Why Creativity Matters More Than You Think

One of the most common things I hear in my art classes is, “I’m not creative" or "I'm not an artist".

It’s usually said quietly, almost apologetically, as if creativity were a trait some people are born with and others simply missed out on.

After years of teaching art to adults and children, I can confidently say this: creativity doesn’t disappear. It gets neglected. And in times of stress, uncertainty, and constant noise, it’s often one of the first things we push aside.

But creativity matters now more than ever.

Creativity Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Life Skill

Many people think of creativity as something extra — a hobby, a pastime, or something reserved for artists. In reality, creativity plays a central role in how we problem-solve, regulate emotions, and build confidence.

In our classes, I see creativity show up especially with those who least expect it. Students who arrive feeling hesitant often leave standing taller. Not because they created a perfect painting, but because they proved something to themselves: they can learn, adapt, and express. They leave with a

Creativity teaches us how to sit with uncertainty, try again, look critically and with curiosity, and trust our instincts. These are all skills we use far beyond the canvas.

What I See Happen When People Create Regularly

When someone commits to showing up for art — even imperfectly — subtle changes begin to happen. I see:

• Increased confidence in decision-making

• A willingness to experiment and try new things

• Less self-criticism and more confidence

• Increased curiosity and approaching situations with wonder

• A sense of calm that carries into daily life

These shifts don’t come from talent. They come from practice.

Art provides a structured way to explore creativity without pressure. The act of choosing a color, making a mark, or adjusting a landscape teaches flexibility and resilience in a way few other activities do.

Creativity and the Nervous System

One of the most overlooked benefits of creative work is how it impacts the nervous system. When we paint, draw, or create with our hands, we slow down. Our breathing changes. Our focus narrows.

This is not accidental.

Creative activities engage parts of the brain associated with regulation and emotional processing. In simple terms, art helps the body feel safer. And when we feel safe, learning and growth become possible. (references below)

I often remind students that the goal of a class isn’t to “get it right.” It is to be present long enough for the process to do its work.

Why So Many Adults Feel Disconnected from Creativity

Most adults didn’t stop being creative because they failed. They stopped because they were corrected, rushed, or compared.

A single comment, a bad grade, or a rushed classroom environment can be enough to convince someone they “aren’t artistic.” Over time, that belief hardens into identity.

Part of my role as an art teacher is to challenge that narrative. Creativity is not about innate ability — it’s about access, support, and repetition.

When people are given clear steps, encouragement, and permission to experiment, creativity returns surprisingly quickly.

A Simple Way to Reintroduce Creativity into Your Life

If creativity feels distant right now, start small. You don’t need a studio or hours of free time.

Try this:

• Set aside 20 uninterrupted minutes

• Use limited materials (fewer choices reduces pressure)

• Focus on exploration, not outcome

• Let go, allow yourself to have fun; Art is Play

The goal isn’t to create something impressive. The goal is to practice showing up without judgment.

That practice builds momentum.

How This Shows Up in My Teaching

Every Let’s Paint class is designed with this philosophy in mind. I intentionally structure lessons to balance guidance with freedom, so students feel supported without being controlled.

My goal is always the same: to create an environment where people feel safe enough to try, make mistakes, and discover what they’re capable of.

Whether someone has never picked up a paintbrush or hasn’t created art in decades, the experience should feel welcoming and grounding.

Creativity Is an Investment in Yourself

Creativity strengthens skills we rely on daily — adaptability, confidence, emotional awareness. It’s not about becoming an artist. It’s about becoming more connected to yourself.

Choosing creativity is a powerful act. It’s a way of slowing down, reclaiming agency, and remembering that growth doesn’t have to be loud or rushed.

Creativity isn’t something you either have or don’t. It’s something you practice.

And it’s always worth returning to.

You Don't Have to Take My Word for It

Neuroscience & Creative Engagement

1. Neural mechanisms activated by creative arts include brain circuits linked with emotional regulation — systematic research suggests that active engagement with art activates circuits such as the medial prefrontal cortex and regions implicated in adaptive emotional regulation, similar to established emotional regulation strategies.

   
   

   Barnett, KS and Vasiu, F. (s). (2024). Neural mechanisms underlying creative arts engagement and emotional regulation. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 18, Article 1422361. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1422361

   
   

2. Artistic activities engage multiple brain regions involved in emotional processing, sensory integration, and regulation — creative tasks (like making visual art) require coordination between sensory processing, motor systems, and prefrontal regions that contribute to emotional and cognitive regulation

   
   

   Metra, M. (n.d.). Art and neuroplasticity: The intersection of creativity and brain health. Retrieved from https://www.manuelametra.com/en/art-and-neuroplasticity-the-intersection-of-creativity-and-brain-health/

   
   

3. Creative activities can enhance emotional regulation and lower stress — research and reviews report that creative expression stimulates brain activity associated with emotional regulation mechanisms and can lead to reductions in stress.

   
   

   Counselling & Co. (n.d.). The benefits of creative expression for emotional regulation. Retrieved from https://www.counsellingandco.com/blog/benefits-of-creative-expression