truth: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” Start honoring those guardrails, and watch your art flourish.

    INSPIRE

    Here’s an inspiring real‑world story about art, resilience, and the power of creative resurgence:

    • Daniela Oliver de Portillo, a San Antonio artist, emerged from a 12‑year artistic hiatus during the pandemic and launched “Hidden Blooms”, hiding handmade ceramic vases with cyanotype flowers in public spaces—inviting finders to take them home as gifts. Despite limited funding and deep personal hesitation, she reignited her creative voice and offers her art as a shared blessing. expressnews.com

    Her story illustrates how boundaries—time off, creative pauses—can serve as holy rest that allows your artistic voice to resurface stronger than before.

    WORSHIP

    This week’s worship highlight is a live performance of “I Know a Name” by Brandon Lake and CeCe Winans. This powerful song lifts high the name of Jesus as the boundary-breaker and life-giver, reminding us that every limit we face bows under the authority of His name.

    As you listen, let the words wash over you: His name brings peace in chaos, healing in brokenness, and clarity where there’s confusion. Just as our creativity thrives within God-given boundaries, this song anchors us in the ultimate boundary—belonging to Christ, whose name defines our freedom.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Ellen Field

    Erasing, Obeying, and Painting with God’s Vision
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Australian artist Ellen Field, painting is more than brush and paper—it’s a partnership with God that has reshaped her creative journey and opened doors for others to encounter His presence through her work.

    Ellen spent 18 months in the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, a season she describes as life-changing. “In that time I learnt so much about the process of creating art with God,” she recalls. Though her circumstances later shifted, she continues to stay connected through podcasts, teaching, and friendships she built with other artists around the world.

    Working primarily in watercolour and gouache, Ellen paints the landscapes, flora, and birdlife of her beloved Australia. Her hope is that her art will encourage others to pause and recognize God’s magnificent craftsmanship all around them. “The thrill of seeing a blank piece of paper change into a beautiful picture that inspires others fills me with joy,” she says.

    One of the most powerful lessons Ellen has learned is obedience in the creative process. She shares: “Once, after spending many hours sketching a large image, I felt God prompt me to erase it. I was reluctant, but as I obeyed, God gave me a new vision for that piece. It was far better than what I had planned. That moment—and many others like it—showed me the power of letting go so He could lead.”

    Her art has also touched viewers in deeply personal ways. During an exhibition at a local hospital, a woman purchased one of Ellen’s paintings, explaining that she was awaiting important test results. The painting gave her peace and confidence that the news would be good. Stories like these affirm Ellen’s conviction: “I believe God is using my art to show Himself to others, and this fills my heart with incredible joy.”

    In her current season, Ellen is prayerfully pairing Scriptures with some of her paintings, seeking to share both a visual and spiritual message. Her encouragement for other artists is simple but profound:
    🎨 “Ask God into your studio space and don’t be afraid to erase what you intended to create, so He can replace it with what He wants you to create. Even mistakes can become something beautiful with God.”

    By being real with clients, listening deeply, and creating with the Holy Spirit, Ellen continues to use her art as a bridge between heaven and earth, inviting people to encounter beauty, hope, and God’s gentle voice.

    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 Fear to Trust Your Creative Instincts

    Overcoming Fear to Trust Your Creative Instincts

    ,

    Issue #019

    We’ve all hit those creative ruts—the ones that make you doubt your instincts, question your talent, or feel like every brushstroke is a battle. But the truth is, those ruts don’t define you. They’re often just growing pains before a breakthrough.

    This week, I want to encourage you to trust that small voice inside—the one that nudges you to try something new, to show up again, to keep going even when it feels uncertain. Because that voice? That’s the Holy Spirit reminding you who you are and who you belong to.

    Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

    When your creative instincts feel shaky, lean into the One who placed them there in the first place. Don’t be afraid to take bold steps—even messy ones. You’re not creating alone. The Creator is with you, guiding every line, every layer, every leap of faith.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – I’ve got a brand new resource below that’s going to help you stay on track with all God has planned for you this week… keep scrolling 🙂

    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

    When Confidence Falters, God is Faithful

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

    When fear creeps in, it’s easy to doubt your direction, your voice, or your creative choices. But Scripture reminds us that God’s guidance isn’t based on your confidence—it’s rooted in His faithfulness. When you feel stuck or unsure, ask: “Lord, what do You want to create with me today?” That simple surrender opens the door for peace and clarity.

    Prayer
    Father, thank You for the gift of creativity. Help me trust You more than my fear, more than the outcome, and more than my own understanding. Remind me that I don’t have to figure it all out—I just have to follow You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Start your next creative session with 2 minutes of quiet prayer. Lay your fear at Jesus’ feet, then ask Him to fill your imagination with His peace and ideas.

    CLARIFY

    Where is God Leading This Week?

    When fear creeps in, it often scatters our focus. We start second-guessing what we already knew God was leading us toward. That’s why clarity is so essential—it anchors us back into intentionality. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us to “seek His will in all you do,” and that includes your creative focus for this week.

    So instead of spinning your wheels or getting distracted by the next shiny idea, take time to recalibrate. What did God highlight for you at the start of this 90-day season? Where have you been seeing grace, movement, or confirmation? This is the week to align your schedule with your assignment—not just with what feels urgent.

    Reflection Prompt:
    What is God already blessing in your creative life right now? What’s one goal from your current 90-day plan that He’s prompting you to prioritize?

    Action Step:
    Review your current 90-day goals. Circle the one that feels most pressing in the Spirit, not just on paper. Block 3 focused time slots this week to take clear, measurable steps forward on it.

    Struggling to Stay Focused? The Core4 Focus Planner is Here to Help!

    Finally, a daily planner for Spirit-led artists!

    If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your creative journey, you’re not alone. That’s why I created the Core4 Focus Planner—a 90-day tool designed to help you clarify where God is leading you, focus your energy, and take consistent, intentional steps in your art, life, and business.

    This isn’t just a planner—it’s a transformation tool grounded in the same framework I teach inside Created to Thrive.

    🌀 Spiralbound or 📕 Hardbound available now:
    👉 Get Your Core4 Focus Planner

    “God won’t bless confusion. But He will always meet you in clarity and faithful action.” – Matt Tommey

    CREATE

    Trust the Flow

    Creative ruts usually aren’t about a lack of ideas—they’re about fear of what might happen if we follow them. Trusting your creative instincts means leaning into experimentation, flow, and even a little risk. That’s where breakthroughs happen.

    This week, choose to override perfectionism and take messy action. Whether it’s a color you wouldn’t normally use, a tool you haven’t touched in years, or an unfinished piece calling you back—go for it. God doesn’t need it to be perfect. He just needs your willingness.

    Studio Action Step:
    Choose one “half-finished” or “too weird” piece in your studio and work on it without judgment for 30 minutes. Let instinct—not insecurity—lead.

    CULTIVATE

    Share the Process, Not Just the Polish

    People don’t just connect with your finished work—they connect with your process. When you share a behind-the-scenes moment, a creative struggle, or even a small breakthrough, you invite your audience into your journey. And that kind of authenticity builds real trust.

    This week, take one step to show the real you—paint clothes, messy desk, unfinished sketch and all. You never know who’s waiting to be encouraged by your vulnerability.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Post a progress photo or “studio moment” on social media. In the caption, share one thing you’ve learned this week about trusting your creative instincts.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    You don’t have to do everything yourself. Fiverr lets you hire affordable professionals for those lingering tech or business tasks—like logo design, website fixes, or even help with social media graphics.

    Freeing up your time from what drains you means you can pour more into what energizes you—creating.

    👉 Explore Fiverr

    Action Step:
    Search “logo design” or “website audit” and hire a highly-rated freelancer to knock out a task you’ve been putting off.

