The creative industry has come a long way since the 1990s. Back then, the notion of turning your artistic passion into a sustainable business was seen as risky, unconventional, and often unattainable. Artists and creatives were often reliant on galleries, publishers, or external agents to find success. Fast forward to today, and the industry has undergone a dramatic transformation.

The internet, social media, and an increasingly connected world have democratized creative work. No longer confined to traditional gatekeepers, creatives can now market their work, engage with audiences, and build businesses directly. Platforms like Etsy, Patreon, Instagram, and YouTube allow creators to monetize their skills and connect with people who value their work. But this freedom comes with challenges: how do you balance creativity with the business side of things? How do you turn your passion into something sustainable? This is where creative-preneurship becomes essential.

While the internet has opened up new pathways, many artists still choose to follow traditional routes such as working with publishers, galleries, or agents. These options can provide credibility, access to established networks, and professional support. However, even these traditional methods require foundational business knowledge—something often missing in arts education. Negotiating contracts, managing finances, and promoting your work effectively are all crucial skills, even when working within these traditional systems. Without them, creatives can struggle to navigate the industry and fully realize their potential.

On the other hand, many creatives now choose the entrepreneurial pathway, bypassing traditional systems to take control of their careers. This might include self-publishing books, selling art directly through social media, or building an audience through platforms like Patreon. While this approach offers freedom and flexibility, it also demands a higher degree of business savvy. Creatives must learn to wear multiple hats—marketer, accountant, and strategist—while still prioritizing their art. With the right guidance, these skills can empower artists to build thriving, independent careers.

Being a creative-preneur means embracing both your artistry and your entrepreneurial spirit. It’s about taking control of your creative career and crafting a business that aligns with your vision, values, and talents. This approach is especially vital now, as the gig economy continues to grow and traditional employment structures shift. By building a sustainable creative business, you can gain independence, stability, and the ability to focus on what you truly love.

However, the road isn’t always easy. Many creatives struggle with common challenges like self-doubt, understanding business fundamentals, and navigating marketing strategies. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right tools, guidance, and community support.

As someone with a background in the arts, creativity, and psychology, I understand the unique struggles creatives face. My mission is to empower artists, writers, performers, and makers to turn their dreams into reality. Through my courses, I provide actionable steps to help you:

- Clarify your creative goals
- Understand the fundamentals of business planning
- Develop marketing strategies that feel authentic
- Build confidence and overcome barriers

I’ve designed my programs to meet you where you are, whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow an existing creative business.

The Creative Empowerment Pathway is a 1-300 level training course designed to guide you from the basics of business planning to earning your first income and stabilizing your creative career. Here’s how it works:

1. The Creative Business Blueprint: A free foundational workshop that helps you understand the essentials of building a creative business.
2. Putting It Into Practice: Learn how to implement the blueprint into actionable steps tailored to your unique vision.
3. Reaching Your First Milestones: Discover how to start earning income, grow your audience, and create a stable foundation for long-term success.

Each step is supported by lessons, articles, videos, and community discussions that provide practical insights and encouragement, with a unique focus on blending artistic values with actionable business strategies. By the time you complete the 300-level course, you’ll not only have a thriving creative business but also the opportunity to become a Creative Empowerment Coach, helping others follow in your footsteps.

To get started, join my upcoming free virtual workshop: Demystifying the Creative Business Plan. In this 3-part series, you’ll learn how to create a business plan tailored to your goals, values, and artistic style. This foundational session will set the stage for your creative-preneur journey and connect you with a supportive community of like-minded creatives.

Artists today face an ever-shifting landscape influenced by political, economic, and environmental factors. From shifts in global markets to cultural movements advocating for equity and sustainability, creatives must navigate a complex world. These changes amplify the need for resilience and adaptability. Business skills are more critical than ever as artists strive to find stability and success amid uncertainty.

