The Myth of More

Why You Don’t Need New Supplies to Create

Yes, this is just a small portion of the various orange markers I have. Judge your momma, not me. 😆

I almost bought new acrylic markers the other day.

Did I need them? Nope.

Did I convince myself I did? Almost.

Sometimes, when I don’t know how to play with what I already have, I try to buy my way into inspiration. This is what happens to so many of us. Our creativity gets hijacked by the myth of more.

More supplies.

More time.

More skill.

We start thinking play will finally feel easy once we’ve stocked up or leveled up.

Society does not exactly cheer on adults when we play. If anything, we’re told play should be productive, polished, or monetized. No wonder we default to shopping carts instead of sketchbooks.

Instead of going to the craft store, I opened a bag and pulled out the things I already had.

Pens with dull tips. Dried up watercolors. Broken pastels. Nothing about them looked fresh or exciting.

The moment I started moving color across the page, I felt that little jolt of joy that only shows up when you’re willing to make a mess…and, I love making a mess.

Play doesn’t require the right notebook, the perfect pen, or a brand-new set of markers. It often shows up in the half-finished spread or a notebook you thought you ruined, or a tool you haven’t touched in months. That’s where the good stuff lives.

Play is what happens when you stop trying to make it good.

Play isn’t a reward. It’s a resource.

If you’re trying to reconnect with creative play, Layered is where I’m explore that in depth and leaning into the messy, villainous, unexpected play.

A question I have for you is what’s the tool, material or mindset you keep telling yourself you “need” before you can start, and what would change if you just started anyway?