Smashing the ‘I’m Not an Artist’ Myth
Sarah Patterson, facilitator of the Virtual Expressive Arts Support Group, is here to clear the air on one of the most misunderstood parts of being human: creativity. In this session, we’re breaking creativity myths and leaning into a powerful truth—creativity is for everyone. Whether you’ve ever muttered, “I’m not an artist,” or written yourself off as “too left-brained,” Sarah is here to challenge those beliefs and show that creativity isn’t just for the chosen few—it’s for all of us. Yes, even you.
Let’s bust some of the most common myths around creativity and reconnect with the expressive roots we all share.
Myth #1: “I don’t identify as an artist.”
Here’s the truth: no one’s asking you to. You don’t need a beret, a gallery showing, or even to call yourself “a creative.” Art is much more than that, it’s a universal language that predates words. It’s how we’ve always expressed ourselves, from cave drawings to coloring outside the lines as kids.
If you’ve ever doodled in a notebook, danced in your kitchen, journaled your thoughts, or styled an outfit with intention, you’ve expressed yourself. And that? That’s art. The act of expression is the act of creating. So, whether you call yourself an artist or not—you already are one.
Myth #2: “I’m more of a left-brained thinker.”
You’ve probably heard this before “left brain” for logic, “right brain” for creativity. But neuroscience has moved far beyond this outdated idea. While it’s true the brain has two hemispheres that manage different functions, the myth that we favor one side exclusively is just that – a myth.
The origin of this concept comes from research by Roger W. Sperry in the 1980s, who studied patients with severed connections between brain hemispheres. What he found was fascinating, but it’s since been misinterpreted and oversimplified. Modern imaging shows that both hemispheres are constantly working together, not against each other.
Want to fire up both sides of your brain and create a more balanced, integrated mental state? Try creativity. The process activates what scientists call the “dynamic regions of the brain”—lighting up multiple areas across both hemispheres. That’s where true harmony, better emotional regulation, and yes, creative flow, begins.
Myth #3: “I don’t have the right art supplies.”
Spoiler alert: you don’t need fancy tools to get creative. In fact, some of the best expressive art supplies are already hiding in your junk drawer.
Think: Sharpies, pencils, the back of an envelope, old magazines, glue sticks, junk mail inserts, even dryer lint or brown grocery bags. Expressive art is all about the process, not the product. It’s not about making something perfect, it’s about letting go, playing, and seeing what comes through.
When you begin to see the ordinary with new eyes, you’ll realize: the potential to create is everywhere. And that’s the magic of expressive art.
So, go ahead. Dive in. Bust the myths. Pick up that dried-out marker or scrap of paper and start where you are. Creativity isn’t a talent, it’s a birthright. And it belongs to you.
Join Us and Discover the Creative Within
Come experience this for yourself in our Virtual Expressive Arts Support Group
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About Sarah Patterson
Sarah holds a Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness, is a Certified Expressive Arts Practitioner, and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She works as a People + Culture Wellness Provider, offering corporate wellness programming, and now provides on-demand stress management coaching through Joule Health and Wellbeing.
She’s been with Michelle’s Place since July 2020, leading virtual expressive arts programming for all MP clients. You can explore more of her work at cerasart.com.