That’s why my supportive model addresses not just the financial and business aspects but also the psychological and creative challenges that often hold artists back. By providing a comprehensive approach that includes business coaching, mental health support, and strategies for overcoming obstacles, this program empowers you to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Don’t let uncertainty or lack of knowledge keep you from achieving your dreams. Start your journey with the Creative Business Blueprint, a free course that gives you the roadmap to build your creative career. Whether you aim to follow traditional pathways or embrace entrepreneurial freedom, this is your first step toward creative success.

The creative world has changed dramatically, offering unparalleled opportunities for artists to thrive in a new era of independence and innovation. With the right tools and mindset, you can build a fulfilling career that not only sustains your art but also supports your life goals. Let’s rewrite the narrative of what it means to be an artist—together.

Sign up for the free workshop and start your creative-preneur journey today!

The Nurturer Trap,  When Family Hurts, A Creative Hierarchy of Needs, Creative People,  Psychology of Creativity, Crisis of Meaning, Coaching Creative People, Mental Health and Creativity, Creative People, Creative Personality and Anxiety, Make Time for Art, A Creative Personality Snapshot

References
- Florida, R. (2002). The rise of the creative class: And how it's transforming work, leisure, community and everyday life. Basic Books.  

- Caves, R. E. (2000). Creative industries: Contracts between art and commerce. Harvard University Press.  

- Throsby, D. (2001). Economics and culture. Cambridge University Press.  

- Byrne, C. A., & Shepherd, D. A. (2015). Different strokes for different folks: Entrepreneurial narratives of emotion, cognition, and making sense of business failure. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 39*2), 375–405. https://doi.org/10.1111/etap.12046  

- Shirky, C. (2008). Here comes everybody: The power of organizing without organizations. Penguin Books.  

(c) 2024 Creatively, LLC 
www.creativelyllc.com

Many creative individuals are also what you might call “nurturer-types.” While not all nurturers are creatives, and not all creatives are nurturers, this overlap is common. Your capacity to feel deeply often translates into empathy—the ability to deeply understand and connect with the emotions of others. This strength may lead you to take on nurturing roles in your relationships, whether by choice, circumstance, or a combination of both.

While nurturing can be fulfilling and emotionally rewarding, it can also lead to what I call the "nurturer trap." This dynamic is something I encounter frequently in my work with creative, empathic people.   

Many creative individuals possess a unique combination of qualities that make them exceptional nurturers. Creativity often stems from the ability to feel deeply and process the world through the lens of emotion. These “big feelings” not only fuel artistic expression but also contribute to heightened empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This blend of emotional depth and empathy naturally draws creative individuals into nurturing roles in their relationships, whether as caregivers, supporters, or emotional anchors.

Something I see often in therapy and while working with creative people that are a nurturer-type, is that they are ensnared in a nurturer trap.  If you are nurturing, what you will find or may have already found, is those that need nurturing will seek you out, and you may naturally seek them out as well.  While this can be a beautiful symbiosis and go very well, this is not always the case.  Oftentimes people that seek out nurturers are hurting, for lack of a better word, and will not honor the gifts they are receiving from you.  They will drain you, take from you, can even manipulate and abuse you, without giving anything back.  In these relationships you are drawn to them by your strong sense of empathy and nurture, and are left empty, hurt or even traumatized.  You blame yourself for the relationship and the pain.  You may even feel trapped.  If you wind back the clock and look at the first few interactions in that relationship, likely what you will find, is you began it with good intentions to help, repair and strengthen.  ​

The connection between creativity, big feelings, and empathy is part of what makes you unique. When you learn to balance your nurturing tendencies with self-protection, you can embrace this gift without losing yourself in the process.

If this resonates with you, let’s explore it further. Through creativity coaching or therapy, we can develop strategies to help you protect your energy, set healthy boundaries, and thrive both creatively and emotionally. Reach out—I’d love to support you!

If you’re a nurturer, you may find that people who need emotional support naturally gravitate toward you—and you may be drawn to them as well. When this connection is healthy and reciprocal, it can be beautiful and enriching. However, this isn’t always the case.

