The Thriving Christian Artist – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend Karen DeLoach—a multi-disciplinary artist, teacher, filmmaker, and creativity specialist who has spent decades championing the role of the arts in culture and the Kingdom. 

From her early days in sculpture and ceramics to her passion for painting and equipping others to express Holy Spirit inspiration, Karen’s story is a rich tapestry of creative calling and resilience.

We explore the importance of engaging the right brain in our creative and spiritual lives, the challenges artists face in a culture that often undervalues beauty, and the freedom that comes when you step back into dreams others once dismissed.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why activating your right brain is key to creativity and Kingdom impact
• How Karen overcame early discouragement to embrace painting again
• The role of beauty in the arts and why it matters for God’s purposes
• Practical ways to cultivate Holy Spirit-inspired creativity
• Encouragement for artists of all ages to believe “the best is yet to come”

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

🌐 Connect with Karen DeLoach: http://www.karendeloachart.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

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What if your studio felt less like a grind and more like a sanctuary—where ideas arrive with ease, your hands stay light, and joy returns to the work? We walk you through a simple, repeatable flow for co-creating art with God that turns pressure into partnership and fear into freedom.

We start with intimacy and the bold posture of assuming connection with the Holy Spirit. From there, we show how revelation naturally follows—through scripture, quiet impressions, colors, and emotions—and why a spirit-led sketchbook becomes your best tool for stewarding ideas. Then comes agreement: the decisive yes that silences resistance and opens a path through creative block. You’ll learn how to trade self-judgment for trust and move with the grace that arrives with each new nudge.

Response is where presence meets craft. We explore what it means to be filled and skilled: curating a beautiful, ordered studio; developing technique; and staying attentive while you work so excellence grows without perfectionism. Finally, we reach incarnation—the moment ideas take form and your painting, song, sculpture, or story carries God’s life beyond your studio. Think of your work as an altar of remembrance and a table of encounter that speaks now and years from now.

Along the way, you’ll hear practical practices, scriptures like John 15, John 16, and Exodus 31, and a short activation to use before and after you create. If you’re ready to step into creative flow with God—steady, joyful, and deeply grounded—this conversation is your on-ramp. Subscribe for more, share with an artist friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review with the step you’re starting this week.

For more resources for Christian Artists, visit https://www.matttommeymentoring.com 

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful and Spirit-led conversation, I talk with Barbados-based artist Sherridean Carmichael about pursuing your creative calling with bold faith, overcoming resistance, and stepping fully into the identity God has already given you. 

From her years as a top educator to her transformative work as a creative leader, Sherridean carries a message of breakthrough and Kingdom alignment that will inspire any artist feeling stuck or forgotten.

We explore how God uses challenges to shape us, how to recognize and reject the lies of lack and fear, and how walking in your true inheritance as a child of God releases creative freedom and impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to overcome the enemy’s resistance to your calling
• Why your creative inheritance is already yours in Christ
• Moving from striving to flowing in God’s provision
• Recognizing and walking in your Kingdom authority
• Encouraging other artists through your personal testimony

🌐 Connect with Sherridean Carmichael: http://creativeartwell.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

The Art of Faithfulness: Balancing God and Creativity

Discover You Can Make Art, Make a Living & Make a Difference inside the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor.html

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Join us in this inspiring and uplifting episode of "The Art of Faithfulness," where we delve into the extraordinary journey of artist Deneena Hughes as she shares her profound insights on balancing her faith in God with her diverse creative endeavors.

Deneena Hughes is not your typical artist; she's a true testament to the power of faith and creativity working hand in hand. In this captivating discussion, Deneena opens up about her spiritual journey, learning to trust God over striving and embracing the divine guidance that fuels her artistic expressions.

As an artist, Deneena has explored various mediums, making her a multi-talented creator. From her breathtaking paintings that capture the essence of beauty to her soul-stirring poetry that touches hearts, and her awe-inspiring ice and snow sculptures that embody the essence of transience and beauty, Deneena has mastered it all.

But her journey doesn't stop there—Deneena is also a savvy entrepreneur (and member of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program). She shares valuable insights on how she has turned her passion for creativity into multiple sources of income, proving that artistry and business acumen can go hand in hand.

Throughout this episode, Deneena's wisdom and authenticity shine as she encourages listeners to embrace their own unique blend of faith and creativity. Her life's story is a testament to the transformative power of surrendering to God's will and nurturing one's creative gifts with unwavering dedication.

If you're looking for inspiration to embrace your creativity, trust in a higher power, and discover how faithfulness can amplify your artistic pursuits, this episode is a must-listen.

Don't miss the chance to connect with Deneena Hughes and explore her breathtaking artwork and creative journey. Visit her website at http://www.deneenahughes.com and follow her on social media for daily doses of creativity and inspiration. Find her on Instagram: @artistdeneenahughes and Facebook: Artist Deneena Hughes.

Tune in to "The Art of Faithfulness: Balancing God and Creativity with Deneena Hughes" and unlock the secrets to a life enriched by both spirituality and artistic expression. 

