In The Creative Zone

Finding My Creative Zone

For the past few weeks, I’ve been waking up really early (sometimes around 3 or 4 in the morning) and jumping straight into a creative zone. Lately, my creativity has been flowing nonstop, and when I get into that kind of rhythm, it’s hard to stop. Once the spark hits, it’s like something takes over and I just want to keep it going.

But being in that creative flow comes with its own challenges. There’s this inner tug-of-war: I have so many ideas I want to explore and projects I want to bring to life. It’s not necessarily overwhelming, but it feels full. Like my brain is buzzing with endless thoughts that won’t slow down, basically it’s overstimulated.

As an art teacher, I already pour a lot of creative energy into my students, lesson plans, and curriculum. On top of that, I’m working toward my teaching credential, which pushes me to think creatively in new ways every day. Then, when I finally sit down to focus on my art or my business, all that creative energy starts blending together. My teaching practice and my personal practice live in the same world, but they’re also two separate entities, and finding a balance between them can be tricky.

Still, I’m doing my best to create a life that allows me to express myself fully every single day as a teacher, an artist, and a human being who’s always growing.

The Height of My Creative Energy

Recently, my creative energy has been running high. It’s being fueled by my personal experiences, my work, and the time I’ve been dedicating to my sketchbook and art practice. Inspiration seems to come from everywhere — from relationships, family, dating, movies, documentaries, even the smallest everyday moments.

What’s been inspiring me most lately, though, is my role as an art teacher. I’ve been in a deep creative flow around designing lessons and developing a curriculum that not only helps my students become better artists but also helps them grow as humans. That kind of creativity feels huge, not overwhelming, but almost like I’m overflowing with ideas.

And like many artists, I sometimes struggle with having too many ideas. I’ll think about online courses I want to launch, downloadable PDFs, merchandise, memberships, community spaces, and, of course, my own artwork. My sketchbook practice, my painting sessions, my teaching goals — they’re all part of this big creative vision that I’m trying to structure and sustain. And yet, there are still so many more things that I want to do.

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that not every idea needs to happen right now. Some can happen tomorrow, some next month, and others next year. Creativity isn’t about doing everything at once, it’s about honoring your ideas and giving them space to unfold when the time is right.

Creativity as a Practice

Creativity, to me, is a practice. It’s not some magical gift that only a few people have — it’s something we all possess. At its core, creativity is about problem-solving, experimentation, and curiosity. It’s the process of taking an idea, turning it into an action, and then reflecting on that action to see where it leads you.

That’s why I’m such a big advocate for keeping a sketchbook. It’s a space to ideate, experiment, and reflect — to make mistakes, explore, and grow. So often, people say things like, “I can’t draw,” or “I’m not creative.” But creativity isn’t just about drawing — it’s about bringing your own authenticity to whatever you make.

Creativity begins with an idea, and through experimentation, reflection, and problem-solving, it becomes something uniquely yours.

When You’re in a Creative Funk

If you ever find yourself in a creative block, try to release the pressure to make something good. Instead, just make something. Scribble. Doodle. Throw some color down. Don’t overthink it — give yourself permission to play.

It’s not always about coming up with a “great idea.” Sometimes, it’s about showing up for yourself and creating the space to make. Even if that art making is messy, simple, or unfinished. That act alone can unlock something powerful.

Letting Ideas Flow

Right now, I’m in a strong creative flow, and part of my process is just getting all my ideas out. These ideas come in many different forms such as writing, sketching, or researching. I’ve learned that if I keep ideas locked in my head, they start to pile up. But once I write them down or speak them aloud, I start to release them into the universe. By releasing them, that’s how new opportunities and clarity begin to show up.

My sketchbook right now is full of writing, notes, inspirations, and research. I’ll often jot down the same ideas multiple times — and that’s okay. It’s part of how I process and stay aligned with what I want to create. In many ways, I’m manifesting my current and future self through that practice.

I’ve also been doing a lot of research lately by looking at how other artists and educators run their classes, what they charge, what kinds of resources they offer, and how they build community. Research, to me, is another form of creativity. It’s how we learn, evolve, and shape our own ideas.

And while people often say “good artists borrow, great artists steal,” I prefer to think of it as inspiration and influence. We all draw from what surrounds us, that’s part of being human. Even if ten artists painted the same pumpkin, each one would create something entirely different. Our perspectives, processes, and experiences make our work unique.

Starting Somewhere

Every creative process starts with an idea. From that idea, you brainstorm, sketch, experiment, and refine. You figure out your colors, your materials, your surface. You make the work, document it, and reflect on it. Ask questions like what worked, what didn’t, and what you learn?

And then, you begin again.

That’s where I’m at right now, in the thick of multiple phases at once: brainstorming, creating, documenting, and reflecting. It’s messy, but it’s also exciting.

Creativity takes time, space, and commitment. Every artist, educator, and creative person deserves to nurture that part of themselves.

A Creative Invitation

So here’s my invitation to you: take a little time for yourself. Set an intention. Think about your next creative project. Maybe you want to start a clothing line, create an online course, or finally take that painting or ceramics class.

Whatever it is, start somewhere. Write it down. Sketch it out. Do your research. Let your ideas flow — don’t hold them in. When you release your ideas into the world, you open yourself up to new energy, new opportunities, and deeper self-expression.

Express yourself. Share your creativity. And most importantly, enjoy the process.

With peace, love, and gratitude,