Can You Really Make a Living as a Christian Artist?
Why Your Creative Calling Is a Real Calling…
Your Creative Call Is Not Just a Hobby
Have you ever wondered if you should just go get a real job? Maybe people have said things like that to you. Or maybe that nagging voice in your head whispers that your painting, sewing, jewelry making or crocheting is cute, but not a career. I used to think that too, until God showed me that creativity is part of my calling, not something that belongs only on the weekend.
This weekend I wandered through a neighborhood holiday market. A pop up sidewalk event at the same park where my grandson slides down the slides and swings on the swings. Local artisans set up tents early in the morning. The sourdough girl with the micro bakery was the celebrity vendor. We stood in line, bought bread, scones and cookies and enjoyed every bite.
I met a quilter, a woodworker and a beekeeper. I bought from the booths where the work was beautifully displayed and the artists lit up when they talked about what they made. Santa arrived on a firetruck. A dad served coconut cream lattes while watching his toddler because his wife was home recovering from a C section. The coffee tasted even better after that story.
Every single booth felt like ministry because every artist had a story.
And that reminded me. Our creativity is not separate from God. It is a reflection of Him.
Behind the Scenes: God Uses Your Story
When my daughters were little, they grew up in my craft booth. Someone always asked how much the baby was. My girls eventually worked the cash and carry booth at wholesale shows while I took orders at the order writing show down the road. It was our family business and we were a Christian craftsman family. Just like Jesus growing up in Joseph’s workshop.
Your art is part of God’s plan. We are made in His image. Your success is in your design. The world doesn’t understand this calling. They roll their eyes. They think starving artist. They tell you to keep crafts for weekends and get a real job. But that lie did not come from God.
You are called to create, inspire and carry light into dark places. Your art is ministry. When you share your work you are sharing His story through yours.
A Real Story About Trusting God With Your Art Income
When I looked deeper into the sourdough girl, I discovered she was a believer and a stay at home mom whose business has multiplied in a year. God is blessing His chosen creatives right now.
That reminded me of a moment from my own story. Excerpt from GETTING READY.
I traded in my paralegal job to start a home based craft business. Eventually we applied for a booth at a huge wholesale show in Pennsylvania. It was the Olympics of handcrafted gifts. Our application got delayed by a massive snowstorm. I called the show manager and he approved us over the phone. So we booked flights, a hotel and childcare. Then a letter came in the mail saying we were declined. It was dated before the phone call, so we trusted God and went anyway.
That show launched our business for the next 17 years. We sold around the world and even imported our designs from China. God was always working behind the scenes.
Your creative call is not small.
Why Creative Income Is Not Less Important
God wants you to partner with Him. He wants you to trust Him with your business. My quiet time with God changed everything. That is where I received ideas, designs and direction. When I got too busy and skipped that time, fear crept in and I started thinking about going back to a real job.
Everything God calls you to do requires Him.
Daily Scripture For Christian Artists
Here’s the verse for today’s creative journaling: (I LOVE this one!)
Ephesians 1:11.
“In Him we are also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.”
A reminder that your art is part of His plan and your purpose.
How to Begin…
- PRAY first
- PRINT the verse
- Create a PRETTY PAGE (decorate the page: doodle, color, collage, tape, stamp, paint, glitter, glue…)
- PROCLAIM! (write a truth statement or prayer)
- POST IT! (#gettingreadydaily)
This is a snap of my Ephesians 1:11 scripture writing page in my book GETTING READY: Becoming the Super Successful Creative Artist God Called You to Be. It’s where you’ll strengthen your faith and reduce stress and anxiety with simple scripture writing exercises. #dressoutlouddaily
Read more about the book below.
Behind the Scenes: What I’m Working On Right Now
Right now I’m making Chunky Charm Dangles for journals, planners and Bibles.
I make them from vintage beads, thrifted jewelry and colorful paperclips. Every piece tells a story and that is exactly what your art should do. Tell your beautifully messy, real story. It matters.
If you’re curious about my Kingdom-inspired creations: handmade journals, original paper art dolls, hand-painted ephemera and chunky charm dangles, check out my Etsy shop.
The Takeaway Today: Your Creative Identity
Your art is part of your identity. Tell your story. Through your creations and your conversations. Do not compare yourself to the booth next to you. God has gifted you and there is no one like you. Slow sales do not define you. Keep going. The world is waiting for your next thing.
Keep the Inspiration Going
If this encouraged you, you will love my blog post The Best Way to Set Up Your Craft Booth as a Christian Artist. It will help you make your booth irresistible at the right kind of market.
And if you are ready to go deeper into understanding your calling as a Christian creative, read this next: How God Revived My Creative Calling at 62. It is full of real stories, miracles and reminders that God is not finished with you.
Resources for Christian Artists and Entrepreneurs
Hey Creative Friend! Are You Ready to Stop Worrying About Getting a Real Job and Step into the Creative Business God Gave You? I wrote this book for you…
(A Self-Published Guide for Artists, Creatives & Kingdom-Minded Entrepreneurs)
If you’ve ever wondered how to blend your creative calling with your God-given purpose, Getting Ready is for you. Think of it as part faith art journal, part how-to guide, and totally made for creative women like us — artists, makers, and creatives who love Jesus and feel called to something more.
Inspired by Queen Esther’s season of preparation, this book takes you on a heart-level journey — a mix of spiritual growth and practical action — helping you align your creativity, business, and identity with who God says you are.
Thank you for visiting my blog where I love blending Beauty & Creativity for Self-Care and Mental Health. Before you go, if you haven’t already, grab the free resource below and Make it a beautiful day! Nancy
Page with Comments
Comments are closed.