Send us a text

The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken many to their core, leaving artists wondering about their role in a world where truth-tellers face violent opposition. This watershed moment demands a response from those called to create in God's kingdom.

When darkness descends and voices are silenced, our natural instinct might be to retreat into safety and silence. Yet throughout history, persecution has never diminished the gospel—it has amplified it. As Acts 8:4 reminds us, "those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." The early church didn't hunker down in fear but scattered boldly, carrying truth into new territories.

Your creative expression isn't merely a hobby or pastime—it's a strategic weapon in God's hands against the powers of darkness. When the enemy targets truth-tellers, seeking to silence their voice, our response must be to multiply that voice through our own creative gifts. Your art matters profoundly in this moment, whether it speaks truth explicitly or embeds it within beauty and mystery.

This isn't a call to belligerence or confrontation for its own sake, but to stand firm in five essential ways: First, recognize your art as a weapon in God's hands, not a trivial pastime. Second, reject fear as a lie—create boldly as an act of defiance against the spirit of fear. Third, understand that pushback proves your assignment—if you're facing resistance, your light is making a difference. Fourth, remember that truth wrapped in love is never hate, regardless of how culture labels it. Finally, take heart knowing Christ is with you in the battle—rejection isn't failure but confirmation you're advancing the kingdom.

The world needs Christian artists who respond to radical violence not with more violence, but with radical love expressed through radical creativity. As darkness deepens, light becomes more visible and powerful. This is our moment to link arms with each other and with the Holy Spirit, lifting the creative candle of our lives to illuminate a path toward God's kingdom.

What will you create today that brings heaven to earth? The world is waiting for your voice.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Tucson-based artist Debbie Gallerani, whose work spans whimsical sculpture, mixed media, and a rich background as a professional cartoonist. From her charming bed and breakfast, La Casa Del Artista, to art shows across the country, Debbie’s life is a colorful blend of creativity, hospitality, and ministry.

Debbie opens up about her early dreams of becoming a syndicated cartoonist, the setbacks and detours she faced along the way, and how God’s faithfulness has carried her through seasons of challenge and change. We talk about the power of perseverance, the joy of creating art that brings delight, and the importance of sharing your faith through your creative life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Debbie’s early passion for cartooning shaped her unique style
• Finding joy in whimsical, hope-filled artwork
• Building creative community through hospitality and art
• Trusting God’s timing through life’s setbacks
• Ways to naturally share your faith with those who encounter your art

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“I’ve always been an artist, but it’s taken a lifetime of twists and turns to get to where I am now—and I wouldn’t trade the journey.” — Debbie Gallerani
“When you open your home and your heart to people, creativity flows in both directions.” — Matt Tommey
“God made us to create. Every time we use our gifts, we reflect His heart to the world.” — Debbie Gallerani

🌐 Connect with Debbie Gallerani: https://www.debbiegalleraniart.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

That burning desire for artistic community you've been feeling? It might be more than just a personal longing—it could be a divine calling on your life.

In this heart-stirring episode, Matt Tommey challenges listeners to consider a revolutionary idea: the very community you've been searching for might be the one God is calling you to create. Rather than waiting for an invitation or disqualifying yourself with excuses about lack of expertise or resources, what if your burden for connection is actually evidence of a calling?

Drawing from powerful biblical examples like David, Nehemiah, and Esther, Matt illustrates how God consistently works through people who recognize a burden and respond with a simple "yes." He vulnerably shares his own journey, beginning with a 3:09 AM divine wake-up call in 2009 that seemed impossible at the time. Starting with just a few couples gathering in his basement, that humble beginning has now grown into a global movement impacting thousands of artists.

The beauty of starting a creative community lies in its simplicity. You don't need specialized training or perfect circumstances—just a willingness to open your home, studio, or meet at a local café. These gatherings create sacred spaces where healing happens, calling is discovered, and transformation occurs. What if your living room could be where someone reconnects with their divine purpose or even encounters God for the first time?

Ready to join this global movement of creative communities? Visit https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/smallgroup to register your group and access resources to help you get started. Take that courageous first step—the artists in your area have been waiting for someone just like you to say yes.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Texas-based artist Wendy Michelle Davis, whose creativity flows from her deep faith and her love for building authentic community among artists. From her booth at the Cottonwood Festival to the vibrant art scene in Waco, Wendy shares her journey of discovering her artistic voice, overcoming challenges, and stepping into her God-given calling.

