Ever freeze up when someone casually asks you what you do, like you just spotted a ghost? Yeah, we’ve all been there! Today, we're diving into that pivotal moment when you finally give yourself the green light to call yourself an artist. Spoiler alert: it’s time to mean it! I’m here to chat about breaking down those pesky barriers that keep you from owning that title and embracing your creative self. So, whether you’re painting toenail clippings or sculpting with spaghetti, let’s tackle the fears and societal expectations that make this journey feel like an episode of a reality show gone wrong. Grab your coffee, your paintbrush, or whatever fuels your creative fire, and let’s get this artistic party started!

When Do You Get to Call Yourself an Artist?

Are you an artist yet — or are you still “just dabbling”? This episode of Create Art Podcast: The New Artist’s Compass dives deep into one of the most common questions new creators face: when do you finally call yourself an artist? Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or any kind of creative, this conversation will help you overcome imposter syndrome, step into your identity, and confidently share your work with the world.

We’ll explore what it really means to be an artist, why so many creatives wait too long to claim the title, and how saying “I’m an artist” can transform your confidence, your work, and how others see you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering if you’re “good enough” or “ready,” this episode is for you.

1. The Power of Naming Yourself

• Saying “I am an artist” changes how you view your work.
• Your brain takes identity seriously — claiming it can motivate action.

2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Why many creatives wait for external validation before using the word “artist.”
• Tools to challenge the inner critic and redefine success.

3. External Milestones vs. Internal Decision

• Selling art, getting published, or winning awards are great — but not prerequisites.
• Deciding you are an artist is often the first step to reaching those milestones.

4. The Social Side of Calling Yourself an Artist

• How sharing your identity invites collaboration and community.
• Dealing with skepticism from others (and why that’s about them, not you).

5. Building Confidence Through Consistency

• Daily or weekly practice as proof to yourself that you are an artist.
• Why action — not titles — ultimately builds belief.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch

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Staying motivated as an artist is a tricky beast, isn’t it? We kick things off by diving into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to keep that creative fire burning, especially when life decides to throw us a curveball—hello, Netflix binge! I’ll spill some secrets on how to build a lasting relationship with your art, share personal stories (yes, even my artistic slumps), and toss in some gold nuggets of wisdom to help you find your rhythm and reconnect with why you started in the first place. Think of this as your friendly nudge to cultivate habits that stick, celebrate the little wins, and maybe even find a creative community that gets your vibe. So grab your sketchbook or whatever floats your artistic boat, and let’s get to it!

Starting a creative journey is exciting — but staying motivated for the long haul? That’s where many artists struggle. In this episode of The New Artist’s Compass on the Create Art Podcast, we dive into practical, proven ways to keep your creative fire burning even when inspiration runs low, life gets busy, or self-doubt creeps in.

Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you:

✅ Build habits that sustain creativity over months and years

✅ Break through slumps with small, intentional actions

✅ Find motivation when external validation is missing

✅ Learn how to celebrate progress (not just perfection)

✅ Reconnect with your original “why” when you feel stuck

🎧 Listen now and reignite your commitment to your craft. Your creativity deserves more than short bursts of inspiration — it deserves a sustainable, joyful practice.

1. Find Your "Why" and Keep It Visible

• Write down why you create art — post it in your workspace.
• Revisit your "why" during creative slumps to reset your focus.
• Share your "why" with your community for accountability.

2. Build Consistent Creative Habits

• Schedule art time like you would a doctor’s appointment — non-negotiable.
• Start small (15 minutes) and build up as it becomes part of your life.
• Use rituals — music, tea, candles — to cue your brain it’s "art time."

3. Celebrate Small Wins

• Track your progress — sketchbooks, photos, or a journal.
• Reward yourself for showing up, not just for finishing big projects.
• Reflect monthly on how far you’ve come — keeps motivation fresh.

