Finding Joy in the Little Things

If I had one piece of advice for anyone getting started with something creative, it would be this: start small.

It’s something I’ve carried with me through the last few challenges and projects I’ve done — and honestly, it’s made all the difference. There’s something special about starting small. It takes away the pressure for things to be perfect, saves on supplies, and gives me space to explore freely.

When I began my 100 Days of Watercolor Project, I told myself I’d just paint one small piece a day. Nothing too fancy or time-consuming — just a daily creative moment. Looking back, I don’t think I would’ve made it through the challenge if I had decided to paint 100 large pieces, especially since I had never done a challenge like that before.

Small art projects might not seem like much at first, but they quietly build something beautiful over time — consistency, confidence, and creative growth.

Practice Over Perfection

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through mindful creativity is that not everything has to be a masterpiece. Some days, the paint doesn’t blend the way I want it to. Other days, I surprise myself with something I didn’t plan. But that’s the beauty of working small — it gives you permission to experiment, to make mistakes, and to learn along the way.

When life feels chaotic or when artist’s block creeps in, working small takes the weight off. It’s like giving yourself a soft place to land. Each small creation becomes a stepping stone, reminding me that progress matters more than perfection.

Small Steps, Big Growth

Even during Blocktober, I used the same approach. Each piece I carved was cut from a 4x6 linoleum block — small enough to save on supplies but big enough to explore new ideas. By keeping things simple, I could practice and improve without burning through materials too quickly or feeling creatively drained.

The best part? Starting small doesn’t mean staying small. Once I’ve gotten more comfortable with a medium, I often feel inspired to take what I’ve learned and try it on a larger surface. Sometimes I even recreate one of my smaller pieces on a bigger scale — a full-circle moment that reminds me how much I’ve grown.

That’s what creative growth looks like to me — quiet, steady, and rooted in curiosity rather than pressure.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much magic in starting small. It’s gentle, freeing, and deeply rewarding. It reminds us that creativity isn’t about grand gestures — it’s about showing up, even in tiny ways, and letting each moment of creation teach us something new.

So, if you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, maybe try starting small. You never know how far those little steps might take you. 🌱

What about you? Have you ever found that starting small helped you stay creative or ease the pressure to be perfect? I’d love to hear your thoughts — share your experience in the comments below!