Let’s be real: maintaining a creative practice isn’t always easy. We all have days when we sit down at our workspace, surrounded by paper scraps, paints, or gluesticks… and just stare. The ideas feel flat. The excitement fizzles. The blank page mocks us.
In those moments, the thing that makes the biggest difference isn’t a new art supply, a fresh tutorial, or even an inspirational quote (though let’s be honest—we love those too). It’s connection. It’s community. It’s knowing that someone else gets it.
Creativity might start as a solo pursuit, but it thrives in good company.
The Myth of the Lone Genius
We often romanticize the idea of the solitary artist, toiling away in a candlelit studio, waiting for a lightning bolt of inspiration to strike. But in reality, most artists—especially those working consistently—draw energy from their community. They share ideas, give feedback, cheer each other on, and learn together. Creativity grows stronger when it’s shared.
That’s why community isn’t just a “nice to have” for artists - it’s essential. It keeps the spark alive when motivation dips. It adds accountability in the best possible way. And it makes the process feel less lonely and more fun.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
One of the biggest benefits of being in a creative community is being surrounded by people who understand what you’re trying to do—even if they don’t do it exactly the same way.
They know the thrill of finding the perfect vintage book page.
They understand the agony of ruining a piece you were almost finished with.
They get that sometimes, the most exciting part of your week is a new gluestick.
These may sound like small things, but they add up to something powerful. Feeling seen and supported keeps you moving forward. And when you’re part of a community that celebrates the small wins, it’s easier to show up for the next creative session.
The Power of Collective Momentum
Creativity is contagious. When you see someone experimenting, pushing through a block, or finishing a project they were stuck on, it gives you permission to try, to fail, to keep going. Being part of a group that’s actively creating can lift your energy, even if you’re not feeling particularly inspired that day.
Inside Collage-Lab, we lovingly refer to our members as the Lab Rats—a creative crew of collage lovers who experiment, play, and encourage each other. The name might be silly, but the support is real. We’ve seen again and again that showing up with others, even virtually, can rekindle a creative practice that’s gone quiet.
Whether it’s sharing a photo of your latest collage, participating in a monthly challenge, or just commenting with encouragement on someone else’s post, those small moments of interaction help keep the creative cycle going. It’s not about perfection. It’s about participation.
Finding Your People
If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or uninspired, consider this your invitation to connect. Whether it’s through a local group, an online forum, or a membership like Collage-Lab, surrounding yourself with other creatives is one of the best gifts you can give your art practice.
You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, you’ll probably have a lot more fun if you don’t.
Because when we show up for each other, we show up for ourselves. When we cheer each other on, we grow together. And when creativity feels hard, community makes it easier to begin again.
So here’s to shared scissors, messy tables, weird experiments, and unexpected breakthroughs. Here’s to creative connection!
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