How I Took My First Creative Step (and how the Magic unfolds)

It all started with a simple box of watercolours. When I first opened it, so vibrant, so pretty and I felt… stuck. The paints looked too perfect. A little voice in my head whispered, What if I mess them up? What if I’m not good enough to use these?

I’d always wanted to create, but the fear of starting kept me frozen. It’s funny how something as small as a blank sheet of paper or an unused set of paints can feel so daunting. But then, I reminded myself: I didn’t buy these to sit there looking pretty.

So, I made a decision: I would start, and I would keep it simple.

The First Step

I grabbed an A4 sheet of paper, dipped my brush in water, and picked up the first colour. I made a little swatch on the page. Then another. And another. I didn’t try to “paint” anything—just a brushstroke here, a dab there. I even used my finger to smudge and make marks.

And something magical happened: I started to feel the colours.

As I tested each shade in the palette, I noticed which ones made me smile or sparked a little excitement. I circled those colours with a pencil—my favourites, the ones I’d come back to. That was it. No pressure, no masterpiece. Just pure, childlike fun.

A Little Challenge

The next day, I set myself a playful challenge: pick five of my favourite colours and try them out with different tools. I grabbed whatever was lying around—brushes, a scraper, Q-tips. The results? Magical. Each tool made a completely different mark, and I found myself fascinated by the textures and patterns I could create.

And then came the real fun: mixing colours. I started combining my favourites, watching them blend into entirely new shades. It was like discovering a hidden world inside my paintbox.

It’s Not About the Materials

Here’s the thing—it doesn’t matter what medium or materials you use. For me, it started with watercolours, but I don’t even paint with them anymore. These days, my work is mostly in acrylic and digital art on Procreate. The beauty of creativity is that you don’t need to know where your journey will take you when you start.

What matters is taking that first step. It’s not about creating something perfect. It’s about moving past the fear, making that first mark on the page, and giving yourself permission to play.

Why This Works

This approach works because it removes the pressure to create something “good.” There’s no right or wrong, no rules to follow. It’s just about experimenting, playing, and getting comfortable with the act of creating.

This first step unlocks the part of you that’s curious, fearless, and open to the joy of creating. It’s not about the end result; it’s about the process of discovery.

Your Turn: Start Small

Here’s how you can take your own first step:

• Grab whatever you have: Whether it’s a set of watercolours, a pencil, some markers, or even a ballpoint pen—it doesn’t matter. Use what you’ve got.

• Even while sitting and binging on your favourite Netflix series, pick up that piece of paper.

• Test it out: On a blank page, make swatches, lines, or marks. Use a brush, your finger, or anything else that feels right.

• Notice what you like: Circle or note the colours, shapes, or marks that make you feel excited.

• Experiment with tools: Try different objects—sponges, Q-tips, or even a kitchen fork. Notice how they interact with your materials.

• Mix and match: Blend colours, shapes, or techniques. See what happens when you combine them.

The Beauty of Starting

That’s it. No rules, no expectations—just pure, creative exploration. And who knows? That little first step might be the beginning of something much bigger. It certainly was for me.

So, what are you waiting for? Open that box of paints, grab a pencil, or fire up your tablet. Start where you are, with what you have. You’ve got this.

Remember: your journey will unfold, and it all starts with a single mark.

A Heartfelt Disclosure

"I want to be completely honest with you—I’m not an art teacher. I never went to art school. I’m a self-taught artist who’s still learning every single day. I’d bet money that you’re a better artist than I am.

For the longest time, this thought would have completely paralyzed me. Who am I to give advice to others? I’m still figuring it out myself! And honestly, the idea of posting a video like this? Laughable. A year ago, I would’ve been terrified—worried about nasty comments, judgment, and being ‘not good enough.’

But something has shifted for me since I started this journey. By taking those first tiny steps, I’ve discovered a freedom I never could have imagined. That freedom—to create without fear, to share without perfection—has opened up an entirely new world of possibilities.

Now, I’m building a website to showcase my art. I still question myself...Me I am so not ‘techie,’ I'm taking on this challenge to prove to myself—and hopefully to you—that anything is possible if you just start and keep going.

If you’re struggling with fear, judgment, or perfectionism, know this: I’ve been there. Those exact things held me back too. But letting go of them has been life-changing.

I’m here to be your cheerleader. Nothing would make me happier than to see you step into your power and say goodbye to fear. The only thing standing between you and your goals is your hesitation. It’s time to stop hiding. Life is for living. Take that first step—it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours." The world needs what you have to share, nobody can share it the way you do.

Start Small, Dream Big, and Remember—There Are No Limits to What You Can Create.

Until next time, Love Lisa xx