Create More Than You Consume: A Studio Philosophy

In a world built for endless scrolling and constant input, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of consumption—watching, saving, learning, comparing. As artists, we often tell ourselves this is part of the process. Research. Inspiration. Growth.

And it is…until it isn’t.

I feel creation isn’t just part of the process…it is the process.

 

The Artist’s Dilemma: Inspired or Overloaded?

As a painter, I’ve spent countless hours studying technique, attending art school, reading about art history, going to museums & galleries, watching other artists online, taking independent glasses of various mediums, and gathering inspiration. But there’s a fine line between being inspired and becoming overwhelmed.

Too much consumption can dilute your voice.

According to research from the American Psychological Association, excessive information intake can increase stress and reduce mental clarity—two things that directly impact creative flow. When your mind is full of everyone else’s ideas, it becomes harder to hear your own.

That’s when creating needs to take the lead.

In the Studio: Where Clarity Happens

In my work, especially across evolving series that explore movement, music, culture, landscapes, animals, spirituality, and emotional expression, clarity doesn’t come from watching - it comes from doing.

Whether I’m painting a bold, vibrant subject against a curated background or leaning into more raw, expressive compositions, each piece teaches me something new. The act of creating reveals direction in a way that no amount of preparation ever could.

Even institutions like the Tate emphasize that artistic development is rooted in practice, experimentation, and process—not passive observation.

You don’t discover your artistic voice by studying it.
You discover it by using it.

Creativity Is a Practice, Not a Trait

There’s a common misconception that creativity is something you either have or you don’t. But in reality, creativity behaves more like a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

The Harvard Business Review has published multiple studies showing that consistent creative practice increases problem-solving ability, confidence, and innovation across disciplines.

In the studio, this looks like:

• Showing up even when inspiration is low, or mood is low, or energy is low

• Letting go of perfection and free yourself to explore

• Creating through uncertainty.  If you are growing with your work, you will/should always be experimenting with what’s next.  

Because momentum matters more than mastery.  That’s right, you can’t learn to be a good driver/swimmer/artist without diving in and exploring, practicing, and dedicating yourself to get better each day until you find what is yours.  Every artist has a unique schedule, a unique process, unique use/mix of materials, unique style, unique strategies, etc.  You have to be a explorer, test things, re-test, and determine what works for you and the only way to do that is to be consistent in the studio. 

From Consumer to Creator

Social media has made it easier than ever to feel like we’re participating in the art world, even without actually creating anything ourselves. We watch, like, save, comment, and scroll… and call it engagement.

But real growth happens when you step out of the audience and into the work.

Organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts highlight that active participation in the arts, not just observation, leads to deeper personal fulfillment and stronger community connection.

Creating isn’t just about making art.

It’s about claiming your voice.

My Approach

My philosophy is simple: Create more than you consume.

That means:

• Picking up the brush before opening the app

• Finishing pieces instead of endlessly planning them

• Sharing work before it feels “perfect”

• Trusting instinct over comparison

It’s about capturing that moment of creativity, grit, and soul expression—whether through bold color, movement, or raw emotion—and allowing that to lead the work. Your art voice is as unique as you are.  No one can tell you what that is.  You have to figure out what is in your heart to express for yourself.  

A Simple Creative Shift

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or creatively blocked, try this:

• For every hour you spend consuming content, spend an hour creating, like cooking, drawing, organizing, singing, taking photos, making music, building something, etc.  All are creative acts.

• Limit inspiration intake before studio time.  Can’t flood your head before you create.  It’s too much for your brain.  If possible, create in the morning before your brain has a chance to think.  Or at least eat lunch, take a walk, workout and then create.  

• Start before you feel ready.  Just do it!  So cliché but true.  You have to start.  We were beginners at what we have done.  Let your curiosity drive you, not perfection.   

• Let your work be imperfect, but real.  If something means something to you (example – a reflection in a puddle is so intriguing that you want to paint the scene) capture it in your art somehow.  You just might come across a style that started as a puddle reflection and grows to deep meaning and grows to an abstract or something surreal.  

You’ll be surprised how quickly clarity follows action.

The Work Only You Can Make

There is no shortage of content in the world.

But there is a shortage of you.  The world needs YOUR art!  That’s right!  Your unique voice will help to bring beauty, thought, joy, hope, tears, etc to many people who need it at this time.  

Your perspective, your energy, your voice—those are the things that make art meaningful. And they only show up when you do the work.

So whether you're in the studio, at your kitchen table, or just starting your creative journey, create more than you consume.

Because your work isn’t just something to share.  It’s something only you can make.

Further Reading & Creative Research

For those who want to dive deeper into the balance between creativity and consumption:

• American Psychological Association – Research on information overload and mental clarity

• Harvard Business Review – Articles on creativity, productivity, and innovation

• Tate – Insights into artistic practice and process

• National Endowment for the Arts – Studies on the impact of creating vs. consuming art