We explore how she integrates her walk with the Lord into every piece she creates, why she’s passionate about helping other artists thrive, and the ways community can become a powerful catalyst for creativity and Kingdom impact. If you’ve ever felt alone in your art journey or wondered how to blend faith, artistry, and community, Wendy’s story will deeply encourage you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Wendy found her unique artistic style and voice
• The role of community in an artist’s growth and success
• Integrating faith naturally into your creative practice
• Practical encouragement for artists navigating seasons of change

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

• “We’re creators because we’re made in His image. God wants us to be creative—it’s part of who He is, and it’s a beautiful gift we get to explore with Him.” — Wendy Michelle Davis
•  “Community is such a catalyst for creativity. When artists come together, something powerful happens.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Wendy Michelle Davis: https://www.wendymichelledavis.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Do you feel like you've missed your window to pursue the creative calling God placed in your heart? That nagging voice suggesting you're too old, too inexperienced, or that you've simply missed your chance might be louder than ever. But what if everything you believe about creative timing is fundamentally wrong?

This episode tackles the pervasive lie that artistic callings come with an expiration date. Drawing from Romans 11:29, we explore how "the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable" – meaning the creative purpose God designed for you remains intact regardless of your age or life circumstances. Through powerful examples like Moses who led Israel at 80, Sarah who gave birth at 90, and Grandma Moses who began painting in her late 70s, we see how God's timeline often defies conventional wisdom.

Your past experiences haven't disqualified you – they've prepared you. Every career path, relationship, hardship, and triumph has contributed to the unique perspective you bring to your art. What feels like delayed timing might actually be divine preparation for a creative expression only possible through the lens of your lived experience.

Using the practical framework of the five R's (Recognize, Repent, Replace, Reinforce, and Rejoice), you'll learn how to dismantle the lies that have framed your thinking and replace them with God's truth about your creative identity. Each morning becomes an opportunity to declare your creative calling is alive and your best days are ahead.

Whether you're 35 or 85, this message will rekindle hope that your artistic journey isn't over – it might just be beginning. The world needs the creative expression only you can offer, and God's gifts don't come with an expiration date. Are you ready to say yes to the creative calling that's always been yours?

The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly Newsletter → https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/blog/category/tcaweekly

Core4 Focus Planner → https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Ready to transform your creative process? Discover the counterintuitive truth that boundaries—far from stifling your artistry—actually amplify and accelerate your creative anointing. As artists, we often resist structure, clinging to the romantic notion that true creativity requires absolute freedom. Yet this episode reveals how sacred guardrails around your creative practice can channel your artistic energy into its most powerful expression.

Matt Tommey draws from 30+ years of artistic experience and scriptural wisdom to explain how boundaries concentrate rather than constrain your creative potential. "If your creative calling was important enough for God to give it to you," he explains, "it's important enough for you to set boundaries around it." This perspective shifts boundaries from burdens to blessings—protecting spaces where your creative anointing can thrive.

You'll learn practical strategies for establishing three essential types of boundaries: time boundaries that protect dedicated creative hours, energy boundaries that recognize when your creative potential peaks, and content boundaries that prevent "creative dabbling" and develop artistic mastery. These aren't arbitrary restrictions but intentional decisions that honor the creative calling God has placed on your life.

The most fulfilled and effective seasons in your creative journey will come when you understand that, like a river needs banks to channel its power, your creativity needs boundaries to focus its impact. As Psalm 16:6 reminds us, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." Stop being an "every now and then" artist and start establishing the sacred guardrails that will amplify your creative anointing.

Ready to transform your creative practice? Purchase you Core4 Focus Planner at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4 and join our global community of thriving Christian artists who are discovering the freedom that comes through focused, intentional creativity.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Have you found yourself caught in an endless cycle of creative hustle and disappointment? That relentless pressure to produce more art, gain more followers, and achieve greater success can leave even the most passionate artist feeling depleted and inadequate. But what if your greatest artistic achievements don't come from working harder but from learning to walk at God's pace?

This episode challenges the cultural narrative that equates success with constant productivity and instead offers a revolutionary alternative: grace-paced creativity. Drawing from Matthew 11:28-30, you'll discover why Jesus invites us to "learn the unforced rhythms of grace" and how this profoundly impacts your creative practice. Rather than allowing external pressures to drive your internal creative process, you'll learn how to operate from the inside out, guided by God's truth and the Holy Spirit's leading.

Just as nature operates in seasons—sowing, growing, harvesting, and resting—your creative life follows similar patterns. There's immense freedom in recognizing the season you're in and honoring it, rather than feeling inadequate because you're not constantly producing. This isn't about becoming unproductive; it's about the transformative shift from striving in your own strength to co-laboring with God.

