Welcome back to Empowering the Artist Within, this is the space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth!

I’m your host Liz Ross, and this episode is all about allowing for freedom in your creativity through traditional & digital art journaling.

If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, pressured to “finish” an art journal spread, or afraid of ruining something you like, you are not alone. So many artists get caught up in perfectionism and fear of the outcome. In this episode you’ll hear about my experience with art journaling, how it can provide us with a safe space for expression, and how digital art can change everything.

We’ll talk about how digital art tools, like Procreate, can open new doors to creativity. Just like traditional art journaling, they give you permission to experiment, explore, and create without the pressure of a finished result.

💛 In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

• Release the need for perfection in your art journaling.
• Use unfinished and layered pages as part of your creative practice.
• Use digital tools like Procreate to inform your artistic practice and create new art from old.
• Gather photos of existing work, gel prints, collage papers and photographs and use them in a Procreate.
• Use Procreate as a playful, pressure-free tool to explore, experiment and play.

Art is not about the medium, it’s about the freedom to express yourself. Your creativity is valid, meaningful, and worth celebrating🌿

✨ Mini Challenge:

1. Import a photo of your art into Procreate

If you don’t know how sign up for my FREE Procreate Masterclass and I’ll show you

1. You could choose to import a gelli print, collage paper, page from your art journal or a canvas piece.

2. Play around with the brushes, make some marks and have some fun playing.

3. Export as a jpg and sae to your camera roll.

4. Come over to my new Facebook group and share your explorations with us.

⭐️Question of the week:

Do you use Procreate or another digital tool in your creative practice? How do you feel about mixing digital and traditional ?

Head over to my new instagram account and let me know your answer in the comments - look for the question above in my feed and pop your thoughts under it.

💌 Connect & Support:

• Support the Podcast; Buy me a coffee ☕️ — Every cup helps me create more inspiring episodes for you!
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help more artists find the show.
• Join me on Instagram at my new podcast account: @empoweringtheartistwithin
• Explore my art, free resources, and creative inspiration here: www.artbylizross.com
• Follow me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/artbylizross/
• Submit a question: Email liz@artbylizross.com with a question you’d like me to discuss on the Podcast or if you want to reach out and let me know your thoughts on any of the episodes so far - I love to hear from you.

🗣️ Mentioned in this episode:

Kaisa Hart - 7 Day Mark Making Challenge https://www.kaisahart.com/mindful-mark-making-challenge

Kaisa Hart Free Art Journaling Course https://www.kaisahart.com/art-journaling-joy-course

Follow Kaisa on instagram https://www.instagram.com/artistkaisahart/

Keep creating, keep exploring, and remember your art doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. 🌿

✨ Welcome back to Empowering the Artist Within, the space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth! I’m your host Liz Ross, and today’s episode is a gentle yet powerful affirmation session to help you show up boldly as a creative, even when fear or self-doubt shows up.

If you’ve ever hesitated to share your art, felt nervous about posting your work, or worried that your creations aren’t “perfect,” these affirmations are here to ground you, remind you of your worth, and encourage you to take brave steps in your creative journey.

💛 In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Build courage and confidence as a creative

• Feel safe to show up imperfectly

• Transform fear and self-doubt into motivation

• Embrace vulnerability as a strength in creativity

🎨 Sample Affirmations from this episode:

• I am learning to show up with courage, even when I feel afraid.

• I am learning to show up with courage, even when I feel afraid.

• I celebrate my creativity; messy, imperfect, and beautifully mine.

• I am safe to take up space as an artist.

• Every time I share my art, I grow stronger and more confident.

✨ Remember: confidence is built step by step, one brave moment at a time. Take a small action this week: Share your art, try something new, or simply acknowledge your progress. Every act of showing up is a victory!

💌 Connect & Support:

• Support the Podcast; Buy me a coffee ☕️ Every cup bought helps fuel more creativity and wonderful episodes!

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show!

• Follow me on Instagram to keep the conversation going at my NEW instagram account for the podcast www.instagram.com/empoweringtheartistwithin

• Explore more inspiration and art here: www.artbylizross.com

Keep creating, exploring, and keep believing and trusting in yourself. Your voice and your art matter.

Support my podcast by buying me a coffee - I give all my supporters a shout out on my show and link their instagram acct in these notes!----more----

So many of us long to share our art, our voice, or even just a glimpse of ourselves online but when it comes to actually doing it, confidence crumbles. The inner critic kicks in, negative thoughts spiral, and before we know it, we’ve shrunk ourselves small again.

If that feels familiar, this episode is for you.

I open up about my own journey of building confidence; from barely being able to speak up on video calls, to recording podcast episodes without a script. Along the way, I share the practices and mindset shifts that helped me grow braver, and the importance of having community support when you’re learning to show up.

