Artist Strong Blog
Enjoy interviews and articles about creative process and our inherent creative spirit.
The world’s on fire… why should I make art?!
At the time of this writing, there are so many crises in the world that we share a responsibility to address, from famine in Gaza, Mali, and Sudan, to political strife and climate emergencies. And so often, this makes creatives feel like they shouldn’t make any art at...
Are You a “Too-Many-Online-Courses” Artist?
Are You Taking Too Many Online Art Courses? (And How to Actually Learn From Them) We’ve all been there: the thrill of clicking “buy now” on a new course, the promise of fresh skills, the dream of finally unlocking our creative potential. And yet… many of those courses...
🎨 Batching for Artists Starter Kit: How to Create More Art with Less Overwhelm
Ever feel like you're starting from scratch every time you sit down to make art? You're not alone. Many self-taught artists I work with tell me they want to make more art, but they struggle with time, confidence, or knowing where to begin. That’s where batching comes...
Why You Should Break These 5 Art Rules: 5 Popular Beliefs Artists Should (Mostly) Ignore
As artists, we are constantly bombarded with "rules" and expectations about how we should approach our craft. From drawing fundamentals to the idea that certain techniques are “cheating,” the art world loves to set standards that can sometimes feel stifling. But the...
Why Batching Your Art Isn’t What You Think: Addressing the Top 3 Objections
Batching your art practice is often misunderstood. When I mention batching, some artists immediately push back with common concerns: “I’m not a production line.” “I don’t want to be pigeonholed.” “Batching kills my creativity.” If you’ve thought any of these, you’re...
How to Draw or Paint Anything: Building the Foundations for Artistic Freedom
The dream of being able to draw or paint anything you want is shared by almost every artist. It’s the creative freedom to bring any idea to life without feeling limited by skill or technique. But here's the secret: the path to achieving that freedom isn’t necessarily...
Batching Isn’t Boring: It’s How Artists Find Flow
What if the secret to feeling less scattered in your studio… is to work on more than one artwork at once? I’m not just talking about multiple works in progress. I’m speaking about something strategic that helps you show up more and make more art. Yes, really. It’s...
Messy Sketchbooks, Masterpieces Later: Why Process > Perfection
“My Sketchbook Has to Be Perfect”: Expectation vs. Reality (and Why Page 37 Still Matters) When you picture a “real” artist’s sketchbook, what comes to mind? If your brain flashes to those gorgeous viral videos with immaculate botanical drawings, watercolor spreads...
I Didn’t Believe I Was an Artist Until My 30s. Here’s Why (and What Changed)
I Didn’t Believe I Was an Artist Until My 30s. Here’s Why (and What Changed) For years, I hesitated to call myself an artist. Even though I made art. Even though I loved making it. Even though I couldn’t imagine my life without it. Hey there! 👋 I'm Carrie. Here on...