Follow your Creativity

Let’s start off with the ugly

Before I begin telling you about the start of my creative path, let me start telling you about the ugly first. What I mean by this is that last summer 2024, I’ve been fired from my job. It was a job I actually liked, so I needed some time to process the news. The reason why I got fired: The company went bust. Things like this happen, and I was one of many who got fired. What does that have to do with starting a creative path? Don’t worry; well, get there. But what I want to share here is that when we lose our current job, it puts us in a situation where we most likely have to start over again.

Dreadful thoughts like I need to find a new job ASAP often cross my mind, followed by the inevitable question: What should I do next? But instead of panicking, I took a step back, turned inward, and searched for a deeper answer. The only truth I could find was this: I want to create.

It was the one thing that truly brought me joy in my last job. When I shared this realization with my mentor, she encouraged me to pursue a creative career—something she had suggested before. Even my coach from a few years ago had pointed me in this direction. But back then, I dismissed the idea. I believed the creative path wasn’t for me because when I first tried, I failed—badly. And I thought, Well, that’s it.

But the truth is, creativity takes courage. It often comes with failure, but failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. It’s how we learn and grow. So if you’re thinking about starting a creative journey, do it boldly. And if it doesn’t work out the first time—or even the first few times—don’t give up. Keep going.

What got me started again was a book recommended by my mentor and friend: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. They say a book can change your life, and for me, this was one of those books.

I won’t spoil anything, but it’s structured like a course, guiding you step by step to reconnect with your creativity and reignite your creative flow. Before reading it, I didn’t think that was even possible—but I found myself relating deeply to its contents.

Of course, you don’t need to read this book to be creative, but for me, it made a huge difference. It felt like new doors were opening, showing me a path I hadn’t considered before. If you’re starting from scratch on your creative journey, like I was, I highly recommend it.

After doing some of the techniques from this book, I started doing more art projects in my spare time. I bought myself new art material, like paint, a sketchbook and a canvas set, and just started creating again. I started to feel fulfilled and happy. And creating something during an uncertain time can actually help you go through it. It doesn’t matter what you create—a painting, digital art, or maybe you’re a passionate writer who wants to start writing your own book. It all counts.

Why you should get in touch with your creative path

I can only share my own experience, so let me explain.

About ten years ago, I tried to pursue a creative path—and failed. I applied to several art schools, but not a single one accepted me. That rejection crushed me. I started believing I wasn’t good enough. Hoping to improve, I even paid for a portfolio consultation with someone highly skilled in the field. But instead of receiving constructive feedback, I was met with little more than harsh criticism. No real guidance, no advice on how to improve—just negativity. That experience shattered what little confidence I had left.

So, I gave up. I walked away from art and did something completely different instead. I still remember friends of my family asking why I no longer wanted to attend art school. Over the years, even as I worked various jobs, people occasionally told me I should pursue a creative career. Not just once, but multiple times. I never believed them. I couldn’t see what they saw in me.

It wasn’t until much later that I understood. The way I approached my work—no matter the job—revealed a creative spark I hadn’t even recognized in myself. It became even clearer during my last job as a process designer. I genuinely enjoyed creating new forms, refining them, shaping something from nothing. That act of creation gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. It was a hint—another sign pointing me toward the creative path I had abandoned.

Then, I lost my job. And strangely, that loss became the final push I needed. With the encouragement of my mentor, I finally decided to take the leap.

What I’m trying to say with this story is that if you’re a creative person—and I truly believe that creativity is part of our nature—it will follow you, no matter how much you try to ignore it. Pushing it aside can lead to frustration because, deep down, you’re fighting against your own path. Creativity doesn’t just disappear.

But when you finally give in—when you pick up your first project after a long time—it can feel incredibly fulfilling. It’s like reclaiming a part of yourself that was always meant to be yours. And it doesn’t matter if your first pieces aren’t great. That fear of imperfection can be a huge mental block, but accepting that you’re at the beginning, that you’re learning, already makes a world of difference.

I can only encourage you to give it a try. Because this isn’t just about starting a career—it’s about following a calling and sharing your creativity with others. The ideas that come to us are meant to be shared. At least, that’s how I see it. No matter what others may think, there will always be someone out there who will appreciate your work.

Tips on how to get back into a creative flow

We’ve all been there—you’re ready to create, eager to start your next art piece, but suddenly, you feel completely blocked. No ideas come to mind, and inspiration feels out of reach.

I’ve been in that situation too, many times. That’s why I want to share a few techniques that can help clear your mind and reopen your creative flow.

1. Journaling your thoughts: I know journaling is often suggested as the solution to everything, but what I mean here is a little different. Grab a few sheets of paper or a journal and just start writing—without overthinking, without worrying about what to say. Simply dump all your thoughts onto the page. This technique helps clear your mind, making space for new ideas to emerge. It’s natural for our thoughts to feel cluttered, especially when we have a lot going on. But by releasing that mental noise, you create room for creativity to flow more freely.

2. Be alert: Not all the time, but when you’re out and about, for example, on the way to the bus stop, you could pay attention to what is going on in your surroundings. At times, we need to feed our creative pool again, and we can do this by getting some ideas not only online, but also outdoors as well. Maybe even visit an art museum. This can be very nourishing for your creative pool.

3. Take a break from content: What I mean by this is, take a break from watching the news and social media, and if you’re an excessive reader, take a break from reading. Why? Because the more information we consume, the more our mind gets clouded, which can block us from our creativity. Remember, I mean taking a break. That could be a day or a couple of hours a day, depending on how blocked you are. I would even suggest taking a whole week off from content consumption as a deep cleanse, so there is more room for some creativity flow. And this is not something you would have to constantly do. Just when you feel clouded in your mind or when you feel cut off from your creative flow. After a week, you’ll feel open for new creative ideas again.

4. Treat yourself: Believe me when I say that taking good care of yourself makes it so much easier to tap into your creativity again. Self-care is also a way of refilling your creative well, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes, treating yourself can be as simple as buying a new set of colored pencils or some fun stickers. Or it might mean something completely different—like unwinding with a footbath and a glass of wine in the evening. Whatever makes you feel good and recharges you, embrace it. A well-nurtured mind and body create the perfect space for creativity to flourish.

5. Make time for your creativity: What I mean is: START CREATING! No matter how much of a beginner you are, you have to take that first step. If pottery has always been your passion, start small—clear a little space in your kitchen to practice or look for a local pottery class. The key is to just start and to create consistently, even if it’s only for 30 minutes a day. The only way to begin your creative journey is by creating.

6. Atmosphere: How about turning your creative time into a special ritual? Play some music, light a candle, or burn an incense stick—small details like these can create a unique atmosphere that enhances your creative process. Making your workspace feel intentional and inspiring can help you get into the right mindset and make creating even more enjoyable.

Documenting my creative path

I plan to document my creative journey in the hopes of inspiring others to step into their own creativity. I should mention that I’m still at the very beginning of this path, and most of what I share comes from my personal experience. There will always be different approaches, and what works for me may not work for everyone.

But if sharing my journey helps even one person reconnect with their creativity—or simply consider starting—that would mean the world to me. The good news? Age doesn’t matter. It took me ten years to realize this, and I know artists who didn’t start until after retirement. It’s never too late to begin.

If you’ve read this blog post until the end, thank you so much. It means a lot to me.

Blessed be,

Kayla