Have you ever looked at someone’s beautiful painting or handmade journal and thought, ‘I wish I could do that...but I’m just not artistic’? Let me stop you right there. You don’t have to be a professional artist—or even consider yourself ‘creative’—to enjoy the benefits of a creative hobby.
Whether it’s painting, journaling, or even trying your hand at pottery, creative hobbies aren’t about perfection. They’re about giving yourself space to play, unwind, and express yourself in a way that feels good.
In this post, we’ll explore how to start your own creative hobby—no pressure, no judgment, just joy. Ready to try something new? Let’s go!
1. Start Where You Are
Here's the thing: starting a creative hobby doesn't have to be a big production. You don't need fancy expensive tools or a craft room to start. You just need curiosity and a willingness to try.
Think about what sparks your interest. Have you always admired watercolor paintings? Love the idea of journaling but never put pen to paper? Maybe you’ve seen someone knitting and thought, ‘I’d like to try that.’ Whatever it is, you can start small. And you might try out several things before you decide which you love the most.
Grab a notebook and a pen, pick up a $5 set of paints, or grab some yarn. The key is to start with what’s easy and accessible—something that feels approachable, not overwhelming.
Remember, creativity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving yourself permission to explore and see where it takes you. You might be surprised at what creativity is inside of you when tap into it.
2. Embrace the Beginner Stage
Remember this...no one starts out as an expert in their hobby. Whether it’s painting, writing, or crocheting, every creative journey begins with awkward, messy, imperfect first steps. And you know what? That’s part of the fun so embrace it!
When you’re trying something new, give yourself permission to be a beginner. Let go of the pressure to make something ‘good’ or ‘right.’ This is your time to play, to make mistakes, and to learn as you go.
If you’re journaling, start with a simple list of what’s on your mind. If you’re painting, splash some color on the page and see what happens. The point isn’t to create a masterpiece—it’s to enjoy the process.
Remember, the best way to grow is to start. And every time you try, you are doing something positive for yourself.
Find Inspiration That Feels Right
Oh my goodness do you ever have a creative idea so you start scrolling Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration and then, boom - It's been an hour or two? And on top of that you feel like you could never be that good at it? Just remember, they all had to start at the beginning too. So don't get too high-centered on scrolling for inspiration. Just grab an idea that sparks your interest and go!
The key is to stay open. Inspiration can come from anywhere—a walk outside, a conversation, or even a color that catches your eye. Trust your instincts and let them guide you to your creative expression.
And most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate your own progress. Inspiration is great, but you’ll find the most joy in what you create with your own hands. One thing that really struck me is that we were not made to consume, we were made to create!
Make Time for Creativity
You may be asking, when in the world do I have time to be creative? Well, if you live a busy life, and most of us do, you have to be intentional about this.
Think about where creativity can fit into your day. Maybe it’s a quiet few minutes in the morning before the house wakes up, or a break after dinner when you can grab your journal or knitting needles. The time doesn’t have to be long—it just has to be yours.
And don’t worry about being consistent right away. Creative hobbies are meant to be flexible, not another item on your to-do list. The goal is to show up when you can and let the process bring you joy.
Because here’s the thing: the more time you give to your creativity, the more it gives back to you.
Enjoy the Journey
The beauty of a creative hobby isn’t in how perfect the final product looks—it’s in how the process makes you feel. There’s a quiet kind of joy that comes from trying something new, from making something with your hands, to letting yourself play without any pressure. Again this goes back to we are made to create! Tapping into this really does something amazing for your well-being.
Remember, there’s no finish line to cross here. Your creative journey is yours to explore, and it will grow and change with you. Some days, you’ll feel inspired and unstoppable. Other days, you might set everything aside and come back to it later. Both are okay!
The most important thing is to keep going. Keep showing up, keep trying, and keep letting your creativity surprise you. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present and doing something positive for yourself.
So, what’s stopping you? Pick up that pen, grab that paintbrush, or try your hand at something you’ve always wanted to do. You don’t have to be an expert to start—you just have to start.
What creative hobby are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my other posts for more tips and inspiration!
Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with two fun freebies to spark your creativity. Download my free list of 40+ creative hobbies for inspiration and enjoy an exclusive coloring page designed to help you unwind and get inspired. Click below to grab your copies and take the first step in your creative journey!