Often, those who seek nurturers are individuals who carry significant emotional wounds. These individuals may not honor the emotional generosity you offer. Instead, they may drain your energy, take without giving back, or even manipulate and abuse your goodwill. You might enter these relationships with the best intentions—to help, to heal, or to strengthen—but find yourself left feeling empty, hurt, or even traumatized.

The cycle often leads to self-blame. You may feel trapped in a pattern that begins with compassion but ends in exhaustion. Recognizing this pattern is the first step toward protecting yourself.

For creative people, nurturing often feels intuitive. Your capacity to connect deeply with others’ emotions allows you to offer genuine support and care. Nurturing can be incredibly fulfilling, giving a sense of purpose and reinforcing the connection between your creative and emotional selves.

However, this same strength can leave you vulnerable. Big feelings and empathy can make it difficult to establish boundaries, and creative nurturers may feel a responsibility to “fix” others. This can lead to patterns of overextending yourself emotionally or becoming entangled in one-sided relationships.

One pattern I frequently see in my work is the creative nurturer who becomes the “default therapist” for their friends or loved ones. Imagine a scenario like this:

Jane is a talented painter with a vivid imagination and a deep well of empathy. Her friend Sarah frequently calls her to vent about her problems, often unloading for hours at a time. Jane listens patiently, offering advice and emotional support. Over time, these conversations become increasingly one-sided, with Sarah rarely asking about Jane’s own struggles or offering support in return.

While Jane values the friendship, she begins to feel drained and unappreciated. Her creative energy wanes, and she starts to dread Sarah’s calls. Despite recognizing the imbalance, Jane struggles to set boundaries because she feels guilty for potentially letting Sarah down.

Jane’s situation is a classic example of how creativity, big feelings, and empathy can lead to the nurturer trap. Her emotional sensitivity makes her a natural support system, but it also leaves her susceptible to relationships that drain rather than sustain her.

Creative nurturers often feel a strong sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. This can make it difficult to distinguish between healthy nurturing—where support is mutual—and unhealthy dynamics, where they give more than they receive.

For creative nurturers, romantic relationships can often take on a dynamic where they feel responsible for "saving" or "fixing" their partner. Here's a common scenario:

Alex, a songwriter, falls in love with Chris, a deeply passionate yet emotionally troubled artist. Early in the relationship, Alex is drawn to Chris’s intensity and vulnerability. Chris opens up about their struggles with self-esteem and mental health, and Alex feels a strong desire to help.

Over time, Alex takes on more and more responsibility for Chris’s emotional well-being, always offering encouragement, solutions, and support. But despite Alex’s efforts, Chris rarely takes steps to help themselves, and the relationship becomes one-sided. Alex feels exhausted and begins to lose the spark that initially fueled their creativity.

This pattern—where nurturers take on the role of rescuer—can feel fulfilling at first but often leads to emotional burnout. It’s crucial to recognize that love doesn’t mean taking on the burden of fixing someone else’s struggles. Healthy romantic relationships require mutual support and respect for boundaries.

In families, creative nurturers often find themselves cast as the emotional anchor—the one everyone turns to during conflict or crisis.

Take Mia, a visual artist and the middle sibling in her family. From a young age, Mia was the peacemaker, stepping in to soothe arguments between her parents and siblings. As an adult, her family continues to rely on her to mediate disputes and provide emotional support.

During a recent holiday gathering, Mia noticed the pattern again: her younger brother vented about his job, her parents debated a contentious topic, and her sister called her the next day to debrief about it all. Mia spent the entire weekend managing other people’s emotions, leaving her no time to recharge or enjoy her own creative projects.

Family dynamics often place nurturers in a permanent caregiving role, but this doesn’t mean you have to remain stuck there. Acknowledging the pattern is the first step to setting boundaries, such as stepping back from conflicts or declining to mediate every disagreement.

