18 Reasons to be Creative

By making something for someone else, we say I care enough about you to share a piece of my soul in this unique way. That gift is one of a kind and made for someone special because you trust that they will value it. In that gift, you exchange something deeply personal.

Art helps us express life’s joys and hardships in a healthy way. It can help us release joy, anger, frustration, thankfulness, serenity, and contentment. If we are feeling on edge or overwhelmed, losing ourselves in our art can be very calming.

Paint, scissors, glue, and glitter all take us back to our childhood and remind us that it’s fun to make messes.

There is no right or wrong way to be an artist. When we create, we are given the opportunity to engage with the world without judging ourselves. We have permission to take risks, try new things, and strip away inhibitions in a healthy way.

Creativity is the route to authenticity. As we create, we plumb the depths of our being, accessing what we think and believe. The more we create, the more we discover and realize our habits, impulses, and desires. When we take the time and energy to develop our own ideas, we respect our inner nature and are better able to express ourselves to the world on a regular basis.

Countless artists have discussed the experience of timelessness that one encounters in the creative zone. Time feels limitless. Strangely enough, when we give ourselves time to creative pursuits, we gain time.

Anytime we complete a project that requires something from us, especially when it is a reflection of who we are, there is a huge sense of accomplishment or pride in what we have done.

Expressing ourselves can control the urge to buy impulsively. Additionally, the more we learn how to make things ourselves, the less we need to spend money on buying them.

When we create, we connect to other people. Whether we're exchanging ideas, providing feedback for our peers, or simply creating next to each other in silence, the sense of connection experienced as artists is undeniable and deeply rewarding.

Studies have shown that creating art increases the level of dopamine in your brain, which helps to ward off sadness and depression.

From framing and hanging your latest creation on the wall to receiving loads of positive comments after you post your work on social media, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment after you’ve completed a masterpiece of your own.

There isn't a manual to being an artist. All of us will run into obstacles and challenges as we make decisions in our art. It is in these situations that we continue to learn new, resourceful ways of solving problems.

Being creative and making art shows us that there is more than one solution to the same problem. It encourages open-ended thinking, and thinking “outside of the box” helps stimulate your brain to grow new neurons as well.

Art helps you lower your stress which aids in helping your whole mental and physical system be healthier.

Artists of all talents and types see the world in different ways. Yes, that’s right, even you, who may only be able to draw a stick figure. You learn to see what’s around you by concentrating on detail, lighting, colors, shape, and so much more. Try this: Go outside and take close up pictures of buildings, animals, or plants. See what you see...

When you have pencil, pastel, brush or another medium in hand, you are opening your mind to artistic possibilities, which fuels the imagination. Try this: Grab a medium, it could even be a crayon, anything you have laying around the house, sit down in a friendly spot, start drawing or painting whatever comes to mind...

You are learning to see the world around you in a new light, and you are more present in the moment. Your only limitation is your own imagination.