Essays

Over the years, I’ve written 100+ essays on creativity and art making. These essays are where I explore my own struggles with working and living as an artist to further discover and develop myself and my art.
I enjoy breaking down the thought processes behind making art, philosophizing about how and why artists think and create, and making connections between it life and art.
Each essay is like an art class, therapy session, and philosophy class all wrapped up in one.
New essays are sent out through my Substack, I Might Could Do That, which has over 15,000 readers. Subscribe to access all my essays or you can read some favorite essays below.

I want to read about...
Art + Emotions
Mindset
Why I Focus on Curiosity, Not Critique
Rebellious Anatomy: Ditch the Rules!
Which Creative Mode Are You In?
When Trying Too Hard Backfires
The Hidden Reason You Don’t Have Time to Draw
How to Develop an Artistic Growth Mindset
4 Ways to Cultivate a Better Artistic Mindset
Why Art is Taught Wrong (Mindset vs Technique)
Advice from Other Artists

How to Plan Your Art Projects Realistically (And Actually Finish Them!)
What Creative Season Are You In: Part 2 Alright, alright, alright! I’m back with Part 2 of What Creative Season Are You In. In this

What Creative Season Are You In?
Before having a baby, I thought about my art primarily in terms of hours, days, and weeks. I would look forward and think, “Ok, I

Why I Focus on Curiosity, Not Critique
I’ve changed many of my mindsets over the past few years. But if I had to pin-point the one mindset shift that changed my art

Take Back Your Art
I’ve written about social media and artists before. But it’s something that’s been tugging at me again lately, and yesterday it all kinda came to

Patching Together Your Artistic Style
Contrary to what you might think, your artistic style is not something you discover all at once. It’s not a chest of gold you just

How Dolly Parton Harnesses Artistic Influence and Inspiration
Mornin’ y’all! Yesterday I was reading an interview with Dolly Parton in the New York Times, where she echoed an idea I talk about a

What Makes Good Art?: 4 Theories for Judging Your Art
I often argue against labeling art—especially our own art—”Good” or “Bad”. I believe there’s something to be learned and gained from every piece of art

How Creative Burnout is Actually a Powerful Tool
I recently took a break writing these creativity essays. I partially paused the essays so I could meet the deadline for my latest book. But

How Self-Compassion Can Help You Finish Remarkably More Drawing Challenges
October can be a busy time for us artists. Each year, thousands of artists around the world use this month to focus on drawing daily