Through practical frameworks like the Core Four Focus (Connect with God, Clarify your priorities, Create, and Cultivate relationships), you'll discover how to maintain this grace-paced creativity daily. The fruit is profound: peace in your studio, joy in the process, fulfillment in your journey, and experiencing God's favor. Instead of quick success followed by burnout, you'll develop depth, groundedness, and longevity in your creative calling.

Ready to stop feeling rushed, anxious, and inadequate in your art practice? Join us as we explore how slowing down might be your greatest creative advantage. Your art matters—and so does your soul's rest.

GET THE CORE4 Focus Planner today at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4.html 

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the creative breakthrough you've been searching for isn't found in more techniques or strategies, but in learning to be still? In this soul-stirring episode, we explore how sacred stillness unlocks divine creativity in ways that constant striving never can.

The tension between worldly pressure and spiritual flow creates a fascinating paradox for Christian artists. While culture pushes us to create faster, stay visible, and constantly perform, God whispers an invitation into stillness. "Cease striving and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) becomes our creative manifesto, challenging us to trust that God has already given us everything we need for inspired artistry.

Drawing from personal experiences and biblical wisdom, this episode offers practical guidance for transforming your creative process. Learn how beginning each studio session with intentional quiet time, eliminating digital distractions, and releasing the pressure to make everything "content" can dramatically shift your artistic flow. Discover when to push through creative blocks and when to trust that stepping away might actually be the most productive choice.

At its heart, this conversation reveals that the most profound art comes not from straining or performing, but from positioning our hearts to receive. When we approach creativity as co-creation with the divine—receiving gifts of inspiration rather than manufacturing them through willpower—we access a flow that's both deeply fulfilling and spiritually transformative.

Ready to experience the difference that sacred stillness can make in your creativity? Subscribe now, share with fellow artists, and join our community of creatives who are discovering how to thrive spiritually and artistically by embracing God's creative rhythms rather than the world's demanding pace.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the creative ruts you keep experiencing aren't just "part of the process" but actually fear-based barriers preventing you from fulfilling your God-given purpose as an artist?

Fear whispers that you're not talented enough, that it's too late, that your work doesn't matter—but these whispers aren't coming from your Creator. God has empowered you with a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not a spirit of fear. When you understand this truth, everything about your creative process can transform.

Your brain naturally protects you from perceived danger, and unless you've intentionally trained it according to God's Word, it will raise red flags when you try something new creatively. That's why 95% of what we do daily is controlled by our subconscious mind—creating an internal framework that either empowers or limits your artistic expression.

The creative instincts inside you—your attraction to certain media, techniques, colors, or subjects—aren't random. They're divine clues about your unique creative voice and purpose. As a believer, you're in union with Christ, not separated from His creative power. This means you can trust those instincts as the Holy Spirit's guidance in your artistic journey.

Every brushstroke, poem, dance movement, or musical note you create is an act of faith that can become a catalyst for transformation in someone's life. The difference between artists who thrive and those who remain stuck isn't talent or training—it's their willingness to show up consistently despite fear, trusting that "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."

The only qualification you need to step into your artistic calling is your "yes" to God. The only disqualification is giving in to fear. When you choose to create even when you feel inadequate or uninspired, you're declaring victory over fear and opening the door to supernatural creativity that flows through your art in ways you never imagined possible.

Ready to break free from creative fear once and for all? Join hundreds of artists worldwide who have renewed their minds and unlocked their God-given creative potential through our Foundations course. Your artistic breakthrough awaits! Listeners of this episode use coupon code PODCAST75 to get 75% off.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Have you ever sensed something greater than yourself flowing through your creative process? That feeling isn't just your imagination—it's an invitation to recognize and collaborate with the Holy Spirit as you create.

For Christian artists, creativity isn't merely self-expression but a sacred conversation with our Creator. This divine partnership transforms not only what we make but who we are becoming. When we understand that our artistic impulses are often spiritual nudges, we enter a deeper relationship with God through our creative practice.

Many artists struggle with the false belief that their work must contain overtly religious symbols or themes to be spiritually significant. The truth is profoundly liberating: God cares much more THAT you create than WHAT you create. Those nagging feelings of inadequacy or not being "Christian enough" in your art are never from the Lord. If God didn't want you to express your unique artistic voice and perspective, He wouldn't have designed you with those specific creative inclinations.

Creating an atmosphere for divine collaboration requires practical steps: establishing consistent studio time, journaling your impressions without self-judgment, and developing community with others who can recognize God's movement in your work when you might miss it. Like a well-maintained sailboat with its sail raised, you prepare and show up faithfully to your creative practice—but the divine wind that powers your journey comes from God alone.

