Creating Rituals in Your Art Practice: Finding Rhythm in Repetition

Art doesn’t always flow effortlessly, does it? Some days, creativity feels more like a challenge, especially when life’s pressures or distractions are getting in the way. But there’s a quiet power in showing up for your creative practice consistently. One way to ease that process is by building small rituals into your routine—simple actions that tell you, “It’s time to create.” These rituals don’t need to be elaborate. The simpler they are, the better. They provide structure and focus, creating a rhythm that keeps you connected to your art, even when the initial excitement fades.

As both an artist and professor, I’ve come to see these rituals as deeply personal—they reflect not just your needs as a creator but also your personality, habits, and goals. Over the years, I’ve played around with different rituals in my own practice, adjusting them as my life changed, and I’ve seen other artists use them to stay focused and consistent. Whether you’re new to art or have been creating for years, finding a rhythm through small rituals can make all the difference in keeping your creative energy alive.

There’s a common belief that repetition dulls creativity, that doing the same thing over and over stifles inspiration. But, honestly, I’ve found the opposite to be true—repetition can sharpen your instincts. By returning to the same workspace, using familiar materials, or following a similar process, you give your mind a chance to settle into a creative rhythm. It’s less about waiting for a spark of inspiration and more about building the muscle memory of showing up and doing the work.

For me, repetition creates a grounding effect. It lets me dive into creating without overthinking, without waiting for that “perfect” idea to hit. In my case, that might look like setting up my materials in the same order or starting each session by revisiting unfinished pieces. Sometimes, simply sitting down with my sketchbook, even if I don’t know where it’ll go, is enough to get the creative flow going.

Rituals as Anchors for Focus

Creating rituals around your art practice can be like having an anchor. With all the distractions around—family, work, social media—rituals give you a pause, a moment to tell yourself that it’s time to focus. Think of them as little cues that help you shift from the outside world into your creative space.

For some artists, rituals might mean lighting a candle, putting on a certain playlist, or arranging a workspace free from distractions. My studio time usually begins with a cup of coffee. It’s a small act, but it marks my transition from the busy world into my quieter, focused space. It’s not really about the coffee—it’s about taking that pause, that moment to breathe before diving into my work.

These grounding moments become associated with creating, so much so that, over time, they help you shift into that creative mode faster. You’re conditioning yourself so that when these rituals happen, your brain knows—it’s time to create.

Building Consistency Through Routine

When you build rituals into your creative practice, you’re also building consistency. I often tell my students that it’s less important to have long, uninterrupted creative sessions and more about making space for regular, bite-sized moments of creating. Waiting for “inspiration” can sometimes just hold you back. Showing up regularly, even if it’s just for a little while, often leads to more creativity over time.

One of my personal rituals is to spend at least 30 minutes in my studio each day, no matter what. Some days, I’m productive; other days, I might just clean my brushes or sketch ideas that might not go anywhere. But it’s the act of being there that matters. Those small, consistent moments add up, even if they don’t feel significant at the time.

I know artists who carve out time before the day gets busy or set aside weekends for their practice. The key is finding a rhythm that works for you. It doesn’t have to be strict—life will throw you curveballs, and routines may shift. But the more you can set aside regular time, the easier it is to maintain momentum.

Rituals to Encourage Inspiration

One of the surprises of having a ritual is how it can actually foster inspiration. Doing small, familiar actions opens space for new ideas to come up. By easing the pressure to “be creative on demand,” rituals allow your mind to wander and explore possibilities.

For example, I’ve noticed that when I start by revisiting old sketches or unfinished work, it often sparks something new. A mark I made weeks ago might suddenly suggest a new direction, or an abandoned piece might inspire a fresh approach. The ritual of revisiting the past creates a kind of dialogue with the present, helping me find connections between ideas I might have otherwise missed.

For other artists, this ritual might involve a daily walk, some time journaling, or meditative exercises before creating. It’s not the specifics of the ritual that matter as much as the consistency of the act. Over time, these small, routine actions create fertile ground for ideas because they give your mind the freedom to explore, play, and experiment.

Finding What Works for You

Not every ritual will resonate with every artist. The key is experimenting to find what feels natural for you. Some artists love routine and structure, while others prefer a looser, more flexible approach. The goal isn’t to create strict rules for yourself but to find a rhythm that feels supportive.

For some, this might mean creating at specific times; for others, it’s about crafting an environment. I know artists who light incense every time they paint, others who listen to the same playlist each session. For me, it’s about organizing my materials in a certain way—cleaning my brushes, setting out my paints, laying out my sketchbook. These small, repeated actions signal to my brain that it’s time to work.

There’s no right or wrong way to do this. It’s about discovering what keeps you grounded, especially on the days when creativity feels far away.

Embracing Flexibility in Rituals

While consistency helps, flexibility is just as important. Life is unpredictable, and there will be times when your usual routine is interrupted. Rather than seeing this as a failure, consider it a chance to adapt. Your rituals should support your creative practice, not become a source of stress.

I’ve learned to adjust my rituals as life changes. When I’m deep into teaching or dealing with personal challenges, I might shorten my studio time or adapt my routines to fit my energy levels. The key is to stay connected to the process, even if it looks different day to day.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that rituals are there to serve you, not the other way around. They’re tools to help you stay grounded, focused, and inspired. If a ritual feels too rigid or stressful, it might be time to tweak it.

The Long-Term Benefits of Rituals

Over time, the small rituals you create around your art practice become part of your identity. They help you navigate the ups and downs of the creative process. Whether you’re working on a big project or exploring smaller ideas, these rituals give you a sense of stability and focus, helping you engage with your art more deeply and consistently.

After more than 20 years navigating an art career, I can confidently say that the rituals I’ve built into my practice have been a lifeline. They’ve kept me connected to my work in tough times and helped me find creative sparks when inspiration felt out of reach.

So, consider the small rituals you could bring into your own practice. Start with something simple, something that feels natural to you, and see where it takes you. Over time, these small actions can build a powerful foundation for your creative life.

Let’s start up a convo on this—what rituals do you practice within your art process? Share below or on our socials…maybe we can spark new rituals from hearing what others use in their practice!