The three things every artist needs
for years, and many feel stuck somewhere in between—wanting to grow but unsure how to move forward.
As I worked with so many artists, I noticed a pattern. The artists who flourish—the ones who develop their voice, stay motivated, and keep improving—have something in common. They have three essential building blocks that support them. Those who struggle? They’re usually missing one (or more) of these.
These three pillars form the foundation of Art Tribe (my artist membership, which is currently closed). We focus on providing each of these building blocks on an ongoing basis. But if you're not a member, how can you do the same for yourself?
This week, I'm sharing my ideas on this.
The 3 Pillars of a Thriving Art Practice
1. Inspiration – Keeping the Spark Alive
Art isn’t just about skill—it’s about curiosity and play. The best artists are the ones who keep exploring, following ideas, and letting themselves be surprised by the process. But inspiration doesn’t always come naturally. If you ever feel stuck, bored, or unmotivated, you might need to actively invite inspiration in.
When I feel uninspired, I do something playful with no pressure—maybe a quick sketchbook session with new colors, or experimenting with a tool I don’t usually use. Sometimes, the simple act of doing is enough to wake up creativity again.
I also love studying other artists. Not to copy, but to notice—How do they use color? What choices are they making? Sometimes just looking at a great painting sparks something new in my own work.
Try this: If you feel uninspired, give yourself 15 minutes to make something without judgment. Play with textures, scribble in a sketchbook, or layer random colors—just for fun. See what happens when you let go of expectations.
2. Education – Sharpening Your Skills & Understanding
Even the most intuitive artists benefit from deepening their knowledge. You don’t have to follow a strict academic path, but the more you understand things like color theory, composition, materials, and mark-making, the more confident and free you become in your work.
For example, I used to struggle with color. My paintings always felt “off,” but I didn’t know why. Once I spent time learning how colors interact—how to neutralize tones, create vibrancy, and balance temperature—everything changed. I had more control, and my paintings started to sing.
But also, “education” doesn’t always mean learning new techniques—it means learning about yourself as an artist. Keeping a sketchbook, reflecting on your work, and asking, What am I really drawn to? can be just as important as mastering brushstrokes.
Try this: Think about an area of your art that frustrates you. What do you wish felt easier? Maybe it’s drawing hands, mixing colors, or creating strong compositions. What’s one small step you can take to deepen your understanding this week?
3. Support – Having People Who Get It
Art can be isolating, and while working alone can be wonderful, it’s easy to get stuck in your own head. When you don’t have encouragement, feedback, or people to share the journey with, doubts creep in.
I used to doubt myself all the time, until I found a community of artists I trusted and realised that we all felt the same way, and could cheer each other on when things got sticky.
I’ve also seen how transformative it is for artists to see each other’s work in progress. It’s a reminder that no one starts with a perfect painting. Seeing someone else’s messy middle stage can be hugely encouraging.
Try this: If you don’t have an artist community yet, start by sharing your work—even if it’s just with one trusted friend. Talking about your art with other artists can open up new perspectives and help you see your own progress more clearly.
Which One Are You Missing?
If you feel stuck in your art right now, ask yourself:
Do I feel creatively energized, or do I often feel lost and uninspired?
Am I actively learning, or am I repeating the same habits without growth?
Do I have support, or am I trying to figure it all out alone?
When all three of these pillars are in place, your art practice feels easier. You gain momentum. You make progress. And, most importantly, you enjoy the process.
So this week, just take a moment to reflect: Which pillar do you need to strengthen?