Being in a creative state is wild—and deeply missed. I can’t even recall the last time I was fully immersed in creative flow, but when it hits? It’s surreal. I genuinely can’t make this up. I don’t know how others create, but for me—when it’s art or design—I’m not thinking. I’m just doing. I either see and do, or do and do.
Today’s creative stasis landed on T-shirt designs. In my last blog, I shared drafts 1 and 2. Draft 1 gave heavy literary inspiration. Draft 2… well, I was going for something but didn’t quite land the vision.
But today? Something different happened.
I was in prayer—of course—and ideas just started flowing. Honestly, I always get t-shirt ideas in prayer for some reason. Lol. Creativity is spiritual. It really is. Usually, I can’t write anything down during that time, and more often than not, I forget the ideas before I even open my eyes. But today? I remembered. Not only did I remember, I acted on them.
That part right there—acting on ideas as a creative—is essential. My life would look completely different if I acted on more of mine.
It’s taken me a while to truly appreciate my creativity. I used to be insecure about the things I’d create. There were times I didn’t understand it. And there were times I just didn’t like it. But I’m thankful I kept creating through all of that. That’s what growth looks like.
Back to today: I think I designed my best T-shirts ever. Even the first two turned out really well. I’ve already worn Draft 1 twice. Not only does it look good—it feels good, which honestly matters more to me than looks. I refuse to wear an uncomfortable T-shirt. And let’s be real—most women’s T-shirts are uncomfortable.
I still don’t understand why they make women’s T-shirts in every way except correct.
Small/medium men’s T-shirts are the sweet spot. That’s the formula. So I feel confident that the three I designed and ordered today are going to hit.
I’m not necessarily selling these. I’m creating for the sake of creating. And I want a good shirt. The fact that it’s my design? Just a bonus.
I haven’t worn Draft 2 or Good Thing Series 002 yet. That one is bold. Might save it for when I finally make it back to the gym. Lol.
Anyway—here are the art pieces that inspired 003–005:
003 – Inverted watercolor painting on paper, 2019
004 – Acrylic/mixed media painting on canvas, 2019
005 – My first book cover design for my first self-published book: +Pray: Prayer + Art, published 2021
I’ll share the full T-shirt designs once they come in. Can’t wait to see how they turned out.
Now why is the title of the blog called butter run?
—C.J.
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