Together we’ll look at:

• Why negative thoughts and limiting beliefs keep us quiet and small.

• How to reframe those stories into encouragement and possibility.

• Why giving yourself permission to be imperfect is one of the most freeing things you can do.

• The magic of sharing your work even if it’s messy, unfinished, or unpolished.

• How letting go actually makes space for new opportunities.

You’ll walk away from this episode with encouragement to start showing up as you are, permission to be imperfect, and a reminder that your creativity is worth celebrating.

Because your art is magic. And it deserves to be seen.----more----

With thanks to my supporters; @artistkaisahart @annafmacdonaldart @sg_art_and_journals

----more----Connect with me - Liz Ross: For more inspiration & creative encouragement follow me on Instagram @artbylizross or sign up for my newsletter at artbylizross.com

☕️ If you enjoyed this episode support the show by buying me a coffee

Grab my FREE Procreate Masterclass here

If you’ve enjoyed my art or podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕ to support me and keep the creativity flowing!

Welcome to this week’s episode of Empowering the Artist Within with Liz Ross. I am so excited to bring you this extra special bonus episode this month. Today I’m joined by the incredible Louise Fletcher; Artist, mentor, and creator of the transformative courses Find Your Joy and Find Your Voice. In this honest conversation Louise shares her journey from overcoming her limiting beliefs to mentoring hundreds of artists worldwide, and how her work helps creatives break free from perfectionism to rediscover their authentic voice.

We dive into the heart of her teaching: trusting your intuition, embracing mistakes, and showing up for your art consistently. We also explore the power of community through her Art Tribe membership, and how art can be a mirror for life - teaching patience, self-acceptance, and presence.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Rediscover Your Voice: Louise’s courses gently guide you out of perfectionism and back into your own creative flow, helping you trust and celebrate your unique artistic voice.
• Trust Your Intuition: How to move from copying to expressing yourself freely. Let your instincts lead the way and watch your art come alive with authenticity.
• Embrace Imperfection: The “mistakes” are often where the magic happens. Allow yourself to be messy, playful, and real, and your work will naturally become more expressive and personal.
• The Power of Community: Being part of Art Tribe reminds you that you’re not alone. Support, encouragement, and shared growth spark confidence and inspire experimentation in ways you can’t achieve on your own.
• Show Up Consistently: Waiting for the perfect moment or a burst of inspiration can hold you back. Showing up, even when it feels hard, builds momentum, trust, and a stronger connection to your creative self.
• Safe Sharing: Putting your work out into the world can feel vulnerable but it’s in that openness where connection, feedback, and real growth happen.

💡 Try This: Paint or draw for 20 minutes without judgment. Focus on process, not perfection. Notice what happens when you release expectations.

Connect with Louise Fletcher: If you want to explore Louise’s teaching further, you can sign up for her free course here: https://www.louisefletchercourses.com/creative-reset and start your journey toward creative freedom today.

Follow Louise;

Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/louisefletcher_art/

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/louisefletcherart

Website; https://www.louisefletcherart.com

Connect with Liz Ross: For more inspiration & creative encouragement follow me on Instagram @artbylizross or sign up for my newsletter at artbylizross.com

☕️ Loved this episode? Support the show by buying me a coffee

Welcome to Empowering the Artist Within, the podcast that nurtures your creativity, builds your confidence, and reminds you that your art and your story matter. I’m your host, Liz Ross, and today’s conversation is a tender and expansive one with the wonderful artist and community builder, Kasia Hart.

Together we explore what it really looks like to keep showing up for your creativity while navigating the realities of life.

We talk about creative momentum, resistance, and the beauty of being witnessed by someone who just gets it. It’s open, honest, and full of those “me too” moments that make artist friendships so meaningful.

If you’ve ever questioned your pace, your voice, or your place in the creative world, this one’s for you.

• Honest reflections on creative identity and self-doubt

• The difference between being productive and being present

• How to keep going when resistance shows up

• Why community and artist friendships matter so much

• Thoughts on showing up as yourself

• Talking about your work, showing your work, and letting it evolve

• Your art doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

• Artist friendships are medicine - you don’t need to create alone.

• It’s okay to grow slowly. It’s okay to start again.

• Your creativity doesn’t disappear - it transforms.

• Talking about your work helps you understand it.

• Showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all.

• Liz Ross @artbylizross | www.artbylizross.com

• Kasia Hart: galiaalena.com

• Lewis Noble: //www.lewisnoble.co.uk/

• Louise Fletcher @louisefletcher_art | https://www.louisefletcherart.com/

• Subscribe to Empowering the Artist Within

• Leave a review; it helps others find this space

• Share it with an artist friend who needs encouragement

• Find more stories + support at artbylizross.com

• Follow me on Instagram: Join my mailing list for private podcast episodes.