4. Find Your Creative Community

• Join online or local artist groups for feedback and encouragement.
• Share works-in-progress — connection fuels motivation.
• Teach or mentor others — it reignites your own spark.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

• Rest isn’t quitting — it’s recharging.
• Take intentional breaks so you don’t burn out.
• Use downtime for passive inspiration — books, museums, conversations.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

• Getting started with just one sketch can lead to a creative avalanche, trust me, I know the feels!
• Life happens,...

Criticism and rejection in art can feel a lot like passing a kidney stone—sharp, painful, and definitely not something you want to experience. In this episode, we're diving deep into this rather unique analogy, exploring how those pesky critiques can actually help us grow stronger, just like surviving a kidney stone ordeal. I'll share my personal adventures with these little buggers and how they’ve surprisingly mirrored my creative journey. We’ll also chat about the importance of separating ourselves from our work, because let’s be honest, nobody wants to be called ugly—especially not our artistic babies! So grab a comfy seat, maybe a glass of water (hydration is key, folks!), and let’s tackle the ups and downs of artistic rejection together.

Welcome back to The New Artist’s Compass. Today we’re

getting real about criticism and rejection. Both are as natural in the creative

process as kidney stones are in life—painful, unwelcome, but sometimes

unavoidable. And just like I recently had to pass one of those tiny nightmares,

dealing with rejection can leave you doubled over, questioning your choices,

and wondering why the universe insists on testing your endurance.

Here’s the thing: rejection isn’t a verdict on your worth as

an artist. It’s a kidney stone—sharp, unexpected, and it feels huge in the

moment, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s tiny. Painful, yes.

Life-ending? Not even close.

The Kidney Stone Metaphor

• Criticism can feel sharp and painful, but like a kidney stone, it eventually passes.
• You’re not defined by the pain, but by how you handle it.

Separating Self from Work

• Rejection of your art isn’t rejection of you.
• Learning to detach helps keep creativity flowing.

Constructive vs. Destructive Feedback

• Not all criticism is created equal.
• How to spot the difference and use what actually helps.

Resilience as a Creative Muscle

• Every “no” or negative review is a rep in building creative strength.
• Over time, rejection becomes less personal and more fuel

Finding Humor in the Hurt

• Using levity (like the kidney stone tie-in) to diffuse the sting.
• Humor makes space for growth and healing.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

• Criticism and rejection are like kidney stones: painful, sharp, and inevitable, but they pass!
• Just like dealing with a kidney stone, facing criticism helps us emerge stronger and wiser in our creative journey.
• It's crucial to separate yourself from your work; the critique is about your piece, not you as a person.
• Analyzing feedback can be beneficial; it’s like examining a kidney stone to prevent future ones from forming!
• Embrace criticism with humor, because getting through it only makes your future work even better!
• When faced with rejection, remember: it's not about you, it's about the art you create, so keep creating!

Links referenced in this episode:

Why do artists feel the urge to create? That's the big question we dive into with our guest, Kristan Swan, in this episode. We explore the motivations behind artistic expression and share our own journeys of creativity. With over 30 years of experience in the arts and education, I, Tim Kimo Brien, along with Kristen, discuss the challenges and triumphs that come with embracing our creative sides. From the importance of community to the healing power of art, we aim to inspire fellow creators to push past their inner critics and unleash their full potential. So grab your sketchbook, your pen, or even that half-finished novel and let’s get our creative juices flowing!

In this episode of The New Artist’s Compass, host Timothy Kimo Brien sits down with artist Kristan Swan to explore the deeply personal question every creator faces: Why do you create art? Together, they uncover the motivations, emotions, and stories that fuel the artistic journey.

Whether you’re a painter, poet, musician, or writer, this episode will inspire you to reflect on your own creative process and connect with the universal “why” behind making art. From personal healing and expression to building community and sparking change, we dive into the heart of artistic purpose.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How artists discover their personal motivations for creating.
• The role of vulnerability and authenticity in sharing your art.
• Ways art connects us to ourselves, others, and the world around us.
• Why understanding your “why” helps sustain your creative practice long-term.

This episode is for new and emerging artists looking for inspiration and encouragement on their creative path.

Kristan Swan, M.Ed. excels in leadership training, group moderation, writing, design, interviewing, and research.

