You’ve been thinking about it for weeks—maybe even months. You’ve saved Pinterest boards full of dreamy sketchbooks, bought that new set of paints, and even cleared a little corner of your table. But somehow, the art still hasn’t happened. You tell yourself you’ll start when you have more time, when the perfect idea hits, or when the conditions feel just right.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. So many of us dream about making art at home, whether for mindfulness, stress relief, or pure joy—but something always gets in the way. The biggest culprit? Procrastination.
Here’s why we stall on creating—and, more importantly, how to finally pick up the brush and start. Plus, a few quick creative exercises you can do in five minutes to get instant gratification and remind yourself how fun art can be.
Stop Stalling, Start Creating, Make Art Now.
Why Do We Procrastinate on Making Art?
Procrastination often masquerades as perfectionism. You might think, “I need the right materials” or “I’ll start when I have a big block of time.” Underneath, it’s usually fear—fear of making something “bad,” fear of wasting time, or fear of not living up to your own expectations.
Research from Dr. Fuschia Sirois, a psychology professor who studies procrastination, shows that procrastination is an emotional regulation issue rather than a time management problem. We delay starting tasks that trigger uncomfortable feelings—like uncertainty, self-doubt, or the pressure to be perfect. For art, this is huge. Creating means being vulnerable, and that can feel scary.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to make a masterpiece. You just need to start.
Art as Therapy: Why It’s Worth Beginning
Making art isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the process. It’s a proven form of self-care and emotional release. Studies have shown that even 45 minutes of art-making can significantly reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), no matter your skill level (Kaimal et al., Art Therapy Journal, 2016).
Art helps you process emotions, stay present, and find joy in small things. But you only reap these benefits when you start.
How to Jump Straight In (Even When You Don’t Feel Ready)
1. Lower the stakes. Forget about “good” art. For now, your only job is to make marks on paper. You’re not entering a gallery show—you’re simply showing up for yourself.
2. Create a “quick start” zone. Keep your supplies visible and easy to access. A jar of brushes on the table, a sketchbook in plain sight—removing friction makes starting easier.
3. Set a timer for five minutes. Tell yourself you only have to create for five minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part—once you’re in, you might keep going.
4. Embrace imperfection. Remind yourself: it’s the process, not the product. Every splash of paint, every scribble counts as self-care.
Five-Minute Creative Moments to Get You Started
Here are a couple of easy, no-pressure exercises you can try right now. No overthinking—just play.
1. The One-Colour Wash
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Pick a single colour that matches your mood today—calming blue, fiery red, earthy green.
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Dip your brush in water, then load up some paint.
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Cover the page with loose, flowing brushstrokes. Let the colour pool in some places and fade in others.
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Watch how the water moves, how the pigment spreads. Breathe with the rhythm of your brush.
Why it works: It’s simple, meditative, and gives you something beautiful in minutes. You can leave it as is or add doodles on top later.
2. The Circle Ritual
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Draw a circle—big or small—right in the middle of your page.
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Inside the circle, paint or colour abstract shapes: lines, dots, waves, whatever comes to mind.
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If you want, add more circles. Fill each one with a different colour or pattern.
Why it works: Circles are soothing and symbolic—they represent wholeness and balance. This exercise is repetitive enough to quiet your mind, but open enough for creativity to flow.
3. Scribble and Splash
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Take a pencil or pen and scribble on the page for 30 seconds. No thinking—just movement.
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Now grab a brush and add colour to some of the shapes your scribble created.
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See if any shapes emerge—flowers, waves, abstract forms.
Why it works: It removes the fear of the blank page and gives you instant structure to play with. Plus, it’s fast and surprisingly satisfying.
4. Word + Colour
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Write a single word that describes how you feel right now in the centre of the page.
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Around it, paint colours that match that feeling.
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Keep layering shapes or strokes until you feel complete.
Why it works: It helps you connect with your emotions while making something visual. A mini art therapy moment.
5. Collage Burst
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Tear a few scraps from an old magazine, newspaper, or packaging.
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Glue them randomly onto a page.
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Add paint, doodles, or words on top.
Why it works: Collage is quick, tactile, and playful. It reminds you that art doesn’t need to be “pure”—it’s about exploration.
A Quick Reminder Before You Begin
Your art doesn’t need an audience. It doesn’t need to be “good.” It doesn’t need to be Instagram-worthy. It just needs to happen. The magic is in the doing. Every brushstroke, every mark, every splash is an act of showing up for yourself.
When you stop stalling and start creating, you open the door to joy, presence, and possibility. So grab a brush, tear up some paper, scribble like a child. Give yourself five minutes today. You might just find it turns into an hour—and a habit you never want to give up.
Because you deserve that moment of peace, that pocket of colour in your day. Stop stalling. Start creating. Your soul will thank you.
This post is a collaborative effort between AI and myself to help me work a bit faster.
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