In both examples—romantic relationships and family dynamics—the nurturer trap arises when you prioritize others’ needs over your own. While it’s natural for creative nurturers to feel fulfilled by supporting others, you must learn to balance this gift with self-care and boundaries.
Ask yourself:
- Is this relationship reciprocal? Do both parties give and receive emotional support?
- Am I neglecting my own needs? Am I taking enough time to recharge my creative and emotional energy?
- What boundaries can I set? How can I protect my energy while still maintaining healthy connections?

Being a creative nurturer is a beautiful gift, but it’s one that requires mindfulness and care. By understanding these patterns in your relationships, you can make intentional choices to build healthier dynamics while protecting your emotional and creative energy.

If these scenarios resonate with you, let’s work together to develop strategies tailored to your life and relationships. Together, we can empower you to embrace your nurturing nature while prioritizing your well-being. Reach out—I’d love to help!
Protecting Yourself as a Nurturer
If you see yourself in Jane’s story, it’s important to recognize that nurturing is a gift, but it must be balanced with self-care and boundaries. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1. Recognize Patterns: Reflect on your relationships and identify whether there’s an imbalance in the support you give versus receive.
2. Set Boundaries: Communicate your limits clearly and kindly. For example, Jane might tell Sarah, “I care about you, but I need to focus on some personal things right now. Can we talk for 30 minutes instead of an hour?”
3. Nurture Yourself: Channel your nurturing energy inward. Engage in activities that restore your emotional and creative reserves, whether it’s time alone, creative expression, or spending time with supportive people.

If you resonate with these traits—creative, empathic, and nurturing—chances are you’ve experienced the nurturer trap at some point. To break free and protect your energy, it’s essential to set boundaries and develop awareness of your patterns.

Take some time to reflect on your relationship history using this exercise:
1. Identify Key Relationships: List major relationships in your life—these can be family, friends, romantic partners, coworkers, or neighbors. Focus on 5–10 relationships that stand out to you.
2. Describe the Dynamics: Under each relationship, list qualities of the person and the relationship itself. Use adjectives to describe your experiences together.
3. Spot Patterns: Review your list and circle qualities or dynamics that appear repeatedly. Identify characteristics of people who brought positivity into your life and those who drained you. These patterns will help you recognize red flags and cultivate healthier connections moving forward.

Remember, nurturing others always involves giving of yourself. To maintain balance, it’s crucial to turn your nurturing energy inward.
Ask yourself:
- Are you feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed? What would you do to help someone else in your situation?
- How can you extend that same kindness and care to yourself?

Nurturing yourself might mean setting aside time for creative expression, seeking support from trusted people, or practicing self-compassion. By prioritizing your own well-being, you’ll not only replenish your energy but also strengthen your ability to nurture others in a healthy, sustainable way.

Being a nurturer is a powerful gift that aligns with your creative personality and empathy. When embraced thoughtfully, this gift can bring you fulfillment, boost your self-esteem, and add meaning to your life. At Creatively, LLC, we work together to help you harness your strengths and break free from patterns that no longer serve you.

If this resonates with you, let’s explore how you can use your nurturing spirit to create the life you deserve. Whether in individual coaching, creative business planning, or equine-facilitated therapy, I’m here to help you thrive. Reach out when you’re ready!

 When Family Hurts, A Creative Hierarchy of Needs, Creative People,  Psychology of Creativity, Crisis of Meaning, Coaching Creative People, Mental Health and Creativity, Creative People, Creative Personality and Anxiety, Make Time for Art, A Creative Personality Snapshot

References:

1. Decety, J., & Lamm, C. (2006). Human empathy through the lens of social neuroscience. *The Scientific World Journal, 6*, 1146–1163. https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2006.221  

2. Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. *Self and Identity, 2*(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032  

3. Aron, E. N. (1997). *The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You.* New York, NY: Broadway Books.  

4. Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion fatigue as secondary traumatic stress disorder: An overview. In C. R. Figley (Ed.), *Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized* (pp. 1–20). New York, NY: Brunner/Mazel.  

