Creative goals, my friends, are where it’s at! We're diving into how to set those goals without letting them suck the joy right out of your artistic soul. You know, the kind of goals that don’t just live in a dusty spreadsheet and make you feel guilty when you skip a day. We’re talking about the spark that keeps the creative flames burning bright, not the pressure that turns your passion into a job description. Join me as we explore redefining success, embracing the process, and remembering that joy isn’t the opposite of discipline; it’s the reason it works! So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let's chat about creating a fun, flexible framework for your creative journey!

Redefine What Success Looks Like

1. Shift from outcome-based success (“Did I sell it?”) to process-based success (“Did I show up today?”).
2. Remind yourself that creative growth doesn’t always look linear.
3. Celebrate progress, not perfection.

1. Replace rigid deadlines with creative checkpoints—review and adjust as you go.
2. Allow spontaneity within structure; it keeps your art alive.
3. Think of your goals as a map, not a prison.

1. Ask: Why am I creating this? Who is it for?
2. Purpose-driven goals feel lighter and more sustainable.
3. Revisit your “why” whenever burnout or doubt creeps in.

1. Keep a “no-pressure” creative space—sketchbook, sound experiments, word dumps—just for fun.
2. Play fuels mastery; it reminds you why you started.
3. Let joy be part of your process, not just the reward at the end.

1. Schedule time to look back on what worked and what didn’t—this creates mindful progress.
2. Reflection re-energizes your sense of purpose.
3. Use journaling or short voice memos to capture insights between projects.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

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Ever had one of those weeks where your creative spirit is ready to burst, but your to-do list is acting like an evil overlord trying to squash it? Yeah, I feel you! This week on the Create Art Podcast, we’re diving into the art of finding that elusive balance between life’s chaos and your creative pursuits. Spoiler alert: it’s not about doing everything; it’s about giving the important stuff the space it needs to flourish. We’ll chat about how to manage your time like a pro, prioritize your mental vibes, and embrace those moments when life tries to hijack your art. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s figure out how to keep that artistic heart beating amidst the madness!

• Balance isn’t perfect equality — it’s adaptability.
• Think of it as creative tides, not a tightrope.
• Recognizing seasons of productivity and rest keeps your art sustainable.
• Burnout is the tax you pay for ignoring your limits.

• Protect small creative windows — 15 focused minutes beat 2 distracted hours.
• Schedule creative sessions like appointments — respect your art as real work.
• Use constraints (like limited time) to spark focus and ingenuity.

• Creative energy thrives in calm environments — clutter steals focus.
• Give yourself permission to not create when you need rest.
• Mindfulness or journaling can help you reconnect with your “why.”

• Life doesn’t stop for inspiration — learn to sketch ideas on the fly.
• Use “creative triage” — decide what must be done now, and what can wait.
• Even small acts (a note, a photo, a melody hum) keep the artistic rhythm alive.

Building Belonging Through Art

• Your art and your life are not enemies — they’re dance partners.
• Balance changes daily; awareness is your compass.
• Give yourself grace, structure, and permission to create imperfectly.

• Creative balance isn't about doing everything, but about making space for what truly matters.
• Art and life are dance partners—embrace the rhythm of both and find your groove.
• Prioritizing rest and self-care is crucial for sustaining your artistic journey and creativity.
• When life interrupts your art, keep a notebook handy to capture those fleeting ideas and inspirations.
• Give yourself permission to take breaks; your creativity will thank you later for that downtime.
• Remember, balance is a dynamic dance, not a static state; learn to flow with the tides of life.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Balancing Art and Life

PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch

Use

Feeling like your artistic creations are just drifting in the void? Yeah, we’ve all been there, pouring our hearts into art that feels unseen and unheard. That’s why we’re diving into the essential topic of finding or building your own artistic community. Because, let’s face it, no one—absolutely no one—grows creatively in a vacuum. We’ll explore how to spot supportive spaces, brainstorm ways to create your own if the perfect tribe seems MIA, and keep that warm fuzzy sense of belonging alive, even when pesky imposter syndrome tries to crash the party. So grab a snack, kick back, and let’s find out how your creative community might be closer than you think!

• Isolation can dull your creative edge — you need others to spark new ideas.
• Accountability: showing up for others helps you show up for yourself.
• Emotional support: having people who get it keeps burnout at bay.

