Too many times, people are waiting for the perfect tools and get hung up on what they don’t have. Over the years, when I talk to people about their dreams and goals, it was always met with but (and fill in the blank for their excuse).
I have been there, and in 2009, someone said to me, “You can self-publish,” and the rest is history, as they say. I’ve written books, I’ve created coloring books, journals, and so much more. And English is my second language, but I didn’t let that stop me either, because my message is bigger than my grammar mistakes. Yes, some people will judge and want to correct me, but I am not for them, because I believe in taking messy action.
YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE IT LATER!
When I started wood-burning, I began with a cheap tool I picked up at the local craft store and saved the money until I could get the one I really wanted.
I want you to stop being busy waiting for the stars to align and for your ideas to collect dust.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need the fancy software, the studio setup, or the perfect brush to create something incredible. You just need to start with what you already have.
Writers: You Don’t Need Scrivener or a $200 Formatting Course
You can write your entire book in Google Docs or Microsoft Word. That’s it.
No subscription. No excuses.
Once it’s written, you can format it for Amazon KDP using free templates and guides available directly from their site. Canva has free book cover templates.
Need editing help? Try Grammarly or ProWritingAid’s free versions.
Want beta readers? Post in writing groups on Facebook or Reddit; there are hundreds of communities filled with people who’ll exchange feedback for free.
Cost? Maybe zero. Time? Priceless.
As an author, you get to create your journey. Want to pursue a publisher? Go for it, but don’t let that stop you from writing now or getting your work out there now. Many of the authors I read are indie authors without a publisher, and they are quite successful just by using Amazon KDP.
Artists: You Don’t Need a $500 Paint Set to Create Magic
If you’re a watercolor or color pencil artist, you can build your collection slowly.
Check Facebook Marketplace, eBay, yard sales, or Buy Nothing groups for art supplies. You’d be shocked how often people sell or give away unused materials.
Stores like Michaels and Blick run huge sales (especially around holidays), and most have 40–50% off coupons if you sign up for their email lists.
And digital artists? There are free programs like Krita, Inkscape, GIMP, and even Procreate Pocket for under $5.
Start small. Upgrade later. The art doesn’t care how expensive your tools are; it only cares that you make it.
I sometimes paint and was gifted quite a collection of acrylic and oil paints, along with many canvases and pyrography materials. I started small, attending markets to find ones that fit my budget and worked for my art, gradually building up to the bigger fee-based events.
Musicians: Start with the Tools You Have
So you don’t have a full studio setup? Cool.
You can record demos or rough tracks on your phone with free apps like BandLab or GarageBand.
There are open-source audio editors like Audacity that work beautifully for recording, editing, and mixing. You don’t need to drop thousands to get your music out there, you just need to start recording.
Upload your music to platforms like SoundCloud or YouTube and start building momentum. People care about connection, not perfect soundproofing.
I know many friends who are in bands or solo musicians who create in their living rooms with simple, basic setups. Some have found spaces to practice regularly and gotten themselves onto show bills by actively asking to be part of them.
Creators: You’re Not Broke, You’re Resourceful
YouTube is a university. Canva is a studio. Google Docs is your publishing house.
We live in a time where you can literally learn, create, and sell from your phone. I have a client who solely works of her phone for her spiritual business.
Don’t waste your energy wishing for what you don’t have; put that energy into using what you do have. And that includes time! I fully believe that if something is important enough, you will indeed make the time. Though I also know that for some of us, it’s not actually about the level of importance but rather the spiciness of our neurodivergency. When I sit and drink my coffee in the morning, I remind myself of my goals as I plan out my day!
Every creative you admire started scrappy.
They used what they had until they could afford better.
They made the damn thing, even when it wasn’t perfect.
So Here’s Your Challenge
Today, stop saying “I can’t because…” and start saying “I can with…”
- I can write with Google Docs.
- I can paint with what’s in my drawer.
- I can record with my phone.
- I can sell using free platforms.
- I can learn for free online.
Because you can.
You just have to start.
The tools don’t make the creator, you do.
Now go make the damn thing.
Future You is already annoyed you didn’t start sooner.
The Messy Action Society is where ideas become actions and “someday” finally gets a date.