The most beautiful aspect of this collaboration? Sometimes God uses your work in ways you never anticipated. You might create with one intention, but once released into the world, your art may minister to others in completely different ways. Rather than feeling frustrated when things don't go according to plan, embrace the adventure of creating with God and trust Him with the results.

Ready to recognize God's voice in your creative process? Join our thriving community of artists learning to create with purpose and kingdom impact. Subscribe to receive weekly inspiration and practical guidance for your artistic journey.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

The still, small voice of God exists even in our chaotic, noisy world—but are you positioned to hear it? In this transformative episode, we tackle one of the most fundamental aspects of walking with God: learning to recognize and respond to His voice in everyday life.

Many believers struggle with the concept that God wants to speak directly to them. Perhaps you've been taught that God only speaks through Scripture, or maybe past disappointments have left you skeptical. The truth is far more liberating—hearing God's voice isn't reserved for super-spiritual people or biblical characters, but is the birthright of every believer.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27) isn't just a nice verse—it's a promise about the relationship God desires with you. This episode provides practical strategies to cultivate a listening heart, including dedicated quiet time, journaling spiritual impressions, and learning to distinguish God's voice from other influences.

For artists especially, there's a profound connection between creativity and divine communication. Those moments of "flow" in your studio can become sacred opportunities for hearing God's guidance about not just your art, but every area of your life. By approaching your creative practice with intentionality and spiritual awareness, your studio becomes a sanctuary where heaven and earth overlap.

We explore how guarding your heart (Proverbs 4:23) creates fertile ground for God's voice to flourish while crowding out distractions and lies that prevent clear spiritual hearing. You'll discover how journaling what you sense becomes evidence of God's faithfulness, building confidence in your ability to recognize His voice over time.

Ready to experience the peace, confidence and supernatural guidance that comes from walking in step with God's voice? Whether you're struggling with creative blocks, life decisions, or simply longing for deeper connection with your Creator, this episode offers the practical guidance you need to tune your heart to heaven's frequency today.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Creative breakthrough isn't just about what happens in your studio—it's about who surrounds you on the journey. For artists conditioned to figure everything out alone, this revelation can transform both your creative practice and your business.

The most profound artistic growth emerges when we recognize that God designed us for connection. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor." This ancient wisdom applies powerfully to our modern creative pursuits.

When we talk about collaboration, many immediately think of joint projects or shared canvases. But the deepest transformations come through relationship-based collaborations—critique groups, mastermind circles, and authentic friendships with fellow creatives who speak truth into your journey. These trusted companions see opportunities in your work that remain invisible to you, challenge you to go deeper, and remind you of your calling when doubt creeps in.

Building these relationships requires intentional effort—starting critique groups, hosting creative gatherings, joining mentoring communities, or pursuing strategic partnerships. The most successful collaborations typically begin not with calculated networking but with genuine connection, recognizing divine appointments and having the courage to extend an invitation.

Don't let introversion become an excuse for isolation. Take the initiative rather than waiting for someone else to make the first move. As you open yourself to deeper creative community, you'll discover that the breakthrough you've been seeking might not be found in solitude but in the rich tapestry of relationships God is weaving around you. Subscribe now to join a community of artists who understand that in the kingdom, we were created to thrive together, not alone.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what truly sets apart artists who thrive in both their creative practice and business? It's not extraordinary talent, prolific output, or insider connections. The real differentiator is their ability to create intentional invitations – opportunities for meaningful connection through their art, process, story, and values.

When artists begin creating with connection deliberately in mind, a beautiful transformation occurs. This isn't just clever marketing; it's tapping into the spiritual principle found in Proverbs 11:25: "A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed." As you generously share your creative journey, you're watering others' souls while God simultaneously waters yours.

Many creatives resist sharing their work, feeling uncomfortable with self-promotion or fearing imperfection. But what if we reframed this entirely? Your willingness to authentically share your process, inspiration, and even struggles creates a magnetic attraction that draws people into your artistic world. This vulnerability and generosity become the backbone of both spiritual fulfillment and commercial success – because nobody buys art from necessity; they buy from connection.

The most powerful truth is that your unwillingness to release your work ultimately says, "I don't trust God in me." The freedom you're seeking comes when you can offer your best while trusting that God can multiply your efforts beyond imagination. Your art and life become signs and wonders, creating environments where others encounter beauty, meaning, and perhaps even the divine.

