Why Creating Together Matters More Than Creating Perfectly

When we are children, we create without hesitation.

We color outside the lines, finger paint with abandon, build forts out of blankets, and proudly show our artwork to anyone willing to look. We weren’t worried about whether it was “good enough.” That thought never crossed our minds. We created because it was fun. We were curious. We simply enjoyed making something with our own hands.

Childhood photo of me wearing a handmade birthday headband. Even at a young age, I loved making things with my hands. Looking back, I realize creativity has always been part of who I am.

As adults, we begin to believe we aren’t creative enough. We compare ourselves to others. We worry about making mistakes or looking silly. We convince ourselves that art is only for talented people.

I don’t believe that’s true.

Every workshop I teach reminds me that creativity has very little to do with talent and everything to do with permission.

• Permission to experiment.
• Permission to play.
• Permission to make mistakes.
• Permission to simply enjoy the process.
  

Creativity Begins with Connection
Recently, I hosted a workshop called Pass the Canvas, and while participants came expecting an art class, I think many of us left with something much more meaningful.
Everyone began with a blank canvas, a palette of Golden Fluid Acrylic paints, and fifteen minutes to paint whatever came to mind. We worked with a limited palette of Naphthol Red Light, Payne’s Gray, Titanium White, Hansa Yellow Opaque, Burnt Umber Light, Quinacridone Magenta, and Phthalo Blue.

Then the canvases moved. Each person passed their painting to the right.
Every ten minutes the canvases moved again, allowing everyone to build upon someone else’s work before eventually receiving their original painting back.

At first there was hesitation. People carefully planned every brushstroke, wondering if they were “doing it right.” Then something changed. The laughter began. Conversations flowed naturally around the room. One canvas that started with balloons slowly transformed into flowers. Another became a whimsical nighttime landscape as each participant added something unexpected. The focus quietly shifted. It was no longer about creating the perfect painting. It became about trusting one another, letting go of expectations, and simply enjoying the experience of creating together.

The Workshop Taught Me Something Too
As much as I hope participants learn something during my workshops, this time they taught me something. Reading through the surveys afterward, I noticed a common thread. No one talked about painting the perfect picture. Instead they talked about how they felt.

One participant shared:
“Not feeling like I had to have experience in order to do it right. The social aspect was fun too!”

Another wrote:
“Mixing colors, camaraderie, creativity and lots of laughs. Just a lovely way to spend an evening, thank you!”

Those comments reminded me that people aren’t necessarily looking for another art class. They’re looking for an experience. A place to relax after work. A place to laugh.
To meet new people. To try something, they’ve never done before. To spend a couple of hours away from the demands of everyday life. That might be one of the greatest gifts creativity has to offer.

Creativity Isn’t Always Predictable
I’ll admit something. When everyone received their original painting back, the reactions were mixed. Some absolutely loved how their artwork had evolved. Others smiled and wondered, “Now…what am I going to do with this?”

Honestly? That’s part of the experience. Just like life, creativity doesn’t always unfold exactly as we imagined. Sometimes our plans change. Sometimes someone else adds something we never would have considered. And sometimes those unexpected moments become the most interesting part of the journey.

The wonderful thing about painting is that it isn’t permanent. A coat or two of gesso, a fresh layer of paint, and your canvas becomes a brand-new beginning. Maybe that’s true for more than just paintings. Sometimes we all need permission to start over.

Learning Builds Confidence
One participant suggested having a simple color-mixing guide available during class.
I loved that idea! Learning doesn’t take away from creativity—it gives us confidence to explore.

Rather than wondering what colors will appear when two paints are mixed, participants can spend more time experimenting and less time worrying about making “mud.”
Future painting workshops will definitely include color-mixing charts and examples.

Another participant wrote that they’d love to see more painting classes, which made me smile. Painting has a wonderful way of bringing people together, and I’m excited to continue exploring new ideas for future workshops.

Creativity Is Better When We Share It
One of my favorite moments happens after the workshop is over. We take a look over everyone's artwork. No two pieces are ever alike. Some are bold and energetic. Others are soft and peaceful.

Each canvas tells a story—not of one artist, but of many people contributing ideas, encouraging one another, and trusting the process. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t a competition. It’s a conversation.

What Children Already Know
Children rarely ask, “Is this good?” Instead they ask, “Can I make another one?”
They experiment. They play. They aren’t afraid of getting it wrong. As adults, we deserve that same freedom. We don’t need to create masterpieces every time we pick up a paintbrush, a felting needle, or a piece of glass. Sometimes the greatest gift creativity gives us is simply the opportunity to slow down, laugh, and be fully present. We don’t do that nearly enough.

More Than an Art Class
Whether we’re painting, needle felting, creating fused glass, wire wrapping or trying something completely new, my goal isn’t simply to teach a technique. It’s to create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable trying something they’ve never done before. A place where mistakes become part of the creative process. Where conversations happen naturally. Where strangers become friends. Where people leave with something more meaningful than a finished project. They leave remembering that creativity still lives inside them.

What If We Created Together More Often?
Reading the surveys also sparked another idea. What if the studio wasn’t only open for scheduled workshops? What if once a month it became a place simply to gather and create? Bring a project you’ve been meaning to finish. Access to one of my sewing machines. Spread out on a large cutting table. Experiment with Golden Fluid Acrylics. Share ideas. Ask for feedback. Encourage one another. Or simply enjoy creating alongside others who understand how restorative it can be.

No formal lesson. No pressure to finish. Just a room full of creative people making time for creativity. I’m imagining a monthly Creative Meet-Up where everyone is welcome—whether you’re painting, sewing, needle felting, drawing, knitting, scrapbooking, or simply looking for inspiration.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Would a Creative Meet-Up be something you’d enjoy?

Creative Thought
We spend so much of our lives trying to get things right.
Maybe creativity isn’t about getting it right.
Maybe it’s about giving ourselves permission to begin.