5 Mistakes Beginners Make When Starting a Creative Practice

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Tracey McGrath

So you have decided to make some art. A creative practice is a wonderful way to have fun, relax and release your creativity into the world. As a busy mom and hard-working woman I salute you for making your mental health and creativity a priority!

But before you get started on creating your art, make sure you start off on the right foot. Just by being aware of common mistakes beginners make you can avoid them when starting your own creative practice.

5 Mistakes Beginners Make When Starting a Creative Practice

Mistake #1: Not getting started

Yes, I know we already talked about how you want to start your creative practice. But thinking about starting a creative practice and actually doing it are two totally different things. Planning is great. Don’t get me wrong. I love to plan. But you won’t reap any rewards if you get stuck in planning.

Choose an activity that you want to try, get what you need and schedule time to actually do it.

Mistake #2: Overlooking what you already have

Overlooking what you already have available when you start your creative practice can:

• Risk delaying your start (see mistake #1)
• Cause you to spend way too much on supplies you might not need
• Use up your precious energy trying to make everything “perfect”

And we don’t want that, do we? So how do we make sure you don’t overlook what you already have? Simple.

Just follow these steps:

• Do a quick inventory of art supplies you already have (ex. your kid’s crayons, white paper, paints, brushes, glue, etc.)
• Pick a simple project that you’d like to try (check out my super simple mindful art projects here!)
• Clear off the kitchen table or your desk

Mistake #3 When Doing Art: Trying to be perfect all the time

Sometimes trying to be perfect in art feels like it’s the only way to go. It’s somehow ingrained in us at an early age that being perfect in art means you’re “good” at art.

But doing that can make your art less emotional and less you. Not something you want when doing art is supposed to express your unique creativity. Yes, it can feel good to create a beautiful painting or drawing that looks exactly like the object. But you know what matters more? 

Making yourself feel good. Releasing emotions. Expressing your unique vision.

Mistake #4: Only focusing on the result

It’s natural to want to focus on the end product when creating art. While that’s important sometimes, it’s not the only thing you need to focus on. You also can enjoy the process. Doing art can help to release stress and tension.¹ As you focus on your artwork you reduce ruminating thoughts and worry.² If you only focus on the end result, you’ll miss out on the relaxing journey of actually creating. 

Instead, why not try focusing on the feel of the pencil in your hand? The way the paint glides over the paper. The smells and textures. Notice the beautiful colors and how they make you feel. As you focus on the process you become less judgmental of the end result too.

If you need help with that, I have the perfect resource for you. And it’s free! Just click here to get my Mindful Art Guide and learn how to use art to let go of self-judgment.

Mistake #5: Focusing on what you’re doing instead of how you feel when creating

Creating art can bring up a lot of emotions. Especially as a beginner. You want it to look perfect. You don’t want to make mistakes. You don’t want to waste your supplies. I totally get it. I’ve been there.

The beauty of art (and especially mindful art) is that you can start to uncover so many things about yourself in the process. Why do you want it to look perfect? Who says that perfect is better? Where else do you hold yourself to perfect standards? As a mom, a wife, a friend, your job?

What’s the worst possible thing that could happen if you make a mistake? You start over. You stop and try another day. Does it feel like you’re wasting your time if you mess up? Why do you think you feel that way?

Learning can feel really uncomfortable. But it’s the only way to learn! If you don’t know, you don’t know. And that’s ok. The beauty of messing up is that it’s in the mess up where the real learning happens. You didn’t waste your time because you learned something not to do next time. And in the case of mindful art activities, you learn about your inner self regardless of the actual end product.

Start Your Creative Practice Today

Starting a creative practice is a wonderful way to express your unique creativity. And it also helps to reduce stress and get out of your day-to-day worries if only for a few moments. Plain and simple. My art practice has been a lifesaver when my daughter was young and I was going through post-partum anxiety. As a pharmacist too I experience a lot of stress at work and having an art practice gives me time to be mindful and create.

And it can happen for you too. You just need to avoid these ⬆️⬆️ mistakes, my friend.

Need help starting your creative practice?

I’m Tracey. A pharmacist turned artist and mindful art teacher. I love sharing how art has helped me reduce stress and find mindful moments in my busy life. You can check out my free Mindful Art Guide for some simple activities to get started today! Or if you’re ready to go deeper into your practice check out my Mindful Art Digital Course!

References:

1. https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/the-art-of-destressing-how-creativity-creates-less-stress/#:~:text=Many%20studies%20suggest%20that%20engaging,way%20to%20reduce%20stress%20levels.
2. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/can-art-therapy-help-patients-deal-with-mental-health-struggles-during-the-pandemic-180980310/