Getting back to the heart of your creative life
Finding my core creative values has helped me get back to the heart of my art practice after feeling disconnected for many months. In my last blog I shared a method for discovering your personal creative values, a selection of words to describe your artistic ideals, goals and practice. These values can be used to help you show up in a way that’s personal and meaningful.
Why did I need to look at my creative values?
I had packed away my art supplies months ago, sure that I was done for the long term. With no desire to paint or draw, my art business had dissolved into nothing and after my Dad passed away I was low, with no motivation.
In the Spring of 2025 I began to feel some of the heaviness lift. I went back to my website to clear out the old and strip it back to basics. A blog from last year about creative values was sitting in my drafts and after a quick edit, I hit publish. Then I wondered if it was a good time to take my own advice.
I grabbed a notebook and began to scribble down my thoughts. Do I want to paint? Are there other ideas I’d like to try? What do I miss about making art? What don’t I miss?
Choosing my own creative values
I go back to the article I wrote. It has a list of words, examples of personal values that relate to creative practice. I’ve pulled words from lists of personal “life” values. There are so many more I could add but it’s a place to start.
First I write down any that jump out immediately. I’m not bothered with how long the list is, I just need a place to start. I choose things that matter to me, right now and for future me.
Narrowing down the list
Picking words from a ready made list gave me permission to make some choices. I was just trying on some options until I found a good fit.
My list was long but it was easy to cross out some unwanted words. Some were chosen because they seemed good but actually weren’t how I was feeling. (Goodbye “Excellence”, I don’t need you right now.)
I notice that some of the words seem similar. I have both “knowledge” and “learning” but its the learning process that feels more important than the actual knowledge, so I cross that out. Then cross them both out when others seem a better fit.
My list gets down to five words.
[EDIT: This list changed before I even published this article. Just doing the exercise changed my mindset around my art. The first list was what I thought I wanted. Just a few days later, two of my words changed. There’s a note here about taking your time. I’ve shared what changed below.]My list of creative values
These words have been chosen because I feel a bit stuck. Yes I can apply them to painting but they will also guide me while I decide what’s next. Each one is a clue about what I need.
I’ve included the original words I chose and my thoughts. The differences might seem subtle but they were important based on how my life is right now and how it’s still changing.
Curiosity
Noticing sparks of imagination or query. Exploring and learning new things. The freedom to try, make mistakes and choose again. The “what happens if?”
Spaciousness (replaced)
Creating with the freedom and flexibility to take care of myself and others. Creating space to grow, expand and change. Making room for sharing, collaborating and celebrating. This value was replaced with Creativity.
Creativity
Connecting with new and unexplored things. Something spacious, spontaneous and unpredictable. I’m thinking about creativity as free, expressive and multi-passionate. Gathering up threads from the past and weaving in the new and the old. Expansion that is organic.
Pleasure (replaced)
Finding joy in creative expression. Releasing feelings of guilt and shame for having fun or feeling happy. Believing in my capacity for joy and also success. This value was replaced by Happiness.
Happiness
Release from the expectations of high energy, wild joy and unbridled success while I adjust to grief and loss. A focus on contentment, satisfaction, peace and harmony. A feeling of bliss. Internal or gentle expressions of love and joy rather than external celebrations of success, for now.
Self respect (note the edits)
Accepting the rewards of work, developing strong habits and acknowledging my strengths. Recognising my successes. Treating myself with care. Acknowledging my strengths and past accomplishments. Integrity, honesty and building confidence.
Meaningful work (replaced)
Having purpose, doing something that makes a positive difference to others. Contributing, serving and helping. This value was replaced with Belonging.
Belonging
Connecting with others with similar values. A sense of working with others to a common goal or contribution. Purpose through collaboration. Feedback, accountability and sharing in a trusted setting.
These values will probably change again in the coming months as I settle into a new routine and decide on new creative goals. But for now, I’ve dropped the way-out-of-my-comfort-zone intentions. I’m in a period of my life where small steps are needed.
They do feel meaningful, encouraging and helpful. They don’t feel pushy or over-reaching because I don’t need that now. Maybe you do. Maybe a list that’s wild and out of the box and high energy is exactly what you need. Choose for you, not someone else.
I’ve written these in my journal for now, with a note about why I chose them. I think I’ll write them on an index card and stick it up where I can see it.
Could choosing creative values help you?
The idea of personal values was first introduced to me when I did an anxiety management class many years ago. I’d never heard of such a thing but I love words and choosing from a long list was like gathering sweets from the Pick ‘n’ Mix.
Choosing words that reflect my creative values is the same.
I don’t want to just keep going through the motions at my art table because of a decision I made years ago. I want to be sure I’m still on the right path, especially after months of life uprooting change.
This process is not for everyone. Some people will feel restricted by a list or prefer images on a vision board. If you’re interested in trying this exercise, you can find the original article here.
You can also find a free downloadable pdf of the words in my list at Buy Me A Coffee. (No obligation, it’s just somewhere I can make the download available!)