Ready to transform how you approach your creative practice? Remember: God cares more that we create than precisely what we create. Start creating simple, authentic invitations into your artistic journey today, and watch how both your audience and your own spirit flourish in response.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Gone are the days when artists could simply post pretty pictures and wait for sales to flow in. As we navigate 2025's social media landscape, one truth stands above all: authentic connection trumps content every time.

The secret to transforming casual followers into passionate collectors lies not in algorithm hacks or perfect photos, but in genuine, heart-level connection. Today's art buyers crave more than beautiful creations – they want to know the person behind the art, to glimpse your creative process, your family life, your joys and struggles. They're investing in your story as much as your artwork.

Each platform offers unique opportunities for this authentic engagement. Facebook remains the conversion powerhouse for the 40+ collector demographic, with personal profiles now getting five times more reach than business pages. Strategic use of Facebook groups and live videos can nurture deeper community connections. On Instagram, carousel posts and stories build intimacy, while showing your face on video increases engagement by a staggering 70%. Even TikTok, often dismissed by older artists, offers tremendous potential with its highly personalized algorithm and preference for authentic micro-stories.

Across all platforms, three principles remain constant: know your specific audience, make invitations rather than announcements, and prioritize connection through storytelling. By embracing these fundamentals, you'll create not just a following, but a community of supporters who genuinely connect with your artistic journey and naturally want to bring your creations into their lives. Ready to transform your social media approach? This episode provides the practical roadmap you've been seeking.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

The moment your art leaves your studio, something remarkable happens. Beyond metrics and transactions, a supernatural exchange takes place—one that transforms atmospheres, touches hearts, and creates ripples in the spiritual realm.

As we explore Matthew 5:14-16, we discover Jesus wasn't speaking metaphorically when He called us "the light of the world." For kingdom artists, this becomes a powerful commissioning: your creative expression isn't meant to be hidden away but strategically positioned like a lamp on a stand, illuminating darkness wherever it goes.

What sets spirit-led creativity apart isn't perfectionism or promotional savvy—it's authenticity. Like a campfire's warmth or a candle's gentle glow in a dark room, your art carries God's presence naturally when created from a place of connection with Him. I've witnessed countless stories of artists who, simply by being faithful to create and share their work, have seen God use their art to bring healing, hope, and transformation to people who never would have encountered His presence otherwise.

Your creative offerings function as seeds of beauty and truth in a world starved for both. While you might not witness every seed sprout this side of eternity, know that the Master Gardener sees each one and ensures it accomplishes exactly what He intends. What appears insignificant to you might become the precise vehicle God uses to speak to someone who's broken, discouraged, or searching.

Ready to experience this firsthand? This week, share something meaningful from your work—post about your process, tell the story behind a piece, or even give something away. Invite the Holy Spirit to surprise you with how He uses your creativity, and watch what happens when you recognize your art isn't just a hobby but a divine calling that creates intersection points where heaven meets earth.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Ever felt guilty for "just playing around" in your studio when there are commissions to complete and deadlines to meet? What if those moments of joyful experimentation are actually essential to your artistic growth and spiritual journey?

Drawing from my own artistic evolution, I share how seemingly random creative play—from fiddling with natural materials found while gardening to trying encaustic wax techniques—has repeatedly transformed my work in unexpected ways. These weren't calculated business moves but simply responses to curiosity that the Holy Spirit used to breathe new dimensions into my practice. The materials and techniques I stumbled upon during "unproductive" studio time eventually became defining elements of my artistic voice.

There's profound spiritual significance in creative experimentation. When Jesus said we must "come as little children" to enter the kingdom, he highlighted the very qualities that make creative play so powerful: wonder, openness, and joy unconcerned with productivity metrics. God isn't disappointed when we take time to experiment without clear objectives—these might be the very moments He uses to draw us deeper into communion with Him through creativity. As Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, God is always "doing a new thing," inviting us to perceive and participate in fresh expressions of His creative nature.

Ready to reconnect with the pure joy of creating? I challenge you to dedicate just 30 minutes this week to creative play without pressure or expectation. Turn on inspiring music, follow your curiosity, and see where the Spirit leads. Then share your experiments on social media and tag me—your courage might inspire fellow artists to embrace their own joyful experimentation. What breakthrough might be waiting for you in these seemingly "unproductive" moments of creative freedom?

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

The frustrating wall of creative emptiness hits every artist at some point - that moment when you walk into your studio excited to create, only to find nothing comes. But what if these creative blocks aren't random? What if they're signaling something deeper happening within you?

Drawing from over three decades of artistic experience and mentoring countless creatives, Matt Tommey unpacks the three primary sources of creative blocks: spiritual issues, internal mental clutter, and practical inspiration deficits. He reveals how feelings of fear, anxiety, doubt and inadequacy often mask spiritual lies that need to be confronted with biblical truth. When we recognize these thoughts as contrary to God's Word, we can take them captive and replace them with truth that sets our creativity free.