5. Brown, B. (2010). *The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are.* Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing.  

6. Carl Rogers (1980). *A Way of Being.* New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  

7. Brené, B. (2012). Boundaries, empathy, and compassion. *TEDxHouston.* Retrieved from https://brenebrown.com  

8. Bowlby, J. (1988). *A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development.* New York, NY: Basic Books.  

(c) 2024 Creatively, LLC
www.creativelyllc.com

My first experience with containment was during a time when I worked in a highly intensive hospital program at Johns Hopkins. The work was challenging, and I often found myself carrying the weight of the day’s experiences home with me. One day, my supervisor suggested something that changed how I approached those emotions. She recommended an end-of-day ritual—a way to “contain” the intensity of the day’s experiences before heading home.
​
At first, I wasn’t sure how this would work, but I decided to try. Each evening, I would pause, reflect on the day’s events, and visualize placing all the intensity into a symbolic box. This simple act of acknowledgment and separation allowed me to leave work at work. I felt lighter on the drive home, more present with my family, and better prepared to approach the next day with renewed focus.

Creative thinkers often experience intense emotions—whether it’s the thrill of inspiration or the weight of doubt and overwhelm. These emotions can feel like they’re running the show, making it challenging to focus or stay productive. Enter containment, a practical therapy skill that can help creative minds regain control, channel their feelings constructively, and maintain their emotional well-being.

Let’s explore how containment works, why it’s especially useful for creative people, and how you can start using it today.

Containment is a foundational skill in psychotherapy, particularly in approaches designed to help individuals manage overwhelming emotions and experiences. The term “containment” was first popularized by British psychoanalyst Wilfred Bion in the mid-20th century. Bion introduced the concept in the context of early childhood development, describing how a caregiver “contains” a child’s distress by holding it, understanding it, and reflecting it back in a manageable way. This dynamic creates a sense of safety and teaches the child how to process emotions over time.

From its psychoanalytic roots, the concept of containment evolved into a practical skill used across various therapeutic modalities. It is now widely recognized as a way to help individuals temporarily “hold” intense emotions when they cannot be immediately processed or resolved. In essence, containment provides a mental or symbolic “container” for emotions, giving people the space to cope with life’s challenges more effectively.

The idea of containment is based on the understanding that emotions are dynamic and can sometimes become overwhelming. While the ultimate goal in many therapeutic approaches is to fully experience and integrate emotions, there are times when this is not immediately possible. Containment offers a way to pause and manage these emotions until it is safe and practical to process them.

In therapy, containment is often introduced as a tool for emotional regulation. It is used to:
- Prevent emotional overwhelm.
- Allow for deliberate processing of emotions at a later, more controlled time.
- Create a sense of emotional safety, especially when addressing past traumas or intense current experiences.

For creative thinkers, who often experience emotions and ideas with greater intensity, containment can be a lifeline. It offers a structured way to acknowledge and respect emotional experiences without letting them dominate or derail daily life. By learning containment, creative individuals gain a tool that not only supports their mental health but also preserves the energy and focus needed to channel their emotions into meaningful creative work.

Whether it’s used in therapy, creativity coaching, or personal development, containment is a skill that helps bridge the gap between emotional overwhelm and clarity. It’s about finding balance—holding emotions when necessary, processing them intentionally, and ultimately using them as fuel for growth and creativity.
Creative thinkers often experience emotions more intensely. This passion fuels their creativity but can also lead to feeling overwhelmed. Containment helps by:
​
1. Regulating intensity: Preventing emotions from taking over all at once.
2. Restoring control: Allowing you to decide when and how to address your feelings.
3. Preserving energy: Helping you balance emotional highs and lows without burnout.

By managing your emotions through containment, you create space to let your creativity flourish instead of getting stuck in emotional chaos.

Picture yourself as a balloon. Your emotions are the air filling it. In a balanced state, the balloon inflates and deflates naturally. But when too much air fills it at once, the balloon risks either flying out of control or bursting.

