That “lost” feeling? It’s not a problem. It’s the process.

Today kicks off a special series I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes for a while now.

It’s called the CREATE Spiral, and it’s a new framework I’ve developed to help artists understand why we get stuck and how to move forward—gently, without shame, and without needing to have it all figured out.

In this first episode, we’re talking about the very first phase of the spiral: Curiosity.

If you’ve been in a fog, wondering why nothing’s exciting you in the studio anymore…

If you’ve felt disconnected from your work, unsure what you want to paint next…

If you’ve caught yourself saying, “Is this all there is?”—this episode is for you.

You’ll learn why this phase is not a detour—it’s a necessary (and powerful) part of your creative growth. And I’ll show you how to move through it in a way that invites clarity, energy, and momentum back into your practice.

Your Episode Map

Major moments, minute by minute.

• [0:00–3:00] – Growth isn’t linear—meet the Create Spiral
• [4:00–6:00] – Fear and uncertainty aren’t problems—they’re part of the path
• [7:00–8:00] – Curiosity is your most underrated studio tool
• [9:20–12:00] – That “blah” feeling? It’s a clue, not a dead end
• [12:00–14:00] – You can’t rush clarity—give curiosity room to grow
• [15:00–16:30] – Follow the tiniest spark—even if it makes no sense (yet)

📌 For Your Studio Wall

The words worth pinning up next to your easel.

What to Bring Into the Studio With You

Because listening is just the beginning.

If you're in that murky place where everything feels kind of blah, you’re not broken. You’re just in the curiosity phase—and that’s a vital part of your growth as an artist.

Try this:
Open a journal or sketchbook and finish the sentence:
👉 “I'm really curious about…”

Let that be your starting point.
Not what will sell. Not what looks impressive. Just what feels quietly alive for you right now.

Let it be messy. Let it be uncertain.
Let it be enough.

And if this episode hit home, come say hi on Instagram:
@savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear what your curiosity is whispering to you.

Support the show

JD Wissler 1963-2025

This is a re-broadcast of an episode from August 2015.

JD was an incredible painter and a beautiful soul.

Go outside. Look up. Be in awe of what you see.

❤️

Support the show

You ever look at another artist and think, “Ugh—I wish I had their confidence”?
That thing they just seem to have—like it came standard and yours got left out?

Yeah. Let’s talk about that.

This week’s episode breaks down the myth that confidence is something you’re either born with or not.

I’ll show you how confidence works more like painting—something you build, refine, and grow with each stroke (even the messy ones).

Whether you’re struggling to price your work, share it online, or just get yourself back into the studio, this is for you.

Because here’s the truth: You don’t need confidence to start.
You need to start to build confidence.

Your Episode Map

• 00:38 – Confidence ≠ personality trait. It’s a practice.
• 01:30 – Two types of confidence: Experience vs. Self-confidence
• 04:24 – Why waiting for confidence keeps you stuck
• 09:39 – That time I gave a talk at Disney… and panicked
• 13:09 – Borrowing confidence from what you do know
• 14:44 – The truth behind people who “just seem confident”
• 17:10 – Why the tiniest baby steps matter
• 20:00 – Megan’s workshop nerves—and why they’re totally normal
• 22:31 – You grow into the person who can handle it
• 24:28 – Your creative fingerprint and trusting your own rhythm
• 25:00 – The only wrong move? No move.

📌 For Your Studio Wall

Words worth pinning next to your easel.

Thoughts to Bring Into the Studio With You

Because listening is just the beginning.

If confidence feels out of reach right now, remember this: every time you show up—paint a stroke, post your work, have the awkward conversation—you are practicing confidence.

Try this: pick one small thing that’s been making you hesitate. Then do it before you feel ready.

I'd love to see what you do with this episode! DM me on Instagram (or tag me) and tell me what you’re trying this week.
@savvypainterpodcast

Support the show