Beyond internal struggles, Matt addresses the reality of spiritual warfare in the creative process. When artists collaborate with the Holy Spirit, they become dangerous to the enemy's agenda, releasing light into darkness and beauty into brokenness. This spiritual impact makes creative blocks a battleground where understanding your God-given authority becomes essential. The practical side of creative blockage often comes down to neglecting regular inspiration - you simply can't draw from a well you haven't filled. Matt shares five actionable strategies to overcome blocks, including creating without pressure, keeping an inspiration journal, priming your creative pump daily, and staying connected to Christ as your ultimate source.

The path through creative paralysis isn't found in hiding your struggles or pushing through alone. Instead, Matt encourages artists to throw themselves at Jesus' feet, inviting the Holy Spirit into the very center of their stuck places. Whether you're experiencing momentary frustration or persistent creative drought, this episode offers spiritual wisdom and practical tools to help you break through and create with renewed purpose and divine partnership.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Daydreaming gets a bad rap, especially among creatives striving for focus and productivity. But what if that wandering mind could actually become your greatest creative asset?

Science reveals our minds naturally wander nearly half our waking hours. For artists, this can feel like a frustrating distraction—yet there's a profound difference between harmful mind-wandering and intentional, holy imagination. This episode explores how shifting your daydreaming from anxious rumination to Spirit-led contemplation can transform your entire creative process.

When we invite the Holy Spirit into those quiet spaces of our imagination, something remarkable happens. Our studios become sanctuaries. Our creative process becomes communion. Our art carries not just beauty but healing, peace, and prophetic insight. As Philippians 4:8 guides us to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, and lovely, we discover a scriptural foundation for holy daydreaming that aligns perfectly with neuroscience.

Through practical steps—creating daily quiet space, tracking thought patterns, anchoring imagination in Scripture, welcoming the Holy Spirit's guidance, and letting our hands create what our hearts are holding—we can cultivate an intentional creative practice that honors both our artistic calling and spiritual journey. God cares more about the process than the product, more about communion than performance.

Ready to transform your wandering thoughts into divine creativity? Your next breakthrough might be just a holy daydream away. Subscribe, share with a fellow artist, and remember: you were created to thrive.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered why singing worship songs or praying aloud makes you feel physically better? There's a fascinating neurological reason behind it, and it's all part of God's incredible design for your well-being.

The vagus nerve—running from your brainstem through your face, vocal cords, heart, lungs, and digestive system—is your body's built-in peace activator. Research shows that singing and praying aloud are two of the most powerful ways to stimulate this nerve, releasing calm throughout your entire being. It's biological proof of what scripture has always taught: expressing worship isn't just spiritually beneficial—it physically transforms your body.

When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Acts 16, they didn't just silently hope for rescue. They sang hymns, literally activating God's designed pathways for peace in their darkest moment. Their breakthrough wasn't just spiritual; it was neurological. Similarly, when you're battling anxiety or negative thought patterns, staying silent gives those thoughts power. Breaking the silence through declaration, worship, and prayer disrupts the enemy's grip and releases God's peace into your physical body.

For those called to create, there's even more good news. Studies show that just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lowers stress hormones—even in people who don't consider themselves artists. When you create, you're not just expressing yourself; you're tapping into the image of God within you, activating divine pathways for healing and wholeness.

Ready to experience the full power of God's design for your well-being? Start by using your voice. Pray aloud, worship with abandon, and speak God's promises over your life. Your creativity isn't just a gift—it's medicine for your spirit, soul, and body. Subscribe to the Thriving Christian Artist podcast to discover more ways to align with God's design for your creative calling.

References:

• Porges, S.W. (2010). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
• Zaccaro, A., et al. (2018). How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
• Newberg, A., et al. (2006). Neural correlates of glossolalia (praying in tongues): The measurement of regional cerebral blood flow during glossolalia. University of Pennsylvania study; also cited in How God Changes Your Brain (2009).
• Francis, L.J., & Robbins, M. (2003). Personality and glossolalia: A study among Pentecostal ministers. Journal of Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.
• Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Ever felt that creative spark and wondered where it truly comes from? Your studio isn't just a workspace—it's potentially sacred ground where divine partnership happens.

The concept of sacred creative spaces has deep biblical roots. In Exodus, we see artisans Bezalel and Oholiab filled with God's Spirit to create objects that would transmit His presence throughout their community. Like them, you've been gifted with creativity that flows directly from the Creator Himself. Whether you work in a dedicated studio or a quiet corner of your home, that space holds potential for divine encounter.

