Where there is a will...
Soma Datta 
How to overcome creative hurdles as an artist on budget
This story is intended to inspire all those who desire to devote time to creativity, but find it difficult to do so. Furthermore, it is designed to motivate people with challenges related to time, budget, mindset, and physical limitations.
"There’s a way around everything if you put your mind to it"
~ Mrs. C.
Someone I once met in my local art group, always reminded us that it’s possible to find solutions if we took a chance at pursuing our goals despite the hurdles. For privacy reasons I will refer to her as Mrs. C.
Mrs. C had lost her ability to walk after numerous surgeries over a decade. But she was well-known in our local community for her positive attitude, smile and zest for life. Mobility issues did not stop her from living her life - or rather, she did not let her disability hold her back from doing the things she loved. She was a familiar sight around the town on her gopher, handing out lollies, stopping to say hello and spreading sunshine!
At our weekly art meeting, she struggled to get off her gopher and into our art studio... but her smile never faded. Once she reached her designated spot, she would thank those around her and add, “There’s a way around everything if you put your mind to it”.
So whatever is preventing you from creating, stop and look around. Ask yourself what else you might do to get around the problem. If you don’t seek cost-effective solutions to art expression, you’ll never find innovative ways to continue creating unhindered by budget constraints. So find those solutions. I have outlined 7 easy tips here to get you started: 7 tips for the artist on a budget
As a passionate art educator and artist, I completely agree with Mrs. C's inspiring words, "There’s a way around everything if you put your mind to it". This is especially true when it comes to starting your journey in the world of art. Whether it's a lack of materials or a lack of time, there are always ways to work around any obstacle that comes your way if you are motivated to find solutions.
But first, identify what's blocking you. It could be fear, self-doubt, lack of time, or resources. Once you know what's holding you back, you can start to work on ways to overcome those barriers.
Here are tips for some common hurdles to creativity.
For beginners to art, my first piece of advice would be to start small. Don't try to create a masterpiece right away. Start with simple sketches or doodles, and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces. This will help you build your skills and confidence over time. Plus this will help you feel more motivated and less overwhelmed.
Second, try new things. Sometimes, we get stuck in a creative rut because we're doing the same thing over and over again. Trying new things can help us break out of that rut and spark our creativity. And so, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Explore different mediums, techniques, and styles until you find what works best for you and your budget.
Remember, art is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process and don't be discouraged by setbacks. With perseverance, determination, and a willingness to find creative solutions, you can achieve your artistic goals.
Another important tip is to practice regularly. Switch your thinking to see art-making as an exercise in creative self-care. Set aside a specific time each day or week to work on your art, and stick to it. When you set aside the pressure to be outcome-oriented and see art-making as a process to enjoy, that’s when you allow yourself to create from a place of fun, love and joy. Experiment, explore, create and repeat till you immerse yourself in the creative process till you forget about the outcome. That’s one way to learn as you discover what works and what doesn’t for you in terms of technique, process and more.
Fourth, seek out people who would support you in your art-y endeavours. Find your tribe who can and will offer you encouragement, feedback, and inspiration to enable you to find ways out of whatever challenge you face in reaching your artistic goals. This could be an art group, or a group of friends who share your passion for creativity.
And while you’re ‘finding’ and ‘seeking’ ways to nurture your creative side, enjoy the process. And leave the outcomes to a bit of serendipity and magic.
