Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Why Trying New Creative Techniques is Worth It
As someone who has spent years painting with acrylics and sharing that joy with others, I’ve always found comfort in the familiar. Acrylic painting feels like home to me. But as we head into 2025, I’ve decided to take a leap and explore new creative avenues—from hand lettering to creating papers, junk journaling, and art journaling.
It feels both exciting and a little intimidating. I know that trying something new can sometimes lead to frustration or even feel like a failure. But here’s the truth: every brushstroke, doodle, and collage piece is a step forward, not a step back. Each attempt, even if it doesn’t turn out as expected, is part of the creative process and a valuable learning experience.
I want to invite you to join me in stepping outside of your creative comfort zone. Let’s embrace the unknown together, allowing ourselves the freedom to grow, make mistakes, and ultimately find new ways to express joy through art.
Here are five reasons why trying new creative techniques is not only positive but fun:
1. It Reignites Creativity
When you try something new, your brain lights up with excitement. It pulls you out of creative slumps and opens up new possibilities. Sometimes we get stuck in a routine, and picking up a new craft or art form can breathe fresh air into your practice.
Or you can start with one of my Complete Art kits:
2. You Discover Hidden Talents
You might surprise yourself! Maybe hand lettering becomes a passion, or you find that mixing papers and paints in art journaling feels just as fulfilling as painting on canvas. You never know what skill you’ll uncover until you try.
I have been experimenting with making craft and collage papers.
Check out a video here:
3. It Builds Confidence
There’s something incredibly empowering about learning something new. Each time you overcome the initial learning curve, your confidence grows. This newfound confidence can spill over into other areas of your art and life.
4. Mistakes Become Part of the Art
In trying new things, mistakes are inevitable. But sometimes those mistakes turn into happy accidents. A smudge, a misplaced line, or an unexpected texture can lead to something beautiful and unique. Embracing imperfection can be liberating.
5. It Makes Art More Playful
New techniques bring back the sense of play that we sometimes lose as adults. There are no rules when you’re experimenting. It’s just you, your materials, and the joy of creating for the sake of creating.
I’m excited to take this journey and can’t wait to share what I learn along the way. I hope you’ll feel encouraged to try something new, too. Let’s remind ourselves that art is not about perfection but about exploration and expression.
Here’s to a year full of creativity, growth, and plenty of joyful mistakes!
-teresa XO