Containment is like learning to release small amounts of air at a time—closing the balloon, releasing more later, and maintaining balance. This process mirrors how you can manage emotions in a healthy, sustainable way.

The beauty of containment lies in its adaptability. It’s about finding what works for you. Here are a few ideas to get started:

1. Physical rituals: Create a tangible routine to “close off” your emotional experiences temporarily. For example, close your sketchbook or studio door at the end of a creative session.
2. Visualization: Imagine locking your emotions in a box or placing them in a jar, knowing you’ll revisit them later when you’re ready.
3. Creative expression: Use art, journaling, or movement to channel overwhelming feelings into manageable, productive outlets.

Containment is all about creating a temporary boundary for your emotions, so they don’t overwhelm you. To make it more tangible, here’s a step-by-step walkthrough for each exercise idea:

# 1. Physical Ritual: Closing Your Creative Space
Imagine you’ve had a tough day in the studio. Maybe a project didn’t turn out as you hoped, or you’re feeling emotionally raw from the creative process.

Step-by-step example:
- Step 1: Acknowledge the emotions. You might say to yourself, *"I’m feeling frustrated, but I don’t need to carry this with me right now."*
- Step 2: Physically tidy up your space. Close your sketchbook, turn off the lights, or place your tools in their proper spots. Each action is a symbolic step toward containing the emotions tied to your creative work.
- Step 3: Close the studio door (or your workspace area) with intention. As you do, take a deep breath and visualize leaving your emotions behind in the room.
- Step 4: Move to another activity that helps you decompress—like taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a hobby unrelated to your art.

This ritual creates a boundary, allowing you to revisit your emotions later without letting them dominate your evening.


# 2. Visualization: Locking Your Emotions in a Box
Let’s say you’re ruminating about a critique of your work that hit a nerve, and it’s making it hard to concentrate on anything else.

Step-by-step example:
- Step 1: Close your eyes and imagine a sturdy, secure box. It might be a treasure chest, a modern safe, or anything that feels strong and protective to you.
- Step 2: Picture yourself gathering up your feelings—frustration, self-doubt, or even anger—and placing them into the box. You might visualize writing the feelings down on slips of paper and tucking them inside.
- Step 3: Close the box firmly. Imagine locking it with a key or wrapping it with a strong rope. Reassure yourself that the emotions are safe and contained, waiting for you to process them when you’re ready.
- Step 4: Visualize placing the box somewhere secure, like a high shelf or a vault, where it will stay until you choose to retrieve it. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself before moving on.

This mental exercise allows you to put distance between yourself and overwhelming emotions while acknowledging their existence.


# 3. Creative Expression: Releasing Emotions Through Art
You’re feeling emotionally stuck—maybe overwhelmed by excitement about a new idea or burdened by fear of failure. Either way, you can use your creativity to contain and process these feelings.

Step-by-step example:
- Step 1: Gather simple materials like a sketchpad, watercolors, or clay—whatever feels accessible and unstructured.
- Step 2: Start by naming your emotion. Say to yourself, *"I’m feeling anxious,"* or *"I’m feeling exhilarated."*
- Step 3: Let your emotion guide your expression. Use colors, shapes, or textures that reflect how you’re feeling. For example, bold, jagged strokes might represent anger, while flowing, soft lines might express calmness.
- Step 4: When you feel like you’ve captured your emotions, pause. Reflect on what you created and thank yourself for giving your feelings a safe outlet.
- Step 5: Set your work aside or store it in a dedicated space. Symbolically, this contains the emotion within the artwork, freeing you to focus on other things.

Creative expression helps you channel your feelings productively, giving them form while creating a sense of control.
Each of these exercises is adaptable to your unique preferences and circumstances. The goal is to experiment and find the containment method that resonates most with you, so you can manage emotions effectively while staying connected to your creative process.

The key is to experiment and develop a system that resonates with your unique creative process.