Hebrew gives us beautiful insight into creativity through two interconnected words: "yetser" (internal formation/imagination) and "yatsar" (external creation/crafting). Both spring from the same root word meaning "to form or fashion," revealing how creativity moves from inside out—just like God's kingdom operates in our lives. Your studio becomes the meeting point where internal vision takes external form through partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Transforming your creative space into holy ground can be beautifully simple: play worship music to set the atmosphere, use thoughtful lighting to create peaceful conditions, surround yourself with Scripture and inspiration, maintain organization to minimize distractions, and practice sketching as spiritual response to divine inspiration. Most importantly, assume connection with the Holy Spirit who already dwells within you—you don't need to beg for His presence, only raise your awareness of His nearness.

When you intentionally dedicate your creative space to God, something remarkable happens. Your art improves, often producing unexpected beauty, and you yourself are transformed. What you create shifts from mere decoration to powerful declaration of God's goodness. Your yielded creativity becomes a channel through which heaven touches earth.

Ready to experience this transformation? Begin today by dedicating your creative space as holy ground. Pray over it, anoint it if you feel led, and watch how God's presence elevates both you and everything you create. Share this episode with other artists who need this perspective shift, and together, let's become that army of creatives revealing God's glory through our art.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Are you an ENT artist—creating Every Now and Then whenever inspiration strikes? You're not alone. After mentoring artists for over 16 years, I've discovered the critical difference between those who merely dabble and those who truly thrive isn't talent—it's consistent, intentional habits.

The Core4 Focus Framework™ has transformed thousands of artists' lives, and today I'm breaking it down for you. First, Connect with God daily—not as a spiritual checkbox, but as the wellspring of your creativity. When you journal, declare biblical affirmations, and rehearse God's promises, you're establishing the foundation for everything else. As Jesus said, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."

Second, Clarify your focus each day in God's presence. Use your divine imagination as an internal artist's studio where God plants and nurtures ideas. Third, Create consistently—whether it's 15 minutes or several hours. Showing up in your studio is like raising a flag that says, "I'm ready to receive Your blessing today." Remember, inspiration often arrives after you begin, like priming an old pump.

Finally, Cultivate relationships by sharing your work regularly. Your art cannot bless others, generate income, or create impact if it remains hidden. These four habits—Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate—form the ground that God can bless with increase and momentum.

One of the saddest outcomes would be reaching heaven having used only a fraction of your artistic potential. Don't let that be your story! When you partner with the Holy Spirit through intentional habits, your creativity becomes a highway for God's Kingdom to flow through your life.

Finally, a 90-Day Planner for Spirit-Led Artists!

The Core4 Focus Planner™ is more than just a to-do list. It’s a spiritual and strategic companion for Christian artists who are ready to step into creative confidence, align with God’s purpose, and make meaningful progress every day.

This 90-day planner weaves together spiritual alignment and practical planning using the Core4 Focus Framework™—Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate. Inside, you’ll discover a simple rhythm of envisioning your year, setting 90-day goals, reviewing your week, and executing each day with focus and peace.

Available Now in Spiralbound or Hardbound

Ready to transform your creative practice? Join thousands of artists receiving our free Thriving Christian Artist Weekly newsletter, or take the next step with our Foundations Course or Artist Mentoring Program. Your calling deserves your attention—because you were created to thrive!

__________

Find out about The Foundations Course

Find out about The Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program 

__________

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Your story matters—every bit of it. Not just the polished highlight reels we share on social media, but the beautiful parts, the broken moments, the victories, and even the chapters we'd rather erase. God intentionally crafted you as His masterpiece, designed with purpose and a unique story He delights in.

When David wrote "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" in Psalm 139, he wasn't simply acknowledging basic human design. He was expressing awe at how intimately and intricately God created each of us. The same Creator who spoke galaxies into existence took time to weave you together with all your nuances, gifts, passions, and quirks. You are not random or accidental—you are handcrafted by the Lord with divine intention.

Many artists believe their struggles disqualify them from creating meaningful work or sharing their journey. Yet those very experiences that tried to break you often become your most powerful creative fuel. God uses all things—not just the pretty parts—to weave together a testimony of His redemptive power. When you begin sharing your authentic story through your art, something remarkable happens: the fears that once paralyzed you start giving way to freedom. Your creative expression becomes more than self-expression; it turns into a stepping stone others can walk on toward their own healing.