After a career in landscape design, Kristan focused on business coaching. Recognizing the challenges of 'founder's syndrome' and high burnout rates for professional service business owners, she developed the 4 S's of Success: Structure, Systems, Strategy, and Space. The 4 S's provides a framework for independent owners and entrepreneurs who struggle to stay in their zone of genius and build profitable businesses.

Spaghetti on the Wall, a journal with prompts to develop a habit of discernment, was written after noticing similar concerns among many coaching clients. My intent with SOTW is to provide a simple tool for gathering our multiple great ideas, noticing our communication challenges, and recognizing patterns of behavior. I wanted to help my clients and really any one of us, myself included, to notice our unique decision making processes. Most of the frustration and anger we feel can be traced back to disappointment or negative feeling we have about ourselves. Investing a bit of time to become aware of thoughts, feelings, and emotions yields big rewards.

Discovering your Spiritual Autobiography grew from an exercise I had taught in the past and the growing desire to do something about the increased polarization and hostility in the US and the world. The workshop is a nondenominational, in person, experience. The original version is an 8 week program, meeting once a week. 1 and 2 day retreats are available as well.

Other projects related to Discovering your Spiritual Autobiography is The Experience Collective, a place for participants to share their Spiritual Autobiographies online with others and an upcoming 'how-to' manual for others who are looking to build community and social engagement.

Website

LinkedIn

Ready to conquer the digital world, my friends? This episode dives headfirst into that pivotal moment all artists face: sharing your work online for the first time. It’s a wild ride of emotions, right? I mean, the fear of judgment can feel like a monster lurking under your bed—totally terrifying! But here’s the scoop: it’s less about being “ready” and more about being brave. We’ll spill some juicy tips on picking the right platforms, building your confidence through consistency, and flipping that vulnerability into your secret weapon. So, buckle up, grab your courage, and let’s show the world what you’ve got!

1. The Emotional Leap: Overcoming Fear and Doubt

• Talk about the inner critic. It’s totally normal to feel vulnerable when you share creative work. Remind listeners that fear is part of growth.
• Use exposure as strength. Emphasize that every artist starts somewhere—sharing is a courageous act that inspires others.

2. Choosing the Right Platform

• Pick one to start. Whether it's Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or a personal blog—focus on where your audience hangs out.
• Consider your format. Visual artists might thrive on Instagram, writers on Substack or Medium, musicians on SoundCloud or Bandcamp.

3. What to Share and How

• Don’t aim for perfection. A work-in-progress or a behind-the-scenes look is often more engaging than a polished final product.
• Add a short story. Share why the piece matters to you—it builds emotional connection and gets people invested.

4. Handling Feedback and Silence

• Prepare for crickets. Sometimes no likes, no comments—it’s okay. Algorithms and timing play a big role.
• Build resilience. Negative comments may sting, but they don’t define your art. Curate your space and block trolls if needed.

5. Creating Consistency, Not Perfection

• Small and regular beats big and rare. Try posting once a week to build rhythm.
• Make it fun. Don’t turn it into another job. If you're not enjoying it, scale back.

Sharing Your Work Online for the First Time

Dealing With Criticism and Rejection

Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community

Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst

Staying Motivated Long-Term

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Mental Health & Creativity

Art Challenges & Social Media Trends

Setting Up a Creative Workspace

Creative Constraints & Prompts

Measuring Growth as an Artist

Why Do You Create?

When to Call Yourself an Artist

Lessons From a Year of Creating

Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy

We break down how to choose the right platforms for your art. Instagram? TikTok? Maybe even your grandma’s Facebook? Each platform has its vibe and audience, and finding your digital home is crucial. Plus, we discuss the importance of consistency—because let’s face it, nobody likes a ghost artist. You’ve got to show up regularly, just like your favorite TV show, so your fans know when to tune in. We’re all about creating visibility here!

• Sharing your work online for the first time is all about bravery, not perfection; dive in!
• Overcoming the fear of judgment is crucial to your creative journey; let's embrace vulnerability together!
• Consistency in sharing your art builds confidence and keeps your audience engaged; be their regular source of inspiration!
• Choosing the right platform for your art is...

