How I Set the Mood for Creativity Every Time

There’s something so grounding—almost magical—about the simple act of filling my oil diffuser’s with water and adding a few drops of essential oil. It’s the first thing I do when I step into my studio, no matter what kind of work is on the agenda. Painting, writing a blog post, responding to emails, photographing art, packing prints… it all starts with mist.

I don’t skip it. Even if I’m only planning to be in the studio for ten minutes, those oil diffuser’s are going on.

Depending on my mood, I’ll reach for cinnamon, peppermint, or a blend like thieves oil. The scent rises into the air and drifts back down like fog rolling over a field—soft, gentle, and earthy. It’s my little ritual, a way to tell my brain, we’re here now… let’s create.

Once the mist begins to swirl, I pop in my earbuds and cue up some music. If I’m painting, it’s my go-to studio playlist (equal parts chill and upbeat). But if I’m settling in for tech tasks or anything that requires deep focus, I press play on Unstoppable by The Piano Guys. It’s just the right balance of drama and calm—a soundtrack for pushing through the nitty gritty with grace.

Each playlist has its purpose, and both are essential to getting the job done (and keeping me from spiraling into distractions).

Want to hear something funny about my process?

I realized recently that I always fill my two water cups before painting. You’d think it’s a practical move—every painter needs water to rinse their brushes, right? That’s what I thought too… until I noticed I wasn’t actually using them. Not really.

I still mix colors and track my favorites on color swatch sheets with a brush—just in case I want to recreate something magical later—but more often than not, my brushes sit untouched once the real painting begins. Instead, I reach for tools that feel more intuitive to me: my spray water bottle, my silicone wedge, or my trusty ink roller.

For final touches, I’ll pull out a palette knife or spritz a bit of white spray paint to tie things together. It’s a very hands-on, fluid, sensory process. A little unconventional, maybe. But it's mine.

It’s funny how you can follow certain routines without really noticing how your process evolves over time. That water cup moment reminded me that even when we think we’re creatures of habit, our creativity is always shifting, always surprising us. And I love that.

Now I’m curious…
What’s one studio or creative habit you stick to without fail?