    INSPIRE

    Detroit’s Arts Alleys Bring Color & Connection to Neighborhoods

    This spring, Detroit launched the Arts Alleys Initiative, teaming up with 43 local artists to transform 9 alleyways into vibrant, community-driven art corridors. Murals celebrate Detroit’s music, culture, and spirit—and residents are using these spaces for picnics, photos, and neighborhood gatherings.

    It’s a reminder that creativity, when rooted in place and people, has the power to renew communities and hearts.

    👉 Read the Full Story

    Takeaway:
    Look around your town. Is there a wall, fence, or quiet corner that could use some color? Gather friends, cast vision, and start something together.

    DO YOU HAVE AN INSPIRING STORY of God doing something incredible in your life and art? We’d love to hear it! Just email us here on the website with your God-story, and who knows, we just might feature it right here!

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode Title: Overcoming Fear to Trust Your Creative Instincts

    LISTEN NOW

    What if the creative ruts you keep experiencing aren’t just “part of the process” but actually fear-based barriers preventing you from fulfilling your God-given purpose as an artist? 

    Fear whispers that you’re not talented enough, that it’s too late, that your work doesn’t matter—but these whispers aren’t coming from your Creator. God has empowered you with a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not a spirit of fear. When you understand this truth, everything about your creative process can transform.

    Your brain naturally protects you from perceived danger, and unless you’ve intentionally trained it according to God’s Word, it will raise red flags when you try something new creatively. That’s why 95% of what we do daily is controlled by our subconscious mind—creating an internal framework that either empowers or limits your artistic expression.

    The creative instincts inside you—your attraction to certain media, techniques, colors, or subjects—aren’t random. They’re divine clues about your unique creative voice and purpose. As a believer, you’re in union with Christ, not separated from His creative power. This means you can trust those instincts as the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your artistic journey.

    Every brushstroke, poem, dance movement, or musical note you create is an act of faith that can become a catalyst for transformation in someone’s life. The difference between artists who thrive and those who remain stuck isn’t talent or training—it’s their willingness to show up consistently despite fear, trusting that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”

    The only qualification you need to step into your artistic calling is your “yes” to God. The only disqualification is giving in to fear. When you choose to create even when you feel inadequate or uninspired, you’re declaring victory over fear and opening the door to supernatural creativity that flows through your art in ways you never imagined possible.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Ginny Worsley

    Painting Everyday Beauty with Purpose and Joy
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Ginny Worsley, painting isn’t just a practice—it’s a calling. Her winsome, illustrative style invites viewers into a world of quiet wonder, where everyday life, nostalgia, and fleeting moments take center stage. From heirloom objects and ordinary places to familiar corners of home, each piece carries a deeper story—sometimes hers, often yours.

    “Every scene I paint has a story behind it,” Ginny shares. “But my hope is that others will find their own story within each painting.”

    After years of setting painting aside, Ginny recently made the courageous decision to pursue it full-time.

    “God gave me this desire to paint, and now I’m fully committed to the calling,” she says. “I’m seeking His guidance daily—growing not only as a painter, but as a business owner too.”

    That surrender is already bearing fruit. This year alone, Ginny has been featured on her favorite podcast and accepted into a dream show at the top of her list. Doors are opening, and her obedience is creating new pathways for creativity, community, and connection.

    Ginny is especially inspired by the beauty of the everyday—the things that most people might pass by, but that she sees with spiritual eyes.

    “I’m drawn to simpler times and meaningful details. I love creating visual joy, and it means everything when someone sees a piece and is reminded of a cherished memory or meaningful moment from their own life.”

    Her creative and spiritual rhythms are grounded in prayer, journaling, and sketching. She records ideas constantly, using words and quick drawings to process and discern what to pursue next.

    “This is God’s business, too,” she says. “I work for Him. I want to please Him with everything I create and put into the world.”

    Ginny’s encouragement for other artists?
    🎨 “Keep showing up—for yourself and for God. Especially on the days when you don’t feel like it. Just keep creating.”

    With consistency and courage, Ginny continues to step outside her comfort zone—applying for shows, galleries, and podcasts—while building a life and business that honors her gift and her God.

