Creating art for fun is one of the most important things you can do as an artist.

When you’re always creating for a client, a portfolio, or an outcome, the pressure is different. There’s a goal to hit, expectations to meet, and often a quiet voice in the back of your head asking, Is this good enough? That mindset can slowly tighten your creative muscles.

Creating just for yourself does the opposite. It lets the work flow more easily. It gives you space to experiment, follow curiosity, and discover ideas you wouldn’t find if you were creating with a specific end goal in mind. Some of the most interesting directions in your work come from play.

At this point in my career, I’m lucky to be able to create for personal projects during my workday. But before I ran my own business, I made it a habit to start my mornings with my own art. That was when my creative brain was freshest, before client work took over and used up that creative spark.

If you’re struggling to make time for personal work, try putting it first, even if it’s just a little. Creating for fun isn’t a distraction from your “real” work. It’s often the thing that keeps your art alive, evolving, and helps you uncover your unique creative voice.

Want to Unlock Your Creative Flow and Make Lots of Art?