Creativity and Anxiety - Can It Help?
- Payton Johnson
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
Creativity has been a game changer for my anxiety. There is no way around it, the minute I infused daily creativity into my life everything got more colorful, vibrant, and joyous. My name is Payton, and you may have seen a blog post, tip sheet, or newsletter from me over the past 6 years as a part of the Parent Alliance team. At work, I have been able to use my creativity to create and share timely resources that have hopefully helped you advocate for and support your child.
Outside of work I have stumbled upon a creative outlet that has helped ease my anxiety and quite frankly has changed my life. Not only am I proud to be the Parent Alliance's Communications Coordinator, I am also the owner of Payton's Paints (@paytons.paints). Which has transformed my own mental health.
In October of 2022 me and my then fiancé decided to paint a little wooden pumpkin from a craft store as a date night. Instantly I was hooked. This little pumpkin was my newest prized possession. I could not believe that I could create something that I loved so much, and something that I had so much fun making. I stared at it every single time I walked past the shelf it was on often stepping back to admire my work.
Within a matter of days I had a very basic acrylic painting set and I was ready to see what I could paint next. And let me tell you - it wasn't anything to write home about, but I simply could not be stopped. The early days of painting were full of trial and error, and a whole lot of half finished canvases.
Slowly but surely I started to get better. The ideas I had in my head were quickly becoming something I could actually at least attempt to create. Through this trial and error I have found my own style of painting. Before I knew it I was building a world that is fun, full of color, blooming with flowers, and is completely taken over and run exclusively by cats.
As Payton's Paints evolved I started to create my very own universe - Ophelia Lane. Named after my muse/cat Ophelia, this world I am building is fun and bright. It features cozy cottages tucked into hillsides, sun soaked beach towns that would make the perfect vacation destination, and so much more.
Not only was I painting in this happy illustrative style - I was getting happier. I was sharing my art with my friends and family, which only helped me connect with them more. I was painting gifts for my loved ones so they felt seen by me. I was reaching out to my local community and putting myself and my art out there, which has led to some wonderful friendships. I filled my bedroom walls with my art. Every single morning to this day I wake up in Ophelia Lane constantly reminded about the hard work I've done, and the fun I've had along the way.
Fast forward to today and I am making a name for myself in the West Chester art community. I have been a vendor selling my work at local events, been featured in a gallery twice, and have completed nearly 50 commissions to date. Not only that but I have gotten my work (keychains, magnets, prints, and originals) into the cutest shop in West Chester - Nightingale Materials, and have taught several painting classes there too.
I have always been an anxious person. It is nothing new, but as the pressures of adulthood started to weigh on me I found my anxiety getting worse. I will not say that creativity is the magic solution that absolves your anxiety. However, I am saying from my experience exploring my creativity, or even just an outside of work passion and hobby has made me a more mentally well person in general without a doubt.
It has done wonders for my outlook on life - which like Ophelia Lane is bright. I find myself being more mindful, slowing down, and admiring the world around me. I will stop on a walk and take a picture of a flower I want to paint later. I will look up when I am in the passenger seat of a car and admire the buildings I am driving by wondering if any of them would fit into Ophelia Lane. I will see a bag of chips in the grocery store and admire the color they chose for the graphics, tucking it away in my brain to use later in one of my paintings.
When I feel myself getting anxious I know that breaking out some markers or paint can help bring me back to the present moment. Painting has become mindful and therapeutic for me, and I have found that I am not the only one.
During my classes I am moved by how much fun people are having painting. I think my favorite part is when I have a student who doesn't feel like painting is for them and then by the end I see the same look in their eyes that I had when I looked at the pumpkin I had painted. Truly one of the best parts of this entire thing for me is showing the people around me how good it feels to create.
I still encourage anybody who is struggling with their mental health, or has anxiety impacting their daily life, to seek professional help. In addition to that I would also encourage you to tap into what brought you joy as a kid.
For me it was arts and crafts and let me tell you that fire was always there, it just needed a spark. I know you don't have time for another task, but if you can carve out just 30 minutes give it a try and see if that interest still lives in you too, I bet it does.
I hope that I have made it obvious that I love to paint. I love to create things, and share them with people, inside and outside of my work here at the Parent Alliance. That is why I am SO beyond excited to announce that my two worlds are colliding so that together we can help children thrive!
I couldn’t be more excited to invite you to my next painting class, generously hosted by Nightingale Materials in Chester County, PA! This fundraiser will donate 30% of all profits to the Parent Alliance, supporting life-changing work that helps parents advocate for and support their children’s mental health. Together, we’ll spend time creating, connecting, and making a difference for families in our community.
In this class, we’ll paint Our Happy Place—a vibrant, uplifting scene featuring colorful beachside buildings, charming flower boxes, bustling flower beds, and a bright blue sky. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful getaway or just looking to soak up some creativity, this class is all about slowing down, finding joy, and letting your imagination flourish.
No experience? No problem! Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or you paint every weekend, you’ll leave with a piece you’re proud of and a heart a little fuller.
Not local to Chester County? We’ve got you covered! Sign up here to stay updated on our upcoming virtual class—because mindfulness, creativity, and community should be accessible no matter where you are.
Let’s paint, unwind, and support an incredible cause—together. I can’t wait to see your version of Our Happy Place!
Want to follow along with my creative journey? You can find me on Instagram at @paytons.paints!