    Through every brushstroke, Ginny Worsley is faithfully telling stories that reflect the quiet beauty of the everyday—and reminding us all that those small, sacred moments are often where God speaks the loudest.

    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.

  • Practical Steps to Hearing God’s Voice for Artists

    Practical Steps to Hearing God’s Voice for Artists

    ,

    ISSUE #017

    Have you ever felt like you were straining to hear God’s voice in the middle of your day-to-day life? Maybe in the chaos of emails, family needs, art deadlines, and general busyness, you’re wondering, “Is God even speaking?” Let me encourage you—He is. And not only is He speaking, He wants you to recognize His voice with clarity and confidence. That’s not a far-off ideal for the spiritually elite—it’s a promise straight from Jesus’ own words in John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice.” Hearing God is not a bonus feature for the Christian life—it’s foundational.

    This week, we’re diving into the spiritual practice of listening. Whether you’re seeking direction in your art, parenting, finances, or spiritual walk, tuning your heart to God’s voice is a game changer. And good news—you don’t have to go to a mountain or monastery to hear Him. It’s about being present, quieting the noise, and creating space for His whispers, even in your studio, your car, or the middle of making dinner. My hope is that this issue encourages you to lean in and cultivate that listening heart today.

    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

    “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
    —John 10:27 (NKJV)

    Jesus didn’t say some of His sheep hear His voice. He said His sheep do. That includes you, right now, in whatever season you’re in. But hearing isn’t just about our ears—it’s about posture. Are we slowing down? Are we turning down the volume of distraction long enough to recognize His whispers? His voice comes with peace, clarity, and always aligns with His Word. When you create space to listen, you’ll find He’s been speaking all along.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You that You are always speaking and that You’ve given me the ability to hear You. Help me quiet the noise, soften my heart, and tune into the voice of the Good Shepherd. I want to walk in step with You in every area of my life and creativity. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Set aside 10–15 minutes each morning this week to sit quietly, journal, and ask God one question: “What do You want me to know today?” Then listen. Write what you sense.

    CLARIFY

    Hearing God’s voice starts with intention. That means making space in your schedule and your heart for clarity to flow. Instead of rushing into your day with a to-do list, try starting with a to-be list: “Today I will be available. I will be attentive. I will be open.” God doesn’t compete with chaos. He invites us into alignment so we can receive the guidance we need for the week ahead.

    Take a moment to reflect: What’s one area of your life where you’ve been seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to pause, listen, and allow His voice to guide you there?

    Practical Action Step:
    Write down your top 3 goals for this week. Then pray over them. Ask God to highlight which ones align with His heart—and which ones may need to wait or shift.

    CREATE

    You know those moments when you’re creating and time just slips away? That sense of flow and presence? That’s a prime place for God to speak. Creativity is a sacred portal for connection. As artists, our senses are already tuned to beauty, form, and movement—what if you leaned in a little more this week, not just to express yourself, but to listen?

    Keep your journal nearby while you create. If a Scripture, phrase, or impression comes, pause and write it down. Your art can become a conversation—a visual echo of heaven’s whispers.

    Studio Action Step:
    Next time you’re in the studio, begin your session with a short prayer: “Holy Spirit, speak through my hands today.” Then create with the expectation that He will meet you in the process.

    CULTIVATE

    Hearing God’s voice isn’t just about personal guidance—it’s about releasing life to others. Your art can become a vehicle of encouragement, healing, and clarity for those who encounter it. Whether you share a finished piece, a journal excerpt, or a short reflection, your obedience in listening and creating can spark something profound in someone else.

    Remember, people aren’t just buying art—they’re connecting with the story, spirit, and presence it carries. When your art comes from a listening heart, it carries Kingdom weight.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Choose one piece of art this week and share a short caption or story behind it on social media. End with a question like, “Has God ever spoken to you through creativity?”

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Linktree

    Linktree makes it super easy to direct your audience to all your most important links from your Instagram bio. Instead of picking just one, now you can include your website, email list signup, online store, and even your latest artwork.