• It’s collaborative, not competitive — people share, not compare.
• There’s room for vulnerability: sharing unfinished work or honest struggles.
• The best communities are built on curiosity, not ego.

• Check out local art collectives, open mics, or gallery nights — anywhere creativity lives.
• Online spaces can be gold — look for small, active groups on Discord, Reddit, or Mastodon where folks actually talk.
• Don’t chase big numbers — quality over quantity in connections.

• Start small: invite a few creators to meet monthly or share works-in-progress.
• Consistency builds trust — even a casual “creative coffee” check-in helps.
• Use your podcast, art, or blog as a magnet for like-minded artists.

• Be intentional about giving as much as you get — share resources, feedback, and wins.
• Handle conflict or creative tension openly — it builds long-term respect.
• Celebrate milestones together, no matter how small.

Feeling like your art is echoing in a cavernous void? Yeah, we've all been there. In the latest episode of Create Art Podcast, we dive headfirst into the importance of finding your artistic tribe. Seriously, who wants to create in a bubble? I mean, it's like trying to enjoy a pizza without a slice of your favorite topping—totally unsatisfying! We’re chatting about how being part of a creative community can be a game-changer for your art. It's all about connection, folks! Whether it's online, local, or just a few friends who understand the struggle, finding your circle can give your creativity the jolt it desperately needs. We’ll explore how to discover supportive spaces, create your own if you’re stuck, and keep that sense of belonging alive, even when the dreaded imposter syndrome tries to sneak in. So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re pouring your heart into a black hole, come on over! Your creative community is waiting, and it might be closer than you think!

• Creating art in isolation can feel like shouting into the void, and it dulls your creativity.
• A supportive creative community is essential for accountability, emotional support, and sparking new ideas.
• Finding or building your own artistic community is crucial because it fosters collaboration over competition.
• Healthy artistic communities are based on curiosity, vulnerability, and sharing honest struggles to help one another grow.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding...

How do you really know if you’re leveling up as an artist? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the number of likes on your latest post or how many pieces you’ve sold. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of measuring your creative growth in ways that matter, like boosting your confidence, honing your technique, and even how you bounce back from flops. It’s all about celebrating those sneaky little wins that often go unnoticed. So grab your favorite beverage and join me as we chat about tracking your skills, redefining what success looks like for you, and figuring out how to appreciate the journey of growth rather than just the destination. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

Why Measuring Growth Matters

Growth can be invisible if you don’t pause to look for it.

Without reflection, you risk feeling stuck even while you’re improving.

Skill-Based Growth

Compare old work with new work (use past sketches, recordings, drafts).

Notice improvements in speed, technique, or problem-solving.

Personal Growth as an Artist

Confidence in sharing or finishing projects.

Resilience when facing criticism or setbacks.

External vs. Internal Metrics

Likes, sales, and followers can be motivating—but they aren’t the whole story.

Personal satisfaction, creative risks taken, and consistency often matter more.

Practical Tools for Tracking Growth

Keep a “progress portfolio” or sketchbook timeline.

Journaling about creative sessions.

Set small measurable goals (finishing one piece per week, learning a new technique)

Takeaways:

• Growth as an artist isn't just about the spotlight; it's often the invisible gains that matter most.
• Measuring your creative growth helps you appreciate your progress and avoid feeling stuck in a rut.
• Instead of focusing on likes and followers, prioritize your personal satisfaction and enjoyment in creating art.
• Take a trip down memory lane and compare your old work to your latest creations for a solid confidence boost.

Links referenced in this episode:

• createartpodcast.com
• findapodcastaboutxyz.com
• tkbpodcaststudio.com

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch

Use Podcast Beacon for the best NFS products to share your podcast while out and about or at conferences.

Ever freeze up when someone casually asks you what you do, like you just spotted a ghost? Yeah, we’ve all been there! Today, we're diving into that pivotal moment when you finally give yourself the green light to call yourself an artist. Spoiler alert: it’s time to mean it! I’m here to chat about breaking down those pesky barriers that keep you from owning that title and embracing your creative self. So, whether you’re painting toenail clippings or sculpting with spaghetti, let’s tackle the fears and societal expectations that make this journey feel like an episode of a reality show gone wrong. Grab your coffee, your paintbrush, or whatever fuels your creative fire, and let’s get this artistic party started!

When Do You Get to Call Yourself an Artist?

Are you an artist yet — or are you still “just dabbling”? This episode of Create Art Podcast: The New Artist’s Compass dives deep into one of the most common questions new creators face: when do you finally call yourself an artist? Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or any kind of creative, this conversation will help you overcome imposter syndrome, step into your identity, and confidently share your work with the world.

We’ll explore what it really means to be an artist, why so many creatives wait too long to claim the title, and how saying “I’m an artist” can transform your confidence, your work, and how others see you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering if you’re “good enough” or “ready,” this episode is for you.

1. The Power of Naming Yourself

• Saying “I am an artist” changes how you view your work.
• Your brain takes identity seriously — claiming it can motivate action.

2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Why many creatives wait for external validation before using the word “artist.”
• Tools to challenge the inner critic and redefine success.

3. External Milestones vs. Internal Decision

• Selling art, getting published, or winning awards are great — but not prerequisites.
• Deciding you are an artist is often the first step to reaching those milestones.

4. The Social Side of Calling Yourself an Artist

• How sharing your identity invites collaboration and community.
• Dealing with skepticism from others (and why that’s about them, not you).

5. Building Confidence Through Consistency

• Daily or weekly practice as proof to yourself that you are an artist.
• Why action — not titles — ultimately builds belief.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch

Use Podcast Beacon for the best NFS products to share your podcast...

Staying motivated as an artist is a tricky beast, isn’t it? We kick things off by diving into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to keep that creative fire burning, especially when life decides to throw us a curveball—hello, Netflix binge! I’ll spill some secrets on how to build a lasting relationship with your art, share personal stories (yes, even my artistic slumps), and toss in some gold nuggets of wisdom to help you find your rhythm and reconnect with why you started in the first place. Think of this as your friendly nudge to cultivate habits that stick, celebrate the little wins, and maybe even find a creative community that gets your vibe. So grab your sketchbook or whatever floats your artistic boat, and let’s get to it!

Starting a creative journey is exciting — but staying motivated for the long haul? That’s where many artists struggle. In this episode of The New Artist’s Compass on the Create Art Podcast, we dive into practical, proven ways to keep your creative fire burning even when inspiration runs low, life gets busy, or self-doubt creeps in.

Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you:

✅ Build habits that sustain creativity over months and years

✅ Break through slumps with small, intentional actions

✅ Find motivation when external validation is missing

✅ Learn how to celebrate progress (not just perfection)

✅ Reconnect with your original “why” when you feel stuck

🎧 Listen now and reignite your commitment to your craft. Your creativity deserves more than short bursts of inspiration — it deserves a sustainable, joyful practice.

1. Find Your "Why" and Keep It Visible

• Write down why you create art — post it in your workspace.
• Revisit your "why" during creative slumps to reset your focus.
• Share your "why" with your community for accountability.

2. Build Consistent Creative Habits

• Schedule art time like you would a doctor’s appointment — non-negotiable.
• Start small (15 minutes) and build up as it becomes part of your life.
• Use rituals — music, tea, candles — to cue your brain it’s "art time."

3. Celebrate Small Wins

• Track your progress — sketchbooks, photos, or a journal.
• Reward yourself for showing up, not just for finishing big projects.
• Reflect monthly on how far you’ve come — keeps motivation fresh.

4. Find Your Creative Community

• Join online or local artist groups for feedback and encouragement.
• Share works-in-progress — connection fuels motivation.
• Teach or mentor others — it reignites your own spark.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

• Rest isn’t quitting — it’s recharging.
• Take intentional breaks so you don’t burn out.
• Use downtime for passive inspiration — books, museums, conversations.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

• Getting started with just one sketch can lead to a creative avalanche, trust me, I know the feels!
• Life happens,...

Criticism and rejection in art can feel a lot like passing a kidney stone—sharp, painful, and definitely not something you want to experience. In this episode, we're diving deep into this rather unique analogy, exploring how those pesky critiques can actually help us grow stronger, just like surviving a kidney stone ordeal. I'll share my personal adventures with these little buggers and how they’ve surprisingly mirrored my creative journey. We’ll also chat about the importance of separating ourselves from our work, because let’s be honest, nobody wants to be called ugly—especially not our artistic babies! So grab a comfy seat, maybe a glass of water (hydration is key, folks!), and let’s tackle the ups and downs of artistic rejection together.

Welcome back to The New Artist’s Compass. Today we’re

getting real about criticism and rejection. Both are as natural in the creative

process as kidney stones are in life—painful, unwelcome, but sometimes

unavoidable. And just like I recently had to pass one of those tiny nightmares,

dealing with rejection can leave you doubled over, questioning your choices,

and wondering why the universe insists on testing your endurance.

Here’s the thing: rejection isn’t a verdict on your worth as

an artist. It’s a kidney stone—sharp, unexpected, and it feels huge in the

moment, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s tiny. Painful, yes.

Life-ending? Not even close.

The Kidney Stone Metaphor

• Criticism can feel sharp and painful, but like a kidney stone, it eventually passes.
• You’re not defined by the pain, but by how you handle it.

Separating Self from Work

• Rejection of your art isn’t rejection of you.
• Learning to detach helps keep creativity flowing.

Constructive vs. Destructive Feedback

• Not all criticism is created equal.
• How to spot the difference and use what actually helps.

Resilience as a Creative Muscle

• Every “no” or negative review is a rep in building creative strength.
• Over time, rejection becomes less personal and more fuel

Finding Humor in the Hurt

• Using levity (like the kidney stone tie-in) to diffuse the sting.
• Humor makes space for growth and healing.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

• Criticism and rejection are like kidney stones: painful, sharp, and inevitable, but they pass!
• Just like dealing with a kidney stone, facing criticism helps us emerge stronger and wiser in our creative journey.
• It's crucial to separate yourself from your work; the critique is about your piece, not you as a person.
• Analyzing feedback can be beneficial; it’s like examining a kidney stone to prevent future ones from forming!
• Embrace criticism with humor, because getting through it only makes your future work even better!
• When faced with rejection, remember: it's not about you, it's about the art you create, so keep creating!

Links referenced in this episode:

Why do artists feel the urge to create? That's the big question we dive into with our guest, Kristan Swan, in this episode. We explore the motivations behind artistic expression and share our own journeys of creativity. With over 30 years of experience in the arts and education, I, Tim Kimo Brien, along with Kristen, discuss the challenges and triumphs that come with embracing our creative sides. From the importance of community to the healing power of art, we aim to inspire fellow creators to push past their inner critics and unleash their full potential. So grab your sketchbook, your pen, or even that half-finished novel and let’s get our creative juices flowing!

In this episode of The New Artist’s Compass, host Timothy Kimo Brien sits down with artist Kristan Swan to explore the deeply personal question every creator faces: Why do you create art? Together, they uncover the motivations, emotions, and stories that fuel the artistic journey.

Whether you’re a painter, poet, musician, or writer, this episode will inspire you to reflect on your own creative process and connect with the universal “why” behind making art. From personal healing and expression to building community and sparking change, we dive into the heart of artistic purpose.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How artists discover their personal motivations for creating.
• The role of vulnerability and authenticity in sharing your art.
• Ways art connects us to ourselves, others, and the world around us.
• Why understanding your “why” helps sustain your creative practice long-term.

This episode is for new and emerging artists looking for inspiration and encouragement on their creative path.

Kristan Swan, M.Ed. excels in leadership training, group moderation, writing, design, interviewing, and research.

After a career in landscape design, Kristan focused on business coaching. Recognizing the challenges of 'founder's syndrome' and high burnout rates for professional service business owners, she developed the 4 S's of Success: Structure, Systems, Strategy, and Space. The 4 S's provides a framework for independent owners and entrepreneurs who struggle to stay in their zone of genius and build profitable businesses.

Spaghetti on the Wall, a journal with prompts to develop a habit of discernment, was written after noticing similar concerns among many coaching clients. My intent with SOTW is to provide a simple tool for gathering our multiple great ideas, noticing our communication challenges, and recognizing patterns of behavior. I wanted to help my clients and really any one of us, myself included, to notice our unique decision making processes. Most of the frustration and anger we feel can be traced back to disappointment or negative feeling we have about ourselves. Investing a bit of time to become aware of thoughts, feelings, and emotions yields big rewards.

Discovering your Spiritual Autobiography grew from an exercise I had taught in the past and the growing desire to do something about the increased polarization and hostility in the US and the world. The workshop is a nondenominational, in person, experience. The original version is an 8 week program, meeting once a week. 1 and 2 day retreats are available as well.

Other projects related to Discovering your Spiritual Autobiography is The Experience Collective, a place for participants to share their Spiritual Autobiographies online with others and an upcoming 'how-to' manual for others who are looking to build community and social engagement.

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