6 Ways to Shake Up Your Art
After years of practice, experimenting and play I’ve discovered that being an artist isn’t about creating perfect masterpieces or having a crystal-clear vision before you even get started. Nope! Being an artist is about having a blast playing, embracing the messy fun, trusting yourself, and occasionally failing in the most epic way possible in the pursuit of creating something extraordinary.
With this mindset, rules can be broken, and mistakes can transform into delightful surprises. The real magic happens when you toss expectations out the window and let your gut take the lead. It's about finding joy in the process and celebrating every failure.
That’s precisely why my studio is my sanctuary and artistic playground. Each canvas and art journal page is a chance to experiment with new techniques, play with new tools/supplies and dive into new artistic visions. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about myself and my art.
Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, these six playful techniques are designed to help you reconnect with your joy, ditch perfection, and rediscover your fearless inner artist.
Create Layers – Let the Story Unfold
Layers are where the magic begins. Try mixing transparent elements like glazes, vellum, or tracing paper. Build depth with collage, scribbles, and texture paste. Layering invites your intuition to lead the way—and sometimes, that little scrap of paper or surprise color becomes the heart of the piece. Each layer is a chance to release control and trust the unfolding.
This is one of my favorite ways to get unstuck. When I stop trying to “get it right” and just let each layer lead to the next, my art becomes more soulful—and more me.
A close-up of Misty’s mixed media artwork featuring a vivid blue eye surrounded by bold yellow paint, floral collage, and handwritten script. This detail radiates the heart of Creatively Misty’s mission—inviting women to see themselves more clearly through fearless, intuitive art that embraces layers, emotion, and transformation.
Mix It Up – Play with Your Supplies
What happens when you pair acrylic paint with charcoal? Or alcohol ink with metallics? Or vintage paper with neon spray paint? The results might be messy—or magical. That’s the point. Mixing mediums lets you break the rules and open the door to brand-new ideas. Trust me, I’ve had plenty of “oops” moments that ended up becoming signature parts of my process.
Explore Size – Think Big (or Tiny)
Stuck in a rut? Try scaling your canvas up or down. A large surface invites big, expressive gestures—bold brushstrokes, arm sweeps, and movement. A tiny canvas? It invites intimacy, detail, and focus. When I work big, I feel fearless. When I work small, I notice beauty in the tiniest brushstroke. Both are powerful—and both will teach you something new about your creative voice.
Play with Color – Go Off Script
We all have our go-to palettes, but sometimes the best ideas come when we step outside our color comfort zones. Try choosing three colors at random. Or use a palette card you wouldn’t normally touch. Don’t overthink it—just play. Some of my favorite pieces started with a color that made me nervous. Those unexpected combinations? They’re where the breakthroughs happen.
Close-up details of Misty’s mixed media artwork featuring vibrant pink, orange, and yellow tones layered with floral collage and bold black lines. This richly textured moment celebrates the joyful imperfection and fearless self-expression at the heart of Creatively Misty’s mission—to help women embrace their creativity and let their inner artist bloom.
Embrace New Tools – Say Goodbye to Your Paintbrush
Step away from the familiar. Instead of your favorite brush, reach for a sponge, a fork, a bottle cap—or your fingers. These playful, unconventional tools bring texture and unpredictability to your art. The first time I painted with a palette knife, it felt totally awkward. But that awkwardness led to one of my most expressive, free-flowing pieces to date.
Break the Rules – Make Your Own Magic
Mixed media art is made for rule-breaking. Want to glue something weird to your page? Do it. Want to splash ink across a perfectly good painting? Try it. Want to layer text over your focal point? Why not? Every time I let go of what I’m “supposed” to do, something shifts. The more I embrace creative freedom, the more I feel connected to myself and my story. That’s what this is really about- reclaiming your voice, not just in art, but in life.
Misty from Creatively Misty adding expressive details to a vibrant mixed media portrait in her home studio. With bold colors, floral collage, and intuitive marks, this image reflects her creative mission—encouraging women to silence their inner critic and embrace joyful, imperfect art-making as a path to self-discovery and confidence.
You Don’t Have to Create Alone
If these ideas got your wheels turning, and you’re craving more guidance and community, you’re in the right place. My workshops and courses are designed for women just like you—creatives who are ready to play, explore, and build confidence without pressure.
You don’t need a degree. You don’t need “talent.”
You just need a little courage—and a space to be yourself.
Whether you're reigniting your creative spark or trying mixed media for the first time, there's a workshop waiting to meet you exactly where you are. Let’s make something beautiful—together.