Do I Need to Be Good at Art to Benefit from Art Therapy?
When people hear the term art therapy, they often assume they need to be a skilled artist to take part. At Birdy and Bright, I believe in the healing power of art, and this was an early concern for me.. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be “good” at art to benefit from art therapy. In fact, it’s not about talent at all—it’s about expression, exploration, and emotional wellbeing. It's something you can do with a professional, and hey, they are the professionals for a reason and do wonderful work. But, it's also something you can start exploring on your own, or with friends. Something that you can enjoy, and can benefit from.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process to help people explore feelings, manage behavior, reduce anxiety, and enhance self-awareness. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or collage, the act of creating can be a powerful form of release and reflection. And the best part? No artistic skill is required.
Think of art therapy as a safe, judgment-free zone where you can express yourself in colors and shapes rather than words. If you’re someone who struggles to talk about your emotions, picking up a brush might feel more natural than opening up verbally. This form of creativity supports positive mental health in a way that’s playful, intuitive, and deeply personal.
At Birdy and Bright, my ethos centers around art for positivity and self-care. I began with statement, mantra style art, and I'm starting to explore other mediums, and ideas for expression, that may well appear in the shop as prints down the line. The pieces I offer aren’t just nice to look at—they’re designed to uplift, inspire, and bring calm into your daily life. Many of my customers buy uplifting art not just to decorate their homes, but to create mindful spaces where they can unwind and reconnect.
Delivering that moment is definitely an area of satisfaction in my work, but I want to do more, and empower people to go on their own journeys of exploration.
One of the most empowering aspects of art therapy is that the process matters more than the outcome. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to create. Whether you’re smudging pastels on paper or making bold strokes with paint, you are engaging with your emotions and giving them a healthy outlet. Your decision making through the process of creating can tell you a lot. Do you obsess over getting a line just right? Can you take a breath and let go, making a non perfect stroke and realising the act of letting go was much more satisfying than getting the stroke right?
Many people turn to art therapy during periods of stress, change, or emotional challenge. Others use it simply to reconnect with themselves and cultivate mindfulness. Our collections at Birdy and Bright are carefully curated to support this journey—from prints that inspire joy to color palettes that evoke calm, all acknowledging truths that are just nice to say out loud.
If you're looking to explore creativity for self-care, start small. You don’t need a studio or expensive materials. Even doodling in a notebook or coloring with your kids can be therapeutic. And if you’re drawn to art but unsure where to begin, surrounding yourself with art for wellbeing—like our prints and products—can be a gentle first step.
So, do you need to be good at art to benefit from art therapy? Absolutely not. You only need an open mind and a willingness to explore. And don't put yourself under pressure. Have minimal expectation of the final piece, and focus on the process of doing. At Birdy and Bright, we’re here to remind you that creativity belongs to everyone—and that art, in any form, is a powerful tool for healing and hope.
This post is a collaborative effort between AI and myself in order to provide the most up to date information.
