Welcome back to another episode of the Paint Rest Repeat Podcast.

In this episode, we're diving into one of the most important—but often overlooked—aspects of sustaining your art practice: building a creative community. Whether you're a full-time artist, a weekend creator, or returning to art after a break, having a supportive network around you can make all the difference.

Laura reflects on how surrounding herself with like-minded creatives has helped her stay motivated and inspired. She shares insights from Julia Cameron’s concept of the “Believing Mirror”—a person who reflects your strengths and encourages your potential, even when your self-belief wavers.

Ros brings up the emotional side of being an artist and how important it is to have people in your corner. Together, we explore practical ways to connect with others in the art world—especially if you're working solo or feeling isolated.

We’ve also put together a list of 12 approachable ways to build community as a creative—whether you’re looking for online support, local events, or simply craving a deeper sense of belonging in your creative life.

  Here is our list of 12 ideas to help you to build a creative community:

1. Look to local Facebook groups connected to a creative community group
2. Look for social meetups/networking events and local artists' society
3. Find a mentor in the industry (in real life or someone you look up to online)
4. Connect with your local art gallery, regional and community spaces and small independent galleries 
5. Go to an art class in person and online
6. Design markets and community-run markets
7. Independent boutiques and local shops
8. Find out if your local council supports the arts - grants and commissions
9. Facebook groups from independent artists and coaches IE: Ros’ Permission to Paint community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/permissiontopaintfreecommunity
10.  Reach out to an artist that you admire online
11. Look in the well-being space: women's gatherings, yoga and meditation classes
12. Go within to self-nurture and support yourself with introspection and journaling

 We hope that you enjoy the show!

Please send us a DM on Instagram to tell us how you found this episode and let us know if you have any ideas for future topics for the show.

This episode is sponsored by: 

Ros’ Modern Floral Online Course - for more info please visit: 

https://www.permissiontopaint.co/courses

EPISODE LINKS:

The Artist’s Way: Home | The Artist's Way (theartistswaybook.com)

FIND US AND FOLLOW US ONLINE!

Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajaneday/ 

Follow Ros on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ros.gervay.creative/

For more information about Ros’ courses and membership, visit https://www.permissiontopaint.co or to see Ros’ paintings please visit http://www.rosgervaycreative.com

And to book a creative kick-start coaching session with Laura or to find out more about her Soul Medicine Painting workshops please visit: https://laurajaneday.com/

Click here for previous episodes along with links, downloads and other Permission To Paint content

With love & gratitude, 

Ros

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