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of 5- Minute Mentoring as we discuss "How to Sell Your Art: A Christian Perspective". Get more resources for Christian artists at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com 

In this episode, Matt delves into the unique intersection of faith and artistic entrepreneurship, sharing valuable insights on how to navigate the art world while staying true to your Christian values. With his wealth of experience both as an artist and entrepreneur, Matt provides practical strategies and heartfelt advice for artists looking to make a meaningful impact through their creations. Whether you're just starting your art journey or seeking to take your career to the next level, this podcast is a must-listen. 

Subscribe now to embark on a transformative exploration of art, faith, and business with Matt Tommey as your trusted guide. Your creative and spiritual journey awaits!

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

Growing your art business can be as simple as following up with potential clients who didn't purchase in the past but who might still be interested. That's what we're talking about today on 5-Minute Mentoring and how you can take advantage of this "low-hanging fruit" in your business. As the old adage says, "the fortune is in the followup."

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 ➡️ Start Creating a Consistent Income Stream for Your Art Business: Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program to discover how to build your art business and live the abundant life Jesus promised you as an artist in His Kingdom!
Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor 

➡️ Watch Artist Transformation Stories: These artists went from struggling on their own to thriving spiritually, artistically and in their business through the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.  ➡️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUWo3sYXFmrI9EVu2An41OeR58ZfHD9Lc 

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🎨  Connect with Me Online! 🎨

Website: www.matttommeymentoring.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thethrivingchristianartist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist

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🧑‍🎨 About Me  🌳
I am a Texas-based artist, speaker, and author of 9 books. I am also a mentor for artists around the world via my "Created to Thrive" Artist Mentoring Program and The Thriving Christian Artist podcast. 

In 2009, God called me to "raise up an army of artists to reveal His glory all over the earth."  Since then, I have given my life to helping artists thrive spiritually, creatively, and financially through creating live events, resources, and online opportunities that equip artists to live the life they were divinely designed to live in the Kingdom.

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

445 - How Christian Artists Can Thrive Through Mentoring with Rachel and Ben Hilliker 

Podcast Number: 445

Podcast Release Date:  07/25/23

Podcast Description 

I truly believe that the Lord puts our spouses in our lives not to mirror us or echo us, but to complete us.  That’s certainly been the case with me and my wife, Tanya.

Collaborating with your spouse on a creative venture or business venture can be a challenge - lots of push-and-pull, and feedback that may feel a bit too honest at times.  But if you stick with it, adjust your expectations, and remember that you are on the same team, it can lead to beautiful, successful results you can both be very proud of.  

Rachel and Ben Hilliker experienced this when they began collaborating on writing projects.  Their first book, “God’s Masterpiece: Identity Truths for Children,” came to fruition with inspiration from the Holy Spirit, some quality time teaching their kids at the breakfast table, and a loving understanding of how they can work together to accomplish great things.  

Rachel and Ben are my guests on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, where they talk with me about their journey and take me backstage for how the Lord has led them to places they never anticipated going.  Check it out!   

And be sure to look for their books - “God’s Masterpiece: Identity Truths for Children” and “God’s Masterpiece: A Parent and Child Handbook on Identity “- on Amazon.  You can also find the books at their website:  

https://book.rachelhilliker.com/  

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When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 

1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art”

Wondering how to create your art with God or what prophetic art is all about?  Grab my free guide and make sure you’re not stuck in any of these misconceptions about prophetic art! 
Download here ➡️ https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/5-biggest-misconceptions-about-prophetic-art

2️⃣ Learn a New Framework for Living: Watch this free 60-minute, on-demand workshop I created called “How to Start Thriving as the Artist God Created You to Be,” where I share a simple, Kingdom-based framework for living that anyone can use starting today. Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://matttommeymentoring.mykajabi.com/ew-optin-how-to-start-thriving

3️⃣  Connect with God: Discover how to connect with the Lord and discover His intention for you and your art in His Kingdom in my course, How to Connect with God to Create & Sell Your Art. Get more details here ➡️  https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/how-to-connect

4️⃣  Ready to truly thrive?  Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program to discover how to build your art business and live the abundant life Jesus promised you as an artist in His Kingdom! Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor.html

Thanks for listening!

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

444 - The 3 Numbers You Need To Know In Your Art Business 

Podcast Number: 444

Podcast Release Date:  07/18/23

Podcast Description 

Do you realize how much of the art business is dependent on numbers?  

I’m not talking about the “golden ratio” or even about color-by-numbers sheets (remember those?).  I’m talking about what I call the TLC Numbers:  traffic, leads, and conversions.  

In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I break down what I mean by those terms and what those numbers can mean for you as a professional artist.  When you have a good grasp on your traffic, leads, and conversions, you can make adjustments to ensure that your art is seen and has its best chance to be sold.  

The numbers may not be your favorite part of making art for a living, but they are very important.  So take a listen and make sure you’re giving your TLC numbers the tender loving care they deserve.  

