Some days are easier than others to show up ready to be creative with coffee in one hand and brushes in the other. Other days? Crickets! That’s when habits, not inspiration, save the day. Here are my some little rituals that make showing up in the studio feel automatic and fun, even when I’d rather scroll than sketch.
A five‑minute starter
Promise yourself five minutes. Set up a small canvas, a sketchbook, or even a scrap of paper. Nine times out of ten, five minutes grows into fifty once the brush is wet.
Soundtrack or podcast the vibe
Playlists and podcasts are mood‑shaping magic. Classical beats for focus and calm, and pop when I’m pushing through resistance. Some favorite podcasts are Back Porch Theology with Lisa Harper when I am super focused and Talking with Painters is an easy go to no matter my mood.
A little prep the night before
Laying out paints, filling water jars, and taping paper edges the night before is a great motivator to get straight into the creative flow. When I walk in, all I have to do is start.
Anchor objects
Put on an apron, or wear the same “studio outfit.” Physical anchors train your brain: this is art time now.
Micro‑break rituals
Stretch between layers, step outside for fresh air, or change perspective by flipping a canvas upside down.
Rituals = momentum
The point is to make showing up easy, giving creativity a chance to bloom. Rituals build rhythm, which in turn builds momentum.
Do you have a studio ritual? Comment below. And if you’d like a peek at my own setup, I’ll share behind‑the‑scenes snippets on socials.