Creative constraints are the secret sauce to unlocking our artistic potential, and that's exactly what we're diving into today! Join me, Timothy Kimo' Brien, as we explore how limitations can actually fuel creativity instead of stifling it. Ever find yourself overwhelmed by the endless possibilities? Well, we're flipping the script and chatting about how embracing what we lack can lead to some pretty awesome breakthroughs in our art. From experimenting with just two colors to setting time limits on our creations, we’ll share playful strategies to help you turn those pesky constraints into your best pals. So grab your metaphorical paintbrush and stick around—let’s get those creative juices flowing!

In this episode of The Create Art Podcast, we explore the surprising power of creative constraints — how setting limits can actually unlock your imagination and help you produce your best work. Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or creative thinker, you’ll learn how restrictions can spark innovation, focus your energy, and build momentum.

We’ll cover:

• How to use time limits to prevent overthinking.
• Why limiting tools and materials can make you more inventive.
• Ways to set theme or subject constraints to challenge your creativity.

You’ll also get practical tips and real-world examples to help you embrace limitations in your own projects.

✨ Perfect for:

Beginner and experienced artists who feel overwhelmed by too many choices or stuck in perfectionism.

1. Why Constraints Fuel Creativity

• Boundaries create focus. Too many options can be overwhelming—constraints help channel energy into action.
• History backs it up. Many famous works came from working within tight budgets, tools, or time limits.

2. Types of Constraints You Can Try

• Material limits. Use only two colors, one brush, or one instrument.
• Time limits. Set a 30-minute creation window to encourage quick decision-making.

3. How Constraints Push Skill Development

• Force you to problem-solve. You learn new ways to work with what you have.
• Promote resourcefulness. Creativity often thrives when you have to “make it work.”

4. Turning Constraints Into Challenges

• Make it playful. Treat it as a game, not a punishment.
• Join a community challenge. Prompts like Inktober or “One Week Album” provide ready-made structure.

5. Breaking the Rules

• Know when to step out. Once the constraint has served its purpose, remove it.
• Mix freedom and structure. Alternate between constraint periods and open exploration.

Creative constraints can be the best friends of artists and creators, pushing us to innovate and think outside the box. As Timothy Kimo Brien dives into this topic on today's Create Art Podcast, he emphasizes how limitations can actually fuel our creativity rather than stifle it. Picture this: you’re an artist with a blank canvas and an array of colors, but what if you only had two colors to work with? You might think it would limit your expression, but the challenge could spark new ideas, leading to a masterpiece you never imagined. Tim shares personal anecdotes, including his experiences in art classes where constraints led to unexpected and delightful results. He argues that creative boundaries, whether they be in materials, time, or technique, can help us hone our skills and develop a deeper appreciation for the process of...

Today, we’re diving into the heartfelt intersection of mental health and creativity with the incredibly inspiring Robert B-Cide Cardillo Jr. This episode is all about checking in on our mental well-being as creative souls, because let’s face it, we need it! Robert shares his raw and real journey navigating life with multiple sclerosis, turning struggle into art, and how music has been his therapy. We’re getting deep, but we’re also keeping it light, exploring the balance between dealing with our challenges and expressing ourselves through creativity. Join us as we unpack the importance of mental health in the artistic process and how we can support each other on this wild ride of life!

Robert “B-Cide” Cardillo II is a rapper, producer, clothing designer, and author of Myelin My Shoes, a memoir about life, music, and resilience after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. With over two decades in the underground scene, he shares raw, real stories about perseverance, creativity, and pushing forward when life hits hard.

• https://www.myelinmyshoes.com/
• http://www.b-cide.com
• https://bcide.bandcamp.com
• Instagram: @bcide
• Facebook: facebook.com/bcide
• TikTok: @bcide
• YouTube: youtube.com/@btvstudio

In a heartfelt and illuminating conversation on our latest podcast episode, we sat down with artist and author Robert B-Cide Cardillo Jr. to discuss the intersection of mental health and creativity. This dialogue dives deep into how challenges, such as living with multiple sclerosis (MS), can shape one's creative journey and provide new perspectives.