    Tool Tip:
    Create a free Linktree account. Add links to:

    • Your website or shop
    • Your Instagram
    • Your email signup page
    • One featured artwork

    Then add that Linktree URL to your IG bio. Simple, clean, and super effective for building connection and increasing engagement.

    INSPIRE

    Reimagining Barn Raising as Creative Community-Building

    I came across a beautiful story about architect and artist Erin Besler, who’s revived the age-old American tradition of barn raising at Art Omi, a sculpture‑and‑architecture park in New York

    Read the story here

    Instead of a traditional barn, Besler designed a timber frame structure that deliberately never becomes a functional building. The goal? To invite people—professionals and newcomers alike—to build together, learn, and be part of the creative process. Over the next few weeks, the project features hands‑on workshops, evening talks, and community‑led construction events before the big barn‑raising day on July 26, 2025.

    What really stood out to me is how art becomes instruction, inclusion, and relationship—all in one project. Besler’s approach shatters the idea that art is only for the elite—it’s an open invitation to join in, contribute, and be seen. Plus, using untreated local wood speaks to sustainability rooted in place. As Christian, Kingdom creatives, we get this: art isn’t just about our individual voice—it’s about building together, stewarding creation, and teaching others the joy of making with their own hands.

    LISTEN

    Episode: How to Listen for God When Life Gets Noisy

    LISTEN NOW

    Ever felt like God’s voice was lost in the shuffle of your everyday life? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the spiritual and practical ways you can position yourself to hear from God—right where you are.

    We’ll uncover some myths around who can hear God and how He speaks, and I’ll walk you through how to create sacred space even in the middle of a noisy world. From journaling impressions to listening during your creative process, this episode will help you identify God’s voice with confidence.

    Key Takeaway:
    Hearing from God is not a rare experience—it’s your Kingdom inheritance. You just need to create space to listen.

    WATCH

    If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to truly hear God’s voice—not audibly, but in the stillness of your heart—this song will take you there. “Voice of God” by Dante Bowe, featuring Steffany Gretzinger and Chandler Moore, is a worshipful meditation on the nearness and beauty of God’s presence.

    From the first note, you’re invited into an atmosphere where Heaven feels close. It’s not just a song—it’s a sacred space. Whether you’re journaling, creating, or simply sitting in silence, this is the perfect anthem to accompany your time with the Lord this week.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Julia Kuklis

    From Despair to Destiny: Painting with Purpose and Power
    Website | Instagram

    For Julia Kuklis, painting is no longer just a creative outlet—it’s a sacred assignment, a lifeline, and a testimony of God’s redeeming power. Her journey into prophetic art began not in a studio, but in a moment of desperation.

    “I cried out to God at 3am, telling Him that if He wanted me to paint, He would have to bring me a mentor—someone who was an artist and loved the Lord.”

    Just two weeks later, Julia discovered the Artist Rise Up workshop and the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program—a divine answer to her prayer.

    “The mentorship broke decades of despair and lies off my life. I went from not knowing what prophetic art was to now serving as the Assistant Prophetic Art Director at my church. My entire life has changed.”

    Julia creates non-representational abstracts using vibrant color, texture, and movement. Her “scratch-through” technique and layered approach give her work a sense of emotional depth and revelation. Whether she’s responding to Scripture, worship, or simply the beauty in nature, every piece is an act of co-creating with the Holy Spirit.

    “Color excites me the most! But even more, I love that the Lord meets me in the process—reminding me of who He is and who I am.”

    She recalls a powerful moment when a young man approached her after she painted during a church service. Her semi-abstract piece deeply resonated with him, and as they talked, he began to cry—feeling seen, uplifted, and ministered to.

    “That’s the beauty of prophetic art,” she says. “Even abstract work can carry a word from God directly to someone’s heart.”

    Julia balances her artistic calling with the demands of homeschooling, often painting in short, focused blocks of time. Whether she has 20 minutes or a couple of hours, she makes space to be present with God, letting the process flow. Some days are less productive, but she’s learned to give herself grace and stay connected by organizing her studio, listening to worship music, or simply observing the beauty around her.

