5 signs you need a creativity permission slip

I know I said this would be a tech newsletter - and it is - but I feel pulled to start with a less-techy topic that has been on my mind recently.

Plus, as the owner of this newsletter, I make the rules. And I declare that there are no rules. 👑

It might sound a little counterintuitive, but technology and creativity meet pretty often.

Case in point: online business. The “online” part implies that there’s tech involved, but “business” is the meat and potatoes of that term. And to have a business - whether you’re selling your handmade pottery or customizing exercise programs - you need to get creative.

I’m currently reading Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. I’ll share more about this book later, but yesterday I thought, “I love books like these. It feels like a hug from a friend who gets me and knows exactly what I need to hear. Books like these are permission slips for creativity.”

📌 To be clear, I’m not suggesting that you need permission from someone to be creative. Creativity is a blessing and a right that comes with being human.

But it’s nice to have a friendly nudge once in a while, right?

Right. 😊

Here are 5 signs you might benefit from a friendly nudge, each paired with a creativity permission slip that I’ve found helpful.

Sign #1: You don’t know where to start.

Permission slip: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Steal Like an Artist gives you the pep talk you need to stop overthinking and just start. It’s concise, approachable, and filled with fun cartoons and illustrations. A quick read that you can binge in one afternoon, or take it one chapter at a time.

If you can, I recommend reading the print version of the book to get the full effect of Kleon’s unique style.

Sign #2: You’ve thought, “Who am I to create? No one will care.”

Permission slip: Amie McNee @inspiredtowrite

Amie is that friend who will give you tough love when you need it. She believes so fiercely in artists of all talents and walks of life, and she creates some really thought-provoking pieces to light a fire under your butt.

You can find Amie on Instagram @inspiredtowrite, her podcast Unpublished, and more.

Sign #3: Your brain is too busy for creativity.

Permission slip: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Ever heard of Morning Pages? Julia Cameron coined that term, and The Artist’s Way guides you through Morning Pages, Artist Dates, and other practical strategies for clearing out the noise in your mind to let your creativity take center stage.

The book is structured as a 12-week program, and I’ll admit I’m working through it a little slower to fully process its wisdom. It’s a staple on any creative’s bookshelf.

Sign #4: You experience analysis paralysis from having so many interests.

Permission slip: Anything Elyse Myers has ever created

First known for sharing the story of her worst first date, Elyse has to be one of the most relatable people on the Internet. What I love about Elyse is how she has several different interests - like many of us - and she actually explores them. Because how else are you going to find out what you like and what you don’t like?

These days she posts vlogs on her YouTube channel about her life and creative pursuits. She is unapologetically herself and I want to be her friend.

Sign #5: You feel alone in your desire to be creative.

Permission slip: Your community

This one’s a little cliché, but books and parasocial relationships will only get you so far. Sometimes you need a creative person in your inner circle to boost your confidence and tell you to go for it.

When I think of people in my creative community, my GIRL Valeri from @homesteadandthread is at the top of my list. One single comment on an Instagram Reel about a year ago was the beginning of an endless string of DMs about crafting, business, and life. Valeri was the first person with whom I shared my idea for Technically Katelen, and I seriously don’t think I would have pursued this if not for her.

Moral of the story: Surround yourself with creative people. Need a creative buddy in your life? Comment on someone’s Instagram post. You never know what will happen. 😊

What other creativity permission slips do you recommend? Leave a comment on this post or join the conversation over on Instagram.

Until next time,

Katelen