Ready to discover how your complete story can transform your artistic journey? Join our Foundations course where we'll help you excavate the deeper parts of your heart with the Holy Spirit, find healing in those places, and discover God's vision for your creative future. Remember: you were created to thrive.
_____

Join the Foundations Course Today!
_____

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

The paralyzing fear of sharing your artwork might be the very thing keeping you from walking in your divine calling. Whether you've felt that rush of pride when completing a piece only to immediately want to hide it away, or you've struggled with thoughts like "I'm not ready yet" or "It's not perfect," you're experiencing what countless artists battle. But what if this fear isn't actually wisdom at all?

Fear often wears the disguise of prudence, whispering seemingly reasonable hesitations that keep your art hidden. "Maybe I need to grow more first" or "This isn't the right season" might sound wise, but these thoughts frequently mask deeper insecurities rooted in the lie that "if you really knew me, you'd reject me." The truth? This voice of accusation and fear isn't from God.

Scripture offers powerful perspective through 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." The Greek word for power here is dunamis—the same root as "dynamite"—representing the explosive, transformative force that God has placed within you. This power, combined with love that compels action and a sound mind that provides spiritual focus, forms your divine equipment for overcoming artistic fear.

When you hide your art because of fear, you don't just limit your own journey; you rob the world of encountering God through your creativity. Art becomes a means of grace, a light shining, tangible evidence of things hoped for. Your creative expressions can become mountain-moving, roadblock-destroying forces in others' lives when offered to God with even a mustard seed of faith.

Take practical steps today: declare truth aloud when fear attacks, start sharing your work in small ways, and release the need for perfectionism. Remember, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." Your art matters more than you know—it's time to let it shine.

_____

Enroll in The Foundations Course Today at http://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations 

_____

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Comparison is perhaps the most pervasive challenge facing artists today, silently eroding confidence and stealing joy from the creative process. This episode tackles this universal struggle head-on, offering both spiritual wisdom and practical strategies to break free from the comparison trap.

Drawing from Galatians 6:4-5, we explore the biblical perspective on comparison and discover a powerful truth: God has custom-designed your artistic journey unlike anyone else's. When we fall into the habit of measuring ourselves against others, we're essentially telling God that His unique design for us isn't enough. This realization alone can be transformative for artists struggling to find their place in a crowded creative landscape.

The comparison cycle is insidious—beginning with a casual scroll through social media and potentially spiraling into creative paralysis or self-doubt. I share my personal struggles with comparison throughout my artistic career and how recognizing these patterns changed everything. You'll learn four practical strategies to overcome comparison: practicing daily gratitude, limiting social media consumption, intentionally celebrating others' successes, and maintaining laser focus on your specific assignment from God.

Ready to transform your creative life by breaking free from comparison? This episode provides the roadmap. Whether you're just beginning your artistic journey or you've been creating for decades, these principles will help you embrace your God-given uniqueness and create with newfound freedom and purpose. Join our Foundations Course if you're ready to go deeper in establishing your artistic identity in Christ and finally experiencing the creative freedom you were designed to enjoy.

__________

Find out more about The Foundations Course at http://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations 

*Podcast listeners get 75% off when using the PODCAST75 coupon code.*

__________

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Ever wonder if your artistic struggles mean you've missed God's calling? When marketing feels overwhelming, business challenges mount, and self-doubt creeps in, it's easy to question everything. I've walked this path myself—the last two years brought some of my biggest professional challenges as shifting markets and changing landscapes left me wondering if my trajectory had changed.

These tactical troubles—marketing confusion, business overwhelm, inconsistent studio time, pricing frustrations, and imposter syndrome—can feel like flashing warning signs telling us we're failing. But here's the transformative truth: your struggles don't indicate failure; they signal growth. You're learning, developing, and expanding—exactly as you should be.

Scripture offers us powerful anchors during these storms. Romans 11:29 reminds us that "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." He hasn't changed His mind about your creative calling just because things got difficult. Galatians 6:9 encourages persistence: we will reap if we don't give up. And Philippians 1:6 assures us that God will complete the good work He started in you.

To navigate these tactical challenges while staying aligned with your divine trajectory, I offer three proven approaches: refocus your "why" daily through intentional time with God, simplify by focusing on just the next step rather than trying to solve everything simultaneously, and surround yourself with supportive community rather than struggling alone.

You aren't behind, disqualified, or forgotten. You're exactly where you need to be—in process, becoming everything God designed you to be. Don't miss our free Thriving Christian Artist Weekly newsletter for regular encouragement, tips, and featured artist stories. Subscribe now through the link in the show notes and join thousands of artists discovering how to thrive in their creative calling!

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.