    Her encouragement to other artists?
    🎨 “Don’t let the enemy rob you of your creative birthright. You’re creating for an audience of One—and He delights in you!”

    From juried shows to commissions and church ministry, Julia is seeing God expand her influence, even in a season where she paints part-time. Her obedience, vulnerability, and trust have opened doors for healing, impact, and purpose in ways she never imagined.

    Julia’s life and work are a living testimony: when you surrender your art to God, He doesn’t just restore what’s broken—He releases beauty that touches the world.

    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

    ,

    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

  • Your Voice Carries Healing – Spiritually and Physically

    Your Voice Carries Healing – Spiritually and Physically

    ISSUE #009

    Hey my friend! Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after worshiping, praying out loud, or just letting your creativity flow without judgment? There’s a reason for that—and it’s not just spiritual.

    It turns out, God wired your body with a built-in system of healing called the vagus nerve, and activating it is one of the simplest ways to calm your mind and body. Singing, praying aloud, creating—these aren’t just nice things to do. They’re transformational tools, both spiritually and physically.

    This week, I want to help you connect the dots between your creative calling and your God-designed nervous system. Psalm 59:16 reminds us to “sing of Your power… and shout for joy in the morning”—because joy, peace, and healing are released when we open our mouths and engage with God’s presence. Whether you’re in a high moment or fighting through heaviness, your voice is a weapon and a healing balm. Don’t let the enemy keep you silent—lift your voice and watch peace flood your studio.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

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    CONNECT

    Activate Peace by Using Your Voice

    “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.” — Psalm 59:16 NLT

    God didn’t design you to suffer in silence. He designed your body to respond to worship. Speaking God’s Word aloud, singing in the Spirit, and declaring truth over your creative process actually stimulates the vagus nerve—bringing peace to your nervous system. It’s how faith and science beautifully collide.

    Prayer:
    Lord, thank You for the gift of my voice. Help me use it to declare Your truth, sing Your praises, and partner with You in my creative process. Fill my space with Your presence and bring healing to my spirit, soul, and body as I lift up Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Start and end each studio session this week by declaring Psalm 59:16 aloud. Let your voice set the spiritual tone in your space.

    CLARIFY

    Focus Your Heart and Hands for the Week

    With everything pulling at your attention, clarity is a gift you have to cultivate intentionally. Instead of letting your day run you, take a moment to pause and ask the Lord, “What’s my focus this week in the studio?” Is it starting something new, finishing a long-standing piece, reaching out to a collector, or simply creating in peace?

    Clarity doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from alignment. When you start your week with God, He’ll help you focus on the right thing, not just the next thing.

    Focus Prompt:
    What’s one specific action God is leading me to focus on creatively this week?

    Action Step:
    Write your focus at the top of your planner or post it in your studio. Example: “This week, I will complete the background layers for my newest painting while staying in a posture of worship and trust.”

    Let that clarity guide your decisions, your schedule, and your energy.

    CREATE

    Making Art is Medicine

    Did you know just 45 minutes of creative activity lowers cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone? And that’s true even if you don’t consider yourself “an artist.” Creating taps into your God-given design and brings healing from the inside out.

    Creative Insight:
    Your time in the studio isn’t a luxury—it’s part of God’s prescription for your well-being.

    Studio Action Step:
    Set a timer for 45 minutes this week and let yourself create freely without overthinking. Let your art be a response to God’s presence—not a performance.

    CULTIVATE

    Use Your Voice to Connect Authentically

    When you share your art publicly, your voice is just as important as the visual. What you say about your work, your process, and your journey can invite others into deeper connection—not just with you, but with the Lord.

    Marketing Tip:
    Record a short voice memo or video explaining the heart behind a piece you’re sharing this week. Post it alongside the art to increase engagement and connection.

    Weekly Outreach Idea:
    Message 2–3 followers or collectors with a personal voice note thanking them for their encouragement. Watch how your authenticity opens doors.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Tool: Voice Memos App (iPhone) or similar audio recorder

    Tip: Use your smartphone’s voice recording app to capture spontaneous prayers, declarations, or worship songs during your creative time. These moments of Spirit-led expression can later bring encouragement, clarity, and healing.

