Retrain Your Art Brain: Build a Creative Life That Fuels Itself

watch the original youtube episode here

Want to become a supercharged artist? It doesn’t start with a fancy brush set or a better tablet—it starts with habits, mindset, and how you live outside of the canvas.

This post is a practical guide to rewiring your routines, emotions, and environment to help your art thrive.

🔁 Build Habits That Support Your Creative Brain

Establishing a consistent daily routine is your foundation. Structure doesn’t kill creativity—it gives it room to flourish.

Here’s how to shift some common habits:

Default BehaviorUpgrade PathLong-Term HabitNetflix bingeRead a book before bedBetter sleep, inspired ideasFast foodCook at home, meal prepMore energy, fewer crashesBad influencesFind proactive friendsShared goals, accountabilityPassive downtimeAdd hobbies or movementBetter mood, more ideas

I personally try to minimize eating out and focus on cooking solid, satisfying meals—lots of chicken, pork, air-fried veggies, potatoes. Simple, nourishing, and consistent.

🧘 Emotional Upkeep = Artistic Longevity

To reach new creative heights, you have to manage what's going on inside. That means taking care of your mind and your stress levels.

Here’s a quick checklist of how I handle emotional slumps:

• Tired? → Go to sleep.
  Don’t sacrifice tomorrow’s productivity for revenge procrastination tonight.

• Self-doubt? → Try journaling.
  Track your progress, acknowledge your wins, reflect on how far you’ve come.

• Feeling stuck? → Switch it up.
  Take a shower, do a small chore, go for a walk—get that dopamine moving.

🎨 Why Hobbies Make You a Better Artist

Art isn’t just made in the studio. Your experiences, hobbies, and passions outside of it bring new energy into your work.

Hobbies can:

• Inspire fresh ideas and aesthetics

• Prevent burnout by giving your brain a break

• Teach you transferable skills (e.g. woodworking = precision, gardening = patience)

• Keep you physically and mentally healthy

The key is diversification. Whether it’s hiking, running, or just getting outside, movement and variation are fuel for longevity.

🧭 Stay Balanced: Creativity Is a Long Game

Here are a few core principles I live by to keep creating without crashing:

• 🎓 Keep learning → Read, explore museums, draw on location

• ⚖️ Balance work & play → Burnout kills ideas

• 🧰 Expand your toolkit → Try crafts, write, explore new mediums

I dedicate 45min per day to intense physical activity

💬 Mindset is Everything

A positive outlook won’t just improve your art—it will make the journey more enjoyable.

• Be humble, but celebrate your growth.

• Confidence fuels consistency. Build it through small wins.

• Growth mindset = Learn daily, share knowledge generously.

• Be open to feedback, but ignore criticism that lacks value.

• Laugh more. Really—creativity thrives in lightness too.

Becoming a better artist isn't just about drawing more. It's about building a lifestyle that supports your creativity in the long run. Your habits, thoughts, and hobbies all contribute to the kind of work you’ll make—and the kind of artist you'll become.

So start small, stay curious, and make your life your most important project.