Playing isn’t as normalized as it was when we were kids, but it’s so important to foster your own space for play, fun, and the messy world of mistakes that come with creating and crafting. Whether you’re unsure of who you are, what you want to be, or what to create—or if you feel like you’re wasting time on your dream projects—remember it’s a process. As you explore different ways of making art to inspire yourself, you’ll find joy in keeping it unique to you.

It’s been an exhausting journey filled with comparison and the pressure to fit into a specific identity. Consuming too much left me feeling overwhelmed and cluttered, but stepping back helped me realize the value of making things that truly feel like my own—because when they’re made by you, they are truly yours. It becomes a great way to express yourself and stay motivated to figure out what you enjoy, to the point where you no longer feel the need to compare yourself to others.