When life gets hectic, it’s easy to let self care art slip to the bottom of the list. But creating – even just for a couple of minutes – can do wonders for your wellbeing. Whether you’re sketching after work, painting on the weekend, or just doodling on your lunch break, art can be a powerful form of self care.

In this guide, we’re diving into how you can use creativity to recharge, reflect, and reconnect – with yourself.

Make space for mindful arts and crafts

You don’t need a full-blown studio to try self care through art – but having a calm, creative corner can help you ease into the process. Whether it’s your kitchen table or a cosy desk nook, try setting up a space that feels inviting and easy to use.

Organise your supplies so they’re within reach and ready to go. Storage like the Studio Tidy or Multipurpose Art Box can help you keep everything neat and accessible. When your paints, pencils, or sketchbooks are easy to find, it’s that much simpler to dive in.

Light a candle, cue your comfort playlist, and treat your art time like a little ritual—one just for you. It’s not about making a masterpiece. It’s about giving yourself permission to create without pressure.

Art relaxation – create to unwind

Art gives your brain a chance to slow down and be present. Whether you're blending watercolours, shaping clay, or layering pastels, the focus and repetition can be seriously calming.

Try intuitive art-making – where you let the materials guide you rather than sticking to a specific plan. Think fluid art with Pouring Paints, expressive lines with Oil Pastels, or layering textures with Modelling Paste and Acrylics. These kinds of projects are great for letting go of stress and just enjoying the making-part of creating.

If your mind feels crowded, getting your hands moving can be a powerful reset.

Let your feelings lead the way with emotional art

Sometimes the best self care comes from putting your feelings on the page. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just a bit ‘meh,’ try expressing it through colour, line, or form.

You could:

-     Choose colours that match your mood

-     Create abstract shapes to represent thoughts or feelings

-     Keep a creative journal and use it as a visual diary

There are no rules here – just go with whatever feels right in the moment. It’s a simple, powerful way to check in with yourself and honour how you’re feeling.

Stuck for art ideas? Just start somewhere

Ever feel that itch to create something... but your mind’s gone completely blank? It happens to the best of us. The good news? You don’t need a perfect idea to get started.

When inspiration feels out of reach, try scrolling through a few trending ideas or head over to our Create Space for tutorials and projects to kickstart your creativity. Sometimes all it takes is a colour palette, a technique, or even a fun new medium to spark something new.

You don’t have to plan a masterpiece – just put your pen or brush to paper and see where it takes you. The act of creating is the win. So, whether it’s a doodle, a swatching paint, or a drawing repeating pattern, give yourself permission to make something – anything – and just enjoy the process.

Try something totally new

Exploring a new medium can shake things up and bring a fresh wave of motivation. Always wanted to try gouache, metallic markers, or sculpting with clay? Go for it!

New tools = new possibilities. Even if it feels awkward at first, experimenting with unfamiliar materials can spark excitement and help you stay curious in your creative practice. You don’t have to know exactly what you’re doing – it’s about getting those hands busy and that mind at ease.

Be gentle with yourself

Not every art session will feel easy or inspired and that’s okay. There will be days where everything feels off or where your creativity just doesn’t want to show up. That’s all part of the journey.

Self care through art is about showing up anyway. Even 10 minutes of doodling or mixing colours can be a win. And if you take a break? That’s fine too. Your art will always be there when you’re ready to return.

Creative self care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about using creativity as a way to breathe, reflect, and take a little time for yourself. Set up your space, pick up your tools, and follow whatever feels good. Your creative practice is yours and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.

If you do take a moment to make something, feel free to let us know with #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to know what you’ve been up to.

Looking for more lessons and techniques? Explore our Tips & Techniques collection, or else browse Projects for your next big idea.

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