    Action Step:
    This week, take 5–10 minutes at the start or end of your creative time to record yourself speaking God’s Word over your journey. Play it back later to reinforce truth and remember what God is doing.

    👉 Learn how to use Voice Memos on iPhone

    LISTEN

    This Week’s Episode: How Worship & Creativity Heal Your Nervous System

    Have you ever wondered why you feel physically better after worshiping or creating? In this episode, I explore the vagus nerve—the biological pathway that connects worship and creativity to peace in your body. From Acts 16 to scientific studies, we’re seeing that God’s design for your voice and creativity is more than spiritual—it’s therapeutic.

    Key Takeaway: Worship, declaration, and creativity all activate your body’s healing mechanisms. Your voice is more powerful than you think.

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

    WATCH

    This week’s worship recommendation is a powerful declaration song that aligns perfectly with our focus. “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle is a bold anthem that reminds us of the authority and healing power in the name of Jesus. As you sing or listen, remember—your voice carries Heaven’s authority. Speak His name over your studio, your family, your creativity, and your mind.

    🎶 “Your name is power, Your name is healing, Your name is life.”

    FEATURED ARTIST: Mark Ford

    A New Beginning on the Canvas and in Christ
    📍 Website

    For Mark Ford, the journey back to art wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a spiritual awakening. His rediscovery of painting coincided with a powerful move of God in his life, and since then, every brushstroke has become an act of worship.

    Mark grew up along the coast, surrounded by the rhythms of tides, the beauty of seabirds, and the peaceful presence of marine life. Today, he brings those scenes to life through acrylic coastal paintings on canvas, capturing the essence of the shoreline he loves so much.

    Art has always been close to Mark’s heart. “My mother was an artist with an impressive career,” he shares. “She introduced me to painting early on, and unlike my brothers, I was hooked.” His life has always been woven with creativity—from touring the country with his musically inclined family to working hands-on in the construction world. But when a construction-related health limitation forced him to stop working, Mark turned his attention back to art—and back to God.

    That turning point was sparked by a gift from his daughter: Unlocking the Heart of the Artist by Matt Tommey. “The book was fantastic,” he recalls. “It gave me the inspiration and clarity I needed to start a real relationship with God.” And that relationship quickly became personal. “One night, God spoke to me in a dream. I saw a full-color sunrise over my favorite coastal spot, and He told me to paint it and name it A New Beginning.” Mark obeyed, and it marked the beginning of a Spirit-led creative journey.

    Since then, Mark has experienced God’s grace and inspiration in his studio again and again. One special moment came when he felt led to paint a prophetic piece for his niece, who was struggling through law school. “God told me she needed something beautiful to remind her of her strength and support. I painted a group of ibis in the surf at Miami Beach and gave it to her.” She wept when she received it—and today, she’s a successful attorney. “Thank you, God!” Mark says with gratitude.

    His spiritual rhythm is grounded in daily prayer and showing up in the studio consistently. His encouragement to others?
    🙏 “Pray and worship God. Ask for His help, clean out the trash in your head, and LISTEN.”

    Whether he’s painting waves, birds, or sunrise scenes, Mark Ford continues to create from a place of trust and obedience—sharing beauty, peace, and the presence of God with every piece.

    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

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    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.

  • 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

    Finally, a 90-Day Planner for Spirit-Led Artists!

    The Core4 Focus Planner™ is more than just a to-do list. It’s a spiritual and strategic companion for Christian artists who are ready to step into creative confidence, align with God’s purpose, and make meaningful progress every day.

    This 90-day planner weaves together spiritual alignment and practical planning using the Core4 Focus Framework™—Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate. Inside, you’ll discover a simple rhythm of envisioning your year, setting 90-day goals, reviewing your week, and executing each day with focus and peace.

    Available Now in Spiralbound or Hardbound.

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    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.