A Shared Experience

Robert and Timothy began by finding common ground in their MS diagnoses. They shared personal stories of symptoms, diagnosis journeys, and the impact MS has had on their lives and creativity. The discussion highlighted the importance of listening to one's body and the need to stay positive despite the challenges that MS can present.

Creativity as Therapy

Throughout the conversation, Robert emphasized how creativity serves as a therapeutic outlet, providing solace and a sense of normalcy amid the daily struggles of living with MS. He spoke candidly about his use of music and writing to process and articulate his experiences, turning them into art that resonates with others going through similar journeys.

The Power of Storytelling

Robert recently published a book titled "Myelin My Shoes," a clever play on words reflecting the myelin sheath affected by MS. The book offers a deeply personal narrative that captures both his life before and after his MS diagnosis, underscoring the transformative power of storytelling. In conjunction with the book, Robert has released a complementary soundtrack, illustrating how his musical talents enhance the storytelling experience.

Navigating the Stigma

The conversation also touched on the societal perceptions of MS and other disabilities. Robert shared his experiences around the stigma he faces and how he uses his platform to challenge misconceptions. For him, creating music and writing isn't just about self-expression but also a way to educate and change narratives around living with disabilities.

Embracing Challenges and Moving Forward

Despite the obstacles he faces, Robert remains proactive in his creative endeavors. He keeps himself engaged and motivated by pursuing new projects, such as podcast appearances and continuing to write music. This resilience not only serves his mental well-being but...

Get ready to dive into the creative abyss with Brien and Kimo as we kick off this episode of Create Art Podcast! We're talking about something super essential for every artist: your creative space. Whether it looks like a serene desert oasis or a chaotic trash dump, we’re here to help you transform it into your very own mad scientist lab of creativity. We’ll explore five nifty ways to set up your space to supercharge your artistic flow, because let’s face it, we all need a cozy nook to let our imaginations run wild! So grab your paintbrush, your snacks, and let’s get this creative party started—your future masterpieces are waiting!

Ever wondered how the greats crafted their masterpieces? Spoiler: they didn’t just wait for inspiration to knock! They created spaces that sparked their creativity. Join Timothy “Kimo” Brien in this episode as he explores the art of setting up your very own creative space. Why is this important? Well, the artist's environment can make or break your creative flow. Kimo's got the insider scoop on how to harness your space into an oasis of creativity, whether you’re working with a sprawling warehouse or a cozy corner of your living room.

First up, Kimo emphasizes the importance of choosing a dedicated space. It can be as fancy or as simple as you want—just make sure it’s a place where your imagination can run wild! Next, he dives into lighting—yes, we’re talking about the difference between feeling like you’re in a horror movie versus a vibrant art studio. He shares his own experiences, including some hilarious anecdotes about his basement “man cave” and the lighting mishaps that could have led to some serious accidents. But don’t worry, this isn’t just a lecture on practicalities; it’s laced with laughter and relatable moments. Kimo’s warmth and humor make you feel like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee rather than listening to a dry tutorial.

As we wrap up, Kimo challenges you to take a photo of your space and share it with him. Imagine the community vibe as artists come together to showcase their creative corners! Whether it’s filled with paint splatters or a perfectly curated collection of inspirational quotes, everyone is welcome. This episode is more than just tips; it’s a celebration of the unique environments that nurture our creativity. So tune in and get ready to revamp your creative space—because it’s time to make it YOURS!

• Creating a dedicated creative space can ignite your artistic passion and productivity.
• Lighting plays a crucial role in your creative space; natural light is your best friend!
• Having your tools and snacks within reach keeps the creative juices flowing without interruptions.
• Personalize your workspace to reflect your unique style and inspire your creative spirit.

• findapodcastabout.xyz
• tkbpodcaststudio.com
• timothyreateartpodcast.com

PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch

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