Kindness as Creative Medicine: 20 Simple Acts Artists Can Do to Nourish Each Other—and Themselves

As a creator, I’ve come to see that many of the wounds we carry as artists are not always visible on the canvas or screen—but they show up in how we self-talk to ourselves, relate to our art, and each other.

In the creative world, isolation, self-doubt, burnout, and comparison are everyday companions. We often chase validation while quietly battling the fear that we’re not good enough. The pressure to keep producing can leave us creatively drained and emotionally brittle.

But there’s a powerful antidote. It’s not expensive. It’s not complicated. It’s kindness.

In a world that often feels divided and overwhelming, the simplest acts of kindness and genuine connection become the strongest bridges—reminding us that we’re never truly alone on our creative journey.

A Few Kind Words

Remember how special it felt when someone truly admired you—for who you are and what you create. That warm feeling of being seen and appreciated. Can you give that same feeling to someone you admire? Just a few honest words can mean the world to them.

Kind words are small treasures that carry the power to inspire, heal, and uplift.

1. Send a genuine message of appreciation to a peer you admire—leave an uplifting, thoughtful comment on their post or portfolio.

I’ve always dropped kind words on art I admire — but lately, I’ve realised a quick “love this!” isn’t enough. Time to swap casual comments for heartfelt ones and cheer with a little more intention.

2. Share an emerging artist’s work with your audience—no strings attached, no expectations. Just because their voice deserves to be heard, and their art deserves to be seen.

When I stumble upon something wildly creative on Instagram, I toss it onto my story like a high-five to the artist — no strings, just pure admiration.

3. Share a quick tip, a short video, or a behind-the-scenes moment that helped you recently. Giving what helped you can light the way for others.

I share stuff all the time, but to save you from digging through old chats or playing memory ninja, I’ve stashed all the good stuff on one handy page — Resources. One-stop, zero scroll stress!

4. Publicly thank a mentor, teacher, or fellow creator who changed your journey. Let the world know how their presence shaped you. Your gratitude not only honors them—it reminds others of the quiet power of kindness, support, and believing in someone.

5. Take a moment to make a list of persons who’ve supported you, even in a small way—those who believed in you, uplifted you, or simply showed up when it mattered. Reach out and thank them privately, from the heart. Better, send a handwritten note for a persona touch.

The Joy of ‘Giving’

The joy of giving is truly priceless. The more you give, the more you feel that beautiful bond we all share as human beings. Whether it’s gifting a small print or mentoring a budding artist, these simple acts can inspire and uplift in ways that last a lifetime.

When you give with an open heart, you plant seeds of hope that bloom far beyond what you can see.

6. Gift a piece of your heart—whether it’s a print, a sketch, poetry, or a calendar—to someone you love or feel deeply thankful for. It can also be a free download—a calming wallpaper, a zine, a photo. Better, put a surprise note or mini print on someone’s desk or doorstep.

This year, I surprised the people I love (and quietly admire) with a little something from the heart — a tabletop calendar crafted from my landscape photography. A gift of time, framed in light.

7. Offer to create portraits, sketches, or paintings for them or their family, or use your skills and craft to help them in any way—completely free.

8. Offer to tell the story or capture the moments of a non-profit or community initiative close to your heart. By shining a light on their work, you help amplify their impact and inspire others to care and take action too.

9. Host a free live session, workshop, photo walk or Q&A for beginners—it’s a generous way to pass on what you’ve learned and help others take their first steps with confidence. What may seem basic to you could be a breakthrough for someone just starting out.

10. Send a care package of art supplies or books to a young artist—it’s a small act that can spark a lifetime of creativity. Your gesture tells them their passion is worth nurturing, even if the world hasn’t recognized it yet. Sometimes, all it takes is one thoughtful gift to remind someone their dreams matter.

Support and Empower

Think back to your hardest days—when you felt lost, unseen, or weary—until someone showed up with kindness, truly heard you, and reminded you of your worth. It felt like a lifeline, didn’t it? As if, in all our different paths, we share the same storms, the same quiet aches. Someone was there for you once—now, you can be that someone for someone else.

Your compassion can be the lifeline that someone else desperately needs but hasn’t yet found.

11. You don’t have to be a mental health expert to make a difference. Sometimes, simply offering a patient, non-judgmental ear can mean everything to someone struggling. Listen with care, and only if they ask, gently share what’s helped you or what might support them.

12. Invite a lesser-known artist to collaborate or co-create something with you—it’s a powerful way to uplift voices that often go unheard. Sharing your platform or creative space can open new doors for them and bring fresh energy and perspective to your own work.

13. Ask a fellow creator, “How are you really doing this week?”—not as a formality, but as a genuine check-in that opens the door to a safe space for honesty and healing. That small moment of care can build deep trust and remind them they’re not alone in whatever they’re facing. If you haven’t seen them in a while, meet them in person over a coffee or free-wheeling photo walk.

Beyond writing about artists’ mental health on the blog, I love checking in on fellow creators — seeing what’s lighting them up (or weighing them down), offering a listening ear, and only sharing advice if they ask for it.

14. Offer to mentor a budding artist or writer, sharing your hard-earned wisdom and insights to lighten their path. Your guidance can save them from needless struggles, empowering them to grow with confidence and hope. You can also share your books and resources with them.

15. Celebrate someone else’s win publicly, purely for the joy of seeing them shine. Resist the urge to compare or insert your own journey—let the spotlight be fully theirs. In doing so, you create a culture of genuine support, where success is shared, not measured against one another.

Be Kind to Yourself

What is kindness worth if it skips the one heart that needs it most — your own? Think back to your hardest days—when you felt lost, unseen, or weary—until someone showed up with kindness, truly heard you, and reminded you of your worth. It felt like a lifeline, didn’t it? As if, in all our different paths, we share the same storms, the same quiet aches. Someone was there for you once—now, you can be that someone for someone else.

Kindness isn’t just for others—it begins with how gently we treat ourselves.

16. Allow yourself to make mistakes and be imperfect—it’s not a flaw, but a vital part of growth. Every misstep carries a lesson, every flaw holds the seed of something real and meaningful. Embracing your imperfections gives you the freedom to create with honesty, courage, and self-compassion.

After reading Art and Fear, I made peace with my messy side — now I experiment freely, stumble often, and treat every win (and wobble) as part of the fun.

17. Let yourself rest without guilt—your worth isn’t measured by constant productivity. Rest is not a weakness; it’s a necessary act of care that restores your mind, body, and creativity. By honoring your own need to pause, you give others permission to do the same, reminding them that slowing down is not giving up, but choosing to heal.

18. Write a short blog or letter to your younger creative self—honest, tender, and full of the wisdom you’ve gathered along the way. It’s a powerful way to reflect on your growth, acknowledge your resilience, and honor the path that brought you here. Sharing it not only offers healing for yourself but can deeply resonate with others who are walking that same uncertain road now.

19. Keep a kindness or gratitude journal—just one act you gave or received each day. It gently shifts your focus toward the good, even on the hardest days, reminding you that warmth and connection are always present.

20. Do something totally unrelated to your art, or spend time with people who make you feel safe and loved—that’s fuel for your soul. Honestly, self-love isn’t a break from your creativity… it’s what helps keep it alive. Often, the most beautiful ideas come not from constant effort, but from moments of ease, laughter, and genuine connection.