Take a gentle pause in your day...

In this grounding affirmation episode, I’m inviting you to soften. To breathe. To speak to yourself the way you speak to the people you love - with kindness.

If you’ve been hard on yourself lately, questioning your creativity, or caught in comparison, this is your reminder that kindness is strength and you are worthy of your own tenderness.

These affirmations were written to help you reconnect with your self-worth, your voice, and your creative confidence. So let this episode be a soft landing for you, open up and give yourself time, space and the love you deserve.

🌸 You’ll hear affirmations for: Creative confidence and self-love Letting go of comparison and perfection Speaking kindly to yourself Trusting your creative voice Growing your art practice from a place of compassion

This is for the artists who give so much, but forget to refill their own cup. Let this be that moment.

🎧 Take a breath, get still, and let’s begin.

✨ If this episode resonates with you, please consider: Subscribing to Empowering the Artist Within Leaving a kind review - it helps other creatives find this space Sharing this with someone who needs a little gentleness today

Let’s keep building a creative life rooted in connection, community, and freedom of expression -together. 💛

📍 Connect with me: Instagram: @artbylizross Website: www.artbylizross.com

Join my mailing list for private podcast episodes.

Is it ever too late to become a full-time artist? In this episode, Host of Empowering the Artist Within, Liz Ross talks with painter and printmaker Sam Waters, Sam shares how she reignited her creativity after decades in corporate life and what it really took to rebuild her confidence, momentum, and art practice from the ground up.

Liz and Sam explore how past experiences can support your creative future, why community and artist friendships matter, and the mindset shifts that helped Sam step into life as a working artist.

For anyone navigating the space between a creative calling and real-life responsibilities, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and honest encouragement.

Sam's encouragement;

“It’s never the worst thing that happens. In fact, usually more opportunities open up.”

🎯 Key Takeaways

• You’re never too late. Creative energy doesn’t disappear - it waits.
• Your past is not a detour. Every job or skill can fuel your art life now.
• Treat your art like it matters. Know your worth, track your numbers, and plan intentionally.
• Creative friendships are fuel. Find your people - they’ll keep you going.
• Momentum is built, not found. Small actions; sketchbooks, shows, community - it all adds up.
• Give yourself freedom. Time spent organising, thinking, or pausing is still part of the process.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Sam’s Website
• Follow Sam on Instagram – @samwatersartist
• Connected Artist Club Waitlist – Listen to Episode 20 with Alice Sheridan

✨ If this episode resonated with you…

• Share it with a friend who’s returning to their creativity.
• Leave a review - it helps other artists find the show.
• Join my newsletter for inspiration, private podcast and support for your art journey: I'm in!

Explore more episodes at: artbylizross.com/podcast

How to Be Seen as a Sensitive Creative: Visibility Without Overwhelm

Have you ever felt that lump in your throat when it’s time to share your work? Like you’re about to reveal a piece of your soul to the world?

In this personal solo episode of Empowering the Artist Within, we explore the vulnerability of being visible as a creative, especially for sensitive souls, women, and those who’ve grown up with messages about staying quiet, small, or “perfect.”

We talk about the fear of being seen, how past experiences and perfectionism feed that fear, and most importantly how to begin sharing your work in a way that feels safe, empowering, and true to you.

This is a gentle space to reflect, feel understood, and take small steps toward being more visible without the overwhelm.

Because showing up isn’t about being loud or flawless, it’s about being real and authentic.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why visibility feels so uncomfortable and how to move through that fear with care
• The difference between expression and exposure and why you get to set the boundaries
• How to reframe vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness
• Gentle ways to practice “safe visibility” and build your confidence over time
• Why imperfect, raw creative work is often the most powerful
• A personal story from a year ago when I felt nervous speaking out, but did it anyway
• A reminder that your voice matters, even when it’s quiet, imperfect and ra

Episode Takeaways Recap:

• Fear of being seen is natural, it means you care
• Visibility doesn’t mean baring all. You get to choose what, how, and when you share
• Vulnerability is courage in action
• Sharing your work helps you grow even when it’s messy or unfinished
• Safe, empowering visibility is something you can build gently, at your own pace
• Community matters, you don’t have to do it alone
• Every small act of showing up creates momentum
• You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful

Connect with Liz Ross:

Facebook Group; https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredartistcommunity

Website; artbylizross.com.

Tag me on Instagram @artbylizross and let me know what this episode brought up for you. I love hearing your reflections.

🎧 Prefer to listen to these reflections by email? I’m now offering audio versions of select newsletters stay subscribed and you’ll get access first! Sign up to my email list:

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