by
If you’ve ever felt like making art is something you need to “earn” after finishing your tasks, this article will change your mind. Learn why creativity is a necessity, not a reward, and explore five projects to spark your inspiration.
If you feel a little guilty stepping away from your to-do list to do something creative, you’re not alone. Most of us grew up thinking that if we’re not working, cleaning, running errands, or taking care of someone else, we’re “wasting time.” But here’s the truth: your brain needs creative downtime. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Doing creative activities like calligraphy, painting, journaling, or even simple doodling can significantly boost your mood and reduce cortisol levels. In fact, a Drexel University study found that 75% of participants had reduced stress after just 45 minutes of creating art—proof that even short creative breaks can be powerful reset buttons. I’ve felt this firsthand: during the colicky newborn days with my first baby, I leaned on quick creative projects like envelope calligraphy and lettering maps. I’d carve out time while my husband cared for the baby, and those little pockets of creativity were my sanity savers.
Forbes writes that tapping into your creativity leads to a state of flow. Even if the term “flow state” doesn’t sound familiar, you know the feeling: it’s that meditative, calm state where you get lost in what you’re doing. I always know when I’ve been in a flow state because I’ll look at the clock and feel surprised at how much time has passed! We love the flow state because it “reduces anxiety, boosts your mood, and even slows your heart rate.”
In my research, I found a lot of articles that reinforce the idea of creativity and crafting as therapy. One that I enjoyed in particular is This is Your Brain on Crafting, published by CNN. The article explores the experience of a woman who used knitting projects to help her process her brother’s sudden death. I wasn’t surprised; over the years, I’ve heard from many TPK readers who have turned to creativity to navigate life’s toughest moments, from grief and loss to divorce and difficult diagnoses. It’s not just about making something beautiful—it’s about finding a quiet space where your mind can rest, process, and heal.
Your creative practices—like calligraphy, painting, and illustration—work wonders to support your happiness and well-being. Here’s how:
Creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. You don’t have to be a master artist to find joy in making something! In fact, according to a study published by Science Daily, people often find “inherent pleasure in doing art activities independent of the end results.” Here are some projects to start with:
What words do you need to hear today? Calligraph or illustrate those words beautifully. Then, frame the finished piece, tape it to a wall, or tuck it into a notebook that you use often.
There are several tutorials on the TPK site that provide quote inspiration. Try your hand at any of the following:
Mail art is a delightful rabbit hole that leads to all sorts of creative adventures. You’ll probably find that it inspires you to improve your calligraphy and lettering, sparks an interest in watercolor and illustration, and maybe even turns you into a bit of a postage stamp nerd.
There’s no shortage of mail art tutorials on the TPK Blog, and I’ve loved creating every single one. Still, these four stand out as my favorites because of the unique details and creative joy they bring:
When some people hear “sketchbook,” imposter syndrome kicks in. The word conjures images of professional artists casually flipping through pages of masterpieces—cue Jack from Titanic with his flawless figure drawings. But, really, a sketchbook is just a space for exploration, mistakes, doodles, memory-keeping, and/or ideas. In other words, it’s yours to define.
If you’re new to sketchbooking, read How to Make a Sketchbook Journal (and Why You Should!). In that article, you’ll find tips on how to get started, inspiration for choosing page themes, and encouragement to embrace imperfection. Then, try one of these tutorials:
There’s a certain freedom that comes with focusing on one letter and turning it into art. It’s a chance to explore details, textures, and flourishes without overthinking the layout. Plus, no kerning to worry about—just pure, creative fun.
A lot of TPK’s letter-focused tutorials are pretty beginner-friendly because they start with tracing. It’s about starting with that helpful foundation, then getting into that flow state to make the project your own!
Greeting cards are like little pockets of mindfulness. They give you a focused, manageable space to play with colors, lettering, and designs. The beauty is in the process, and the quiet happiness that comes from sending a little piece of art to someone you care about.
There are a variety of greeting card tutorials on the site, and they cover pretty much every occasion (browse them here). Don’t feel limited by the labels—what I call a birthday card could just as easily be used for any occasion. My current four favorite greeting cards on the Blog include:
I read an interesting, albeit a bit morbid, quote by Charles de Gaulle the other day: “The graveyard is full of indispensable people.” It’s a stark reminder that life keeps moving, no matter how much we convince ourselves we’re too busy to pause. We often pour our energy into obligations, forgetting that we can’t truly show up for others if we’re running on empty.
If you take anything from this article, let it be this: your creativity is not selfish, silly, or a waste of time. It’s fuel, medicine, and a direct path to a happier, more grounded version of you. So, the next time you begin to feel guilty for “stealing” time to create, remember:
I really appreciate you spending part of your day with me. My hope is that you feel inspired to make room for creativity, no matter how busy life gets. It’s okay to pause, let yourself play, and get lost in something you love. Life will be waiting when you come back—and you’ll be more grounded and ready for whatever’s next!
Warmly,
inspiration in your inbox
TPK’s innovative newsletters are an artistic treat. Join the 125K+ subscribers who have already discovered The Postman’s Knock, and receive 10% off your first Digital Catalog order.
Fuel your inspiration and creativity with TPK Premium Plus! Members enjoy three free worksheets or learning resources every month, unlimited video course access, member-exclusive tutorials, and a 10% discount on all Supplies Shop orders.