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When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 

1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art”

Wondering how to create your art with God or what prophetic art is all about?  Grab my free guide and make sure you’re not stuck in any of these misconceptions about prophetic art! 
Download here ➡️ https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/5-biggest-misconceptions-about-prophetic-art

2️⃣ Learn a New Framework for Living: Watch this free 60-minute, on-demand workshop I created called “How to Start Thriving as the Artist God Created You to Be,” where I share a simple, Kingdom-based framework for living that anyone can use starting today. Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://matttommeymentoring.mykajabi.com/ew-optin-how-to-start-thriving

3️⃣  Connect with God: Discover how to connect with the Lord and discover His intention for you and your art in His Kingdom in my course, How to Connect with God to Create & Sell Your Art. Get more details here ➡️  https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/how-to-connect

4️⃣  Ready to truly thrive?  Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program to discover how to build your art business and live the abundant life Jesus promised you as an artist in His Kingdom! Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor.html

Thanks for listening!  You can also watch this podcast on YouTube at youtube.com/matttommeymentoring.  Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Connect with Matt online: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/stay-connected

_______________________

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

443 - Using Art To Move Through The Messy Middle with Sheila Atchley 

Podcast Number: 443

Podcast Release Date:  07/11/23

Podcast Description 

Sheila Atchley, my guest on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist, knows what it means to be in the “messy middle.”  As her life begins to move from one phase to another, as her nest begins to empty, as she transitions to what God has in store for her next, her creativity is there to keep her going.  

Her first experiences with painting came as a way to process the hard, emotional times she was going through, and wound up leading her to a deeper connection with God and His grace.  And she’s here to tell you that your “right-brained” creativity can do the same for you.  

Sheila and I had a great conversation about how these periods of pain in all of our lives can lead us to feeling empty, sad, and helpless against inertia, but God can lead us out again even through the simple act of making things.  

If you know what it’s like to be in a painful place - and I’m afraid we all do - then my talk with Sheila will really resonate with you.  Listen to the podcast, and be sure to check out what the Lord is doing with Sheila’s art at her website and social media.  

www.sheilaatchley.art  

https://www.instagram.com/sheilaatchleydesigns/ 

https://www.facebook.com/SheilaAtchleyDesigns 

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When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 

1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art”

Wondering how to create your art with God or what prophetic art is all about?  Grab my free guide and make sure you’re not stuck in any of these misconceptions about prophetic art! 
Download here ➡️ https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/5-biggest-misconceptions-about-prophetic-art

2️⃣ Learn a New Framework for Living: Watch this free 60-minute, on-demand workshop I created called “How to Start Thriving as the Artist God Created You to Be,” where I share a simple, Kingdom-based framework for living that anyone can use starting today. Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://matttommeymentoring.mykajabi.com/ew-optin-how-to-start-thriving

3️⃣  Connect with God: Discover how to connect with the Lord and discover His intention for you and your art in His Kingdom in my course, How to Connect with God to Create & Sell Your Art. Get more details here ➡️  https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/how-to-connect

4️⃣  Ready to truly thrive?  Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program to discover how to build your art business and live the abundant life Jesus promised you as an artist in His Kingdom! Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor.html

Thanks for listening!  You can also watch this podcast on YouTube at you

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

442 - How To Break Out Of An Artistic Slump 


Podcast Number: 442

Podcast Release Date:  07/04/23

Podcast Description 


Do you ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels?  Like you’re in a rut?

Maybe your art isn’t turning out the way you want it to.  Maybe you’re not making the kinds of sales of your art that you’d like.  Maybe you feel like you’re losing momentum?  

It's so easy to get into patterns of going through the motions and getting distracted by other things, and it can be so hard to get out.  

But just because you’re in a rut doesn’t mean you have to stay there.  You can break out, and I can tell you how.

On this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I'm going to give you three easy ways to take your art practice to the next level!  It's time for you to get focused, fearless, and faithful.  

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When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 

1️⃣  Get my FREE Guide, “5 Biggest Misconceptions About Prophetic Art”

Wondering how to create your art with God or what prophetic art is all about?  Grab my free guide and make sure you’re not stuck in any of these misconceptions about prophetic art! 
Download here ➡️ https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/5-biggest-misconceptions-about-prophetic-art

2️⃣ Learn a New Framework for Living: Watch this free 60-minute, on-demand workshop I created called “How to Start Thriving as the Artist God Created You to Be,” where I share a simple, Kingdom-based framework for living that anyone can use starting today. Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://matttommeymentoring.mykajabi.com/ew-optin-how-to-start-thriving

3️⃣  Connect with God: Discover how to connect with the Lord and discover His intention for you and your art in His Kingdom in my course, How to Connect with God to Create & Sell Your Art. Get more details here ➡️  https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/how-to-connect

4️⃣  Ready to truly thrive?  Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program to discover how to build your art business and live the abundant life Jesus promised you as an artist in His Kingdom! Click here for details and to enroll!  ➡️  https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor.html

Thanks for listening!  You can also watch this podcast on YouTube at youtube.com/matttommeymentoring.  Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Connect with Matt online: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/stay-connected

Support the show

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.