You Don’t Need to Be ‘Creative’ to Start Making Art

There’s a word that stops many adults before they even begin.

Creative.

It can feel like a label you either earned early in life or missed out on altogether. Something other people are, but you’re not.

If you’ve ever thought:

I’m just not a creative person,

I want to gently question that idea.

How the word ‘Creative’ Became a Gatekeeper

Somewhere along the way, creativity became something we measure.

We compare ourselves. We look for originality. We decide — often very quickly — whether we qualify.

At school, creativity can feel like something you’re praised for or quietly steered away from. As adults, that early judgement often lingers.

But creativity was never meant to be a fixed trait.

It’s not something you either have or don’t.

Creativity Is a Way of Paying Attention

At its simplest, creativity is about noticing.

Noticing shapes. Noticing colour. Noticing how light falls across a surface.

When you draw a mug on the table, you’re not being creative because the drawing is impressive.

You’re being creative because you’re paying attention.

That’s a skill — and it’s learnable.

You Don’t Need Ideas to Begin

Many people wait until they feel inspired before they start making art.

But inspiration usually follows action, not the other way around.

You don’t need ideas. You don’t need a style. You don’t need confidence.

You just need something to look at — and a willingness to spend time with it.

A Simple Way to Begin (Without Being ‘Creative’)

Try this the next time you feel the urge to make something but doubt yourself:

1.       Choose an everyday object nearby.

2.       Set a timer for ten minutes.

3.       Draw it slowly, focusing only on edges and shapes.

4.       When your mind wanders, gently return to looking.

No invention required. No originality needed.

Just attention.

Creativity Grows From Practice, Not Identity

The more you show up, the less important the label becomes.

Over time, something shifts.

You stop asking Am I creative?

And start asking What do I notice next?

That’s where confidence begins.

If You’d Like Gentle Encouragement Along the Way

If you’re curious about beginning (or beginning again) and would like to be guided gently when the time is right, you’re very welcome to join my waitlist.

I share ideas, practices, and invitations there — quietly and without pressure.

Sometimes, starting simply means staying close.

Debbie x