Unleash Your Inner Artist: Breaking the “I Can’t Draw a Stick Figure” Myth

Have you ever said, “I can’t draw a stick figure”?

(Be sure to check out my sweet selection of stick figure masterpieces at the bottom of this post!)

Because let’s be real—everyone can draw a stick figure. This phrase is not only a cliché, it’s a mental block, one that limits you and disconnects you from the truth of who you are.

Here’s the thing: I am an artist—I’ve chosen to make it my career and my life's work. But I firmly believe that EVERYONE is creative. Creativity is not a trait exclusive to those fluent in Adobe or spend their days mixing paint on a canvas. We are ALL creators, simply by existing in the world. If you think you’re not creative, you’re closing yourself off to one of the most life-affirming, soul-nourishing parts of being human.

I know its in you. You might not be painting portraits in galleries (yet), but creativity is in everything you do—whether you’re whipping up a killer meal, designing the perfect living room, or even slaying an Excel spreadsheet with a level of finesse that could rival a professional organizer. That’s creativity. You don’t have to be an artist to tap into it. You’re already creating—you just might not be aware of it yet.

So let me ask you this: When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to create for the sake of expressing something real? Maybe it’s been too long, or maybe you’ve been hiding from that side of yourself because of some internalized “I can’t” narrative. But you’re meant to create. It’s a fundamental part of being human. Whether or not you make it a career, your creative expression—whether it’s in the kitchen, in your wardrobe, or through your voice—has the power to transform your life.

Listen closely: If you’ve been feeling numb, stuck in autopilot, or trapped in a cycle of depression or dissatisfaction, art—in whatever form that takes for you—will bring you back to life. Creativity is a powerful antidote to stagnation. It reconnects you with the pulse of your own existence, reawakening the parts of you that have gone dormant. It will bring the spark back when you feel like everything around you is grey and mechanical.

Art isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s about making you feel again. It’s about emotions, thoughts, and experiences that have been locked away: your art is for self-expression. When you embrace your creative side, you’re inviting vitality, energy, and passion back into your life. This is not a small thing. It’s a life-changing thing.

Let me be clear: I’m not asking you to pick up a paintbrush and go full Picasso. I’m asking you to start by recognizing that creativity is in every moment, in every small act that brings you joy and fulfillment. You don’t need permission from anyone to create, least of all from me. You simply need to start.

So here’s what I’m saying: Find a way to express yourself—whether that’s through art, dance, cooking, writing, or anything else that calls to you. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be good. It just has to be yours. Because when you finally embrace your creativity, you’ll tap into something that will change your entire world. And the world is waiting for it.

You are creative. You are an artist. It’s time to stop saying you can’t and start showing yourself—and everyone else—just how much you can create. Let’s get started.

Sticky note stick figure magic right here. I used to make little pieces of artwork out of office supplies while at a call center job as a young adult.

The sticky note art was a fun quick way to express myself in-between calls. The fun increased when I started giving them to other people at work.

I made this gem for my brother who worked in the investments department of the same company.

With time, other people started making their own sticky note art. I remember feeling proud that I was contributing to the culture in that way.

The best was when giving and receiving sticky note art as a way to brighten another person's day.

Have you picked your medium? Now it's time to